Warning Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Heater

Water heaters are important appliances that provides hot water to the entire household. In fact, such is its importance that you cannot go without it even for a day. We have all had those instances where someone used the shower before you and exhausted the hot water supply, making for a cold flow of water when you got in. This is not a pleasant feeling. Most people don’t give much thought to their hot water heater. It’s usually just some appliance down in the basement that takes up space — until it doesn’t work properly, that is. Then suddenly it becomes all a homeowner can think about! Here are some warning signs to look out for when it comes to your homes hot water heater.

1. Old Age: Do you know how old your hot water heater is? As much as we rely on them for everything from cooking and cleaning to showering and doing laundry, hot water heaters don’t last forever. And if you’re not careful, you may not notice you need a replacement until your floor is soaked and your hot water heater is completely useless! Age is the biggest factor in determining your hot water heater’s performance. A gas water heater will last about 10 – 12 years (depending on your water quality). Electric water heaters will last about 10 – 15 years. Be conscious of the date on your water heater.

2. Rust Colored Water: If your water is discolored when you first turn it on then your tank may have rust inside. Debris, water scale and rust inevitably collect and build up along the bottom of the tank. While you can’t see inside your tank, you will be able to see rust colored water as some of the gunk starts affecting the water in your taps. If you notice rust colored water, or rust stains left behind in your sink or bathtub, try to flush your hot water heater, or call us at Daniels Plumbing and we can determine whether or not you will need to have your hot water heater replaced.

3. Water Puddles Around Your Tank: This is one of the clearest signs that you need to have your hot water heater replaced. Whether you’ve got a small bit of moisture around the base of the tank or a huge puddle all over the floor, a leak in your tank will only get bigger until it completely compromises your hot water heater. If you see ANY signs of leakage under your hot water heater tank, call us at Daniels Plumbing right away!