You rely on your water heater every day, usually without giving it a second thought. Whether you’re doing the dishes, running a load of laundry or enjoying an indulgent shower or bath, you can usually enjoy an uninterrupted flow of hot water to your fixtures. When your water heater fails, it can come as an unpleasant surprise. Here’s some advice that can help you become a more informed property owner.
 

Signs Your Water Heater Is About to Fail

1. Its Age

Do you know how old your water heater is? See if you can find a sticker on the appliance that indicates its installation date. Alternatively, you might be able to locate a serial number that doubles as a code showing the date of its manufacture. Many water heater manufacturers start their serial numbers with a combination like “E10,” which would tell you the appliance came off the assembly line in May 2010. Check your manufacturer’s website to learn more.

Usually, if your water heater is a decade old or older, it’s in prime territory for a replacement. It’s worth considering having it inspected to see whether it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, especially if water heater is in a location that will cause significant damage to your home in case of a leak.

2. Loud Noises

As a water heater gets older, it’s inevitable that a layer of hardened sediment will build up on the bottom of the tank. In that case, you might start hearing a knocking or banging noise as the water heats up. This buildup means the appliance will need to use more energy to do its job, and the lack of efficiency will lead to a corresponding increase in wear and tear as the unit struggles to keep up with demand. If you can hear various noises when the water heater is in use, check the area around it for any puddles of water that might indicate the presence of a leak. If you find one, it’s time for a replacement.

3. Lack of Hot Water

Have you ever stepped into the shower to soothe tired muscles at the end of a long run, only to find out there’s no hot water? It can be frustrating, let alone worrying if you suspect it’s a symptom of an imminent water heater failure. However, this issue might not mean you need a new water heater right away. Perhaps the thermostat on your unit is set too low. For most households, the proper thermostat setting for a water heater should be between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Your Water Comes out Rusty

Rust in the water is a sure sign of deterioration within your tank. Though steel is one of the strongest metals in the world, it is still vulnerable to rust after a decade or more of use. One way to figure out if you have rust inside your water tank is to drain it. If the water still looks rusty by the time you fill the third bucket, you need to get the water heater replaced sooner, rather than later.

Water Heater Replacement in Bucks and Montgomery County

If your water heater is eight to 10 years old and you’d like to get it inspected or replaced, the expert techs at Nu-Temp Heating and Cooling should be the first call you make. We offer free up-front proposals, flexible financing and fair, up-front pricing.