Under normal conditions, your water heater should adequately meet your home’s hot water needs for many years with little to no trouble. On average, tank-type water heaters generally last about 10 to 12 years, and if you own a high-quality tankless model (like a Noritz), you can expect to get more than 20 years out of it. However, as we all know, nothing lasts forever, so it can help to understand what signs indicate that your water heater may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
WHEN TO START LOOKING FOR A NEW WATER HEATER
If you spot one or more of the signs below, it’s time to consider shopping for your next water heater.
Cloudy, Rusty, or Discolored Water
If you notice poor quality water coming out of your faucets only when you turn on hot water, this indicates that there’s a problem with your water heater. In some cases, when the water looks rusty or smells metallic, it means that you need to replace the sacrificial anode rod, which is a simple repair for a water heater specialist.
On the other hand, if the tank’s interior is corroding, you’ll need a water heater replacement. Aside from worsening your water quality, corrosion makes the tank walls weaker, which, in turn, makes them more prone to leaks.
Leaks in the Tank Walls
Generally, if there is any crack in your tank-type water heater, whether from corrosion, pressure problems, temperature issues, or old age, you’ll need to replace it. As mentioned above, leaking tank walls often indicate that the tank’s interior is rusting, and unfortunately, there is no way to reverse that kind of damage. The good news is that a water heater specialist can usually fix other leak sources by adjusting, repairing, or replacing a particular component, such as the pressure relief valve.
Rumbling and Other Unusual Noises
When your water heater makes rumbling, banging or knocking noises, it’s suffering from sediment buildup. Over time, sediment sinks and coats the bottom of your water heater, usually over the heating element. There, the sediment gets baked into place. The noises you hear are the air bubbles under the sediment bursting and breaking through that hard layer.
You can prevent this issue by routinely flushing your water heater. However, most people don’t complete this maintenance step. If the sediment buildup is severe enough, it will decrease your water heater’s efficiency as well as its capacity.
Whether you’re looking for a replacement for your tank water heater or an energy-efficient tankless model, we can help you choose the wisest option for your home. Contact our water heater specialists at Payless Water Heaters today: (866) 615-4008.
