Everyone hates having to use cold water, which is why a water heater is an essential part of any home. Families need hot water for many functions, such as taking hot showers, cooking, washing dishes or laundry. Make sure that you have a fully functioning hot water system so that you and your family can stay comfortable even during the cold months.
It is critical that you regularly maintain your water heater and that you repair or replace it before it completely breaks down. You don’t want to deal with a malfunctioning water heater in the middle of winter!
Watch out for the following tell-tale signs telling you that your hot water system needs to be replaced:
- You have a very old water heater
It is natural for a machine’s efficiency to decline over time due to wear and tear. The same goes for your hot water system. On average, typical gas or electric water heaters can last around eight to twelve years before you need to replace it.
Issues with your water heater may come up as it nears its expiration date. Although you have the choice of repairing your heater first, there’s a chance that problems will keep coming out because of your unit’s old age. Instead of spending money on expensive repairs, it might be smarter to get a new hot water system instead. Even if you don’t encounter problems with your heater, it is recommended to get a new one at least ten years after its manufacturing date.
- Your water heater is making strange noises
If you hear rumbling noises from your water tank, there is a chance that sediments have settled at the bottom of your tank. When the water in the tank gets heated, the sediments harden further which can cause popping noises from inside the heater. When this happens, it is a sign that your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, and it’s time to get a new hot water system.
- You are getting cloudy or rusty water from the tap
Cloudy or rusty water coming from the tap can be caused by a problem with your water heater or your pipes. To find out which one is causing your rusty water issues, you can run around three buckets of hot water from a spout. If rusty water still comes out after the third bucket, this means that your hot water system contains rust. If the rusty water that comes out lessens, this means that your water pipes are becoming rusty.
Once rust has begun to form inside your water heater’s tank, the best solution is to replace your hot water system immediately. It’s better to get a new water heater for you to prevent more serious water damage later.
If you are not sure how to determine the cause of your rusty water or you want help to resolve this issue, reach out to a professional plumber who would know what to do.
- Your water temperature keeps fluctuating
If the water that comes out from your tap keeps on switching from cold to hot, this could be a sign that there is something wrong with your hot water system. A possible reason for this is that mineral deposits have accumulated on the bottom of your tank. This can happen especially if you have an old water heater. The mineral deposits that have built up prevent water from getting heated properly thus causing fluctuating water temperatures.
- Your water heater is leaking
If you see water pooling at the bottom of your tank, it is a sign that your water heater is near the end of its life. If you have an old water heater, the tank must have been exposed to numerous heating cycles. Since metal expands during heat cycles, small amounts of water may eventually leak through the gap. The more times a tank goes through heat cycles, the more chances it will have water leaks later on.
If your water heater is located on the ground floor of your house, a massive water leak can lead to soaked carpeting, destroyed furniture and other belongings or even mould on your floor or walls. You should replace your hot water system immediately to prevent possible damage to your home.
- You have reduced water flow
Sediments and build-up of scale on your water heater can also cause changes to your water flow. If you ignore the mineral build-up on your tank, this can get worse over time and cause bigger damage in the future.
Reduced water flow or water pressure could be a more serious sign that you need a new water heater. Reach out to a plumber who can advise you on what you need to do next.
- You don’t get enough hot water
One of the most obvious signs that your water heater is not working like it’s supposed to be is when you get cold water instead of the hot water that you’re expecting. Hot water is necessary for many household functions, and you will immediately feel the inconvenience caused by a faulty hot water system.
Get in touch with a plumbing services company to help check why your water heater is not producing enough hot water. They will tell you if it’s time to replace your hot water system.
Conclusion
Problems with your hot water system can cause serious damage to your home. When you experience the issues mentioned above, contact hot water system specialists that can help diagnose your problem and offer immediate solutions whether you have a gas or electric water heater. Your contractor should be able to quickly repair or install a new hot water system for you so that you will always have hot water when you need it.