You might be amazed at how easy it is to forget about your water heater’s age, or how difficult it can be to recognize a concern before it causes a mess.
There are several pointers that you can leverage to keep an eye on the status of your water heater. You’ll want to be alert for them to keep your equipment in the top shape.
Here are five potential signs it might be time to replace your water heater in Columbia.
1. It’s Starting to Show Its Age
Just like the other essential appliances inside your home, your water heater has a defined lifetime. When it approaches the end, it will work much less efficiently and might be pricier to repair than buying a new one.
The typical water heater life expectancy is approximately six to eight years. You won’t want your water heater to be around for more than 10 years, as this may result in costly damage in your home if it leaks.
There’s always a potential for your water heater to have troubles sooner than this time, so be attentive to anything that appears strange.
2. Rust is Starting to Form
Rust is often a symptom your water heater needs to be examined. Rust is corrosive and can quickly move to other pieces. This can create a leak or other problems. If you notice a bit on the tank or pipes, contact a licensed professional.
3. Not Enough Heated Water
If your water heater is struggling to heat water, that’s a clear sign an upgrade is required. Your heater may not be able to create any hot water because of too much sediment. The tank capacity may also be insufficient for the capacity of water your household needs.
This is extremely true for larger households. The quicker you run out of hot water, the more crucial it is to think over installing a new water heater.
4. You’re Hearing Strange Noises
Your water heater makes a little noise. If you start to notice banging noises coming from the tank on a regular basis, that could mean a part isn’t secure.
Odd sounds can also indicate there’s debris building up on the tank’s base. Too much buildup might push your water heater to work harder and increase your utility costs as a result.
Listen intently if you are starting to notice any strange noises, and give us a call as soon as possible.
5. Unexpected Leaks
If you find puddles or dark spots near your water heater, it’s a smart time to consider installing a new unit ASAP.
These leaks are typically caused by small splits in the tank itself. The longer you postpone it, the more likely you’ll run into a dilemma when the tank fails. (You can avoid a messy tank failure in the future by getting a tankless water heater, which doesn’t store water.)
Water damage is expensive to repair and a nuisance you shouldn’t have to worry about.
If your water heater is past its prime, or in serious need of pro repairs, contact the Midland Air Service Experts team at 803-399-7208. You may also schedule an appointment by contacting us online.