5 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Water Heater

Is It Time For A New Water Heater?

Most homeowners do not think about their hot water heater until a problem arises.  While there are regular maintenance routines you can perform on your hot water heater to extend its life, sooner or later its end will come.  The average hot water heater lasts 8 – 12 years.  If your hot water heater is nearing the 10-year mark, you should prepare for its replacement.  Replacing an aged hot water heater before its time can save you the trouble of being without hot water during the replacement process.  In addition, replacing your unit before it completely stops working can save you the headache of potential damage to your home.  Should your hot water heater experience significant problems, major leaks could cause significant water damage to your home.

#1: The Unit’s Age

If you have concern about the lifespan of your hot water heater you should first determine the unit’s age.  While newer models should have the date of manufacturing clearly labeled, older versions will need age  decoded.  The age of an older hot water heater can be decoded based on the serial number.  You can find your home’s water heater serial number on the manufacturer sticker on the top section of the tank.  The serial number identifies the month and year when the unit was made.  It will be a letter of the alphabet (A – L) followed by a series of numbers.  The letter represents the month of manufacturing (A = January, B = February, etc.).  The next two numbers represent the year in which the unit was made.  12 represents 2012, 06 represents 2006, etc.  Knowing your home’s hot water heater age can help you plan for its replacement.

Regardless of the unit’s age, there may be other indications that your home’s hot water heater is on its last leg.  Following is a list of indicators that could demonstrate the end is near.

#3: Noises and Rumbling

The sound of unusual noises coming from your hot water heater may be an indication that there is a problem brewing in your unit.  Typically dirt, calcium, and sediment that has built up in your unit are the culprits behind rumbling and popping noises in hot water heaters.  As dirt and sediment collect in your unit it settles on the bottom of your home’s hot water heater.  This sediment may jostle about when the unit works to heat the water, causing the noises you hear.  You may be able to flush out the sediment and dirt.  Over time, this sediment could break down your tank’s interior, clog your drain valve, and even over-work or burn out your hot water heater.

#4: Leaks

If your hot water heater is leaking its days are numbered.  First, determine the source of the leak.   Investigate puddles surrounding the unit to determine their cause.  If the leak is indeed coming from the unit itself, shut off the water from the unit in order to prevent additional damage to your home.

#5: Reduction of Hot Water

If your water temperature has reduced to lukewarm, cool, or no hot water at all, your unit may be failing.  This issue could be the result of several elements on your unit being broken or malfunctioning.  A loss of hot water could also be the result of your home’s hot water needs surpassing the strength of your existing unit.  If this is the case, an upgrade may be necessary to meet your home’s increased hot water demands.