It's no secret that having a reliable water heater in your home is essential to your daily routine. From taking showers to doing laundry and dishes, we depend on our water heater more than we realize. However, like any essential appliance, water heaters can wear out over time, leaving us without hot water when we need it most.
But how do you know when it's time to replace your water heater? In this blog post, we'll discuss five signs that your water heater is about to fail and what to do if you discover your water heater is about to go bad.
How to Tell Your Water Heater Is About to Go Bad
Nearly every homeowner must deal with a water heater failure at some point. Fortunately, in some cases, you can prevent your water heater from completely breaking down by knowing and looking for these five signs that your water heater is about to go bad:
- Age: The age of your water heater is the most significant factor in determining when it will fail. Typically, water heaters have a lifespan of around 10 years. If your water heater is over a decade old, it's time to start considering replacing it. Look for the manufacturing date on the unit or check your purchase records to get a better idea of your water heater's age.
- Leaks: Water heaters can develop leaks over time, and these leaks can gradually turn into a large-scale problem. Look for signs of rust or water pooling around the base of your water heater tank. If you notice any dampness or a puddle around the unit, it could indicate a leak, and you should call a professional plumber for an inspection.
- Noisy tank: If your water heater tank is making strange noises, it's trying to tell you something. Sediment build-up, a failing heating element, or trapped air bubbles can cause banging, popping, or hissing noises from your unit. These issues can lead to damaged tank walls, leaks, or heating element failure.
- Lukewarm water: If you find that your hot water is only lukewarm or not hot at all, this could indicate a problem with your water heater's heating element. You may need to replace one or both heating elements if your water heater is electric, or if you have a gas water heater, the pilot light may have gone out.
- High energy bills: If you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bill, your water heater may be the culprit. As water heaters age, they become less efficient, which can lead to an increased energy demand to maintain the same level of hot water. You may want to consider replacing your old water heater with a new, energy-efficient model to save energy and money.
If you suspect that your water heater is about to fail or it's over 10 years old, it might be time for you to consider replacing your appliance or getting a professional plumbing inspection.
If you believe there might be an issue with your water heater, feel free to reach out to Smith's Plumbing Services at (901) 290-1110 or connect with us online today. Check out our customers' reviews for more information about us.