6 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Replacement

6 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Replacement

Water heaters, like every appliance in your home, has a limited lifespan. There’s only so much dishwashing, bathing, cleaning and laundry it will do before it’s time to say goodbye. When deciding between repair or replace, sometimes replacing it is the best option.

Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your water heater:

1. It keeps failing
Warm water is something we take for granted until it’s not there. The most obvious sign that you need a new water heater is that it fails multiple times despite your efforts to have it repaired. You might choose to replace it the first time your water runs cold or replace parts to keep it running longer. If you choose to stretch its life and it fails you again, then it needs to go.

2. It’s leaking
Water heater tanks are exposed to temperature fluctuations between hot and cold water. This thermal variation causes stresses that eventually lead to cracks and leaks. While it takes years for you to see the effects, once it occurs, it’s time to replace your heater.

3. Your water isn’t getting as hot
If you have to crank the shower lever all the way just to have a lukewarm bath, your heater may need to be replaced. Despite the lower supply temperature, however, a poorly performing heater will consume large amounts of energy as it attempts to heat your water, sending your bills up.

4. It takes long to reheat water
If you’re getting the right temperature coming out the taps but it takes an inordinate amount of time to reach that temperature, your heater might be underperforming and in need of replacement.

5. You hear noises
If your heater bangs, sizzles, knocks, shrieks, whistles, bubbles or makes any strange noises, you need to call in a professional to assess. Causes vary from limescale buildup to malfunctioning burners and electrical elements. Your heater might pose a fire or carbon monoxide risk depending on what’s making noise. Replacing your heater becomes a safety issue if you’re faced with more serious malfunctions.

6. You’ve had your water heater for more than ten years
Water heaters have a lifespan and if you take care of yours, it will last for many years. However, the cost saved by postponing replacement will quickly get consumed by rising utility bills. Let a professional assess its condition and advise you how close it is to its end of life.

If you think it might be time to replace your water heater, call the Comfort Certified Experts at Western Heating & Air Conditioning at 801-477-5917 . Our trained technicians can assess your needs, and give you the best options for your home. Visit us online at www.TimeForComfort.com to learn more.