Four Tips to Know if You Need a New Water Heater

Having hot water is a vital necessity that most individuals have become accustomed to in most of society. As a homeowner or renter, it’s important to know the key signs to check if your water heater is performing properly and in good condition. Most water heaters can last up to a decade or more, especially if kept in good condition. Declines in condition can start to happen when internal parts become corroded or covered in mineral build up. One can also tell if there are issues when the water heater is leaking water, or is not properly heating the water. Follow the below tips to check your water heater

Age – how old is your water heater, and when is the last time it was serviced? If your water heater is over 5 years old and you live in an area with particularly hard water, you may need to have it flushed. If your water heater is over 10 years old, you may want to have it inspected as a precaution. Water heaters over 15 years old will definitely need to be checked for possible replacement.

Noise – A hot water heater should be fairly quiet appliance. While there will be normal sounds, any loud pops and cracking sounds should be paid particular care. A loud popping sound indicates there is an unsafe interaction between the heating element and any internal mineral deposits in the water heater.

Inconsistent Heating – If your hot water heater is not properly functioning to provide hot water, it is an indicator that there may be an issue. There could be an issue with sediment build up at the bottom of the tank, and a tank flush could be considered a feasible solution. You can do this by attaching a hose to the drainage bib after turning the unit off and allowing the water to cool. If there is muddy water or a large amount of sediment, this is a signal that the heater was having issues heating the water.

Leaks – You will need to be very cautious around a water heater that is leaking, just based on the pure volume of water that is held in the tank. If you suspect your water heater is leaking, you will need to first ensure your safety by disconnecting the electricity or turning off the gas. You will then need to immediately contact a professional plumber to remove and replace the hot water heater, as leaking water indicates an internal failure.

While many people are confident in the ability of their appliances to heat and cool the air and water in their homes, most do not know how to properly check on these appliances. Use these four top tips to ensure you are able to evaluate the status of your hot water heater.