How Do You Know When to Replace a Hot Water Heater?

Waking up to a malfunctioning water heater on a chilly winter morning can be a harrowing experience. From showering and hand-washing to laundry and dish cleaning, we depend on water of varying warmth to accomplish a range of household tasks. A water heater that fails to work the way it should can bring your life to a standstill. Before things take a turn for the worse, consult a plumbing contractor in Roswell.

Getting your hot water heater repaired or maintained is not always the ideal solution to your winter heating woes. Hot water heaters, just like other household equipment, have a useful service life. Most water heaters have a lifespan of a decade. While you can take steps (such as getting it maintained at regular intervals) to prolong the life of your hot water heater, you may have to get the pre-existing tank replaced if you have been occupying your property for 8 or more years.

Using a hot water heater past its expiration date can result in major convenience issues and safety risks. Often, homeowners are unable to predict the right time to get rid of their old water heater. Here are some signs that your water heater is beyond repair, and you should consider replacing it.

Unusual Noises

You know your old water heater is falling apart when you start hearing unusual noises from the tank. An ailing water heater makes rumbling noises that get loud with time. One of the most common culprits behind the problem is sediment build-up that results from frequent use. Over time, the layer gets thick, wearing down the water heater rapidly. If flushing the heater does not get rid of the problem, you may have to take more serious steps.

End of Service Life

Your hot water heater is not supposed to last your entire lifetime. Most water heaters have a service life of 8-10 years. To find out the age of your water heater, take a look at the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker. While the first letter of the serial number signifies the month of manufacture, the number that follows it represents the last two digits of the manufacturing year. Some signs that a water heater is nearing the end of its service life are:

  • Rusting
  • Unsatisfactory performance
  • Low resistance to leaks and damage

Leaks

It is quite common for a water heater that is beyond repair to develop leaks. If you find water on the floor around the tank, there is a high possibility that your water heater is falling apart. Water leaking from your heater can cause significant property damage. More often than not, leaks are a result of the inner body of the tank getting exposed to heating cycles. If water is leaking from the fittings, something as simple as tightening and adjusting them will help address the problem. However, if your tank has developed a problem, you must get your heater replaced.

If you notice one or more of these signs, consult an emergency plumber in Brookhaven at Fletch Barney, we are committed to helping our community members avoid plumbing nightmares. The only predictable thing about plumbing issues is that they are unpredictable. To ensure homeowners get a swift solution to their plumbing nightmares, we work 24 hours a day. To avail hot water heater installation services in Atlanta, call us at (770) 333-3031.

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