There are so many things in your home that need to be well-maintained and taken care of, especially a hot water heater. Even after buying a home and getting your home inspected, there are many things that you have to stay on top of throughout the years to ensure your home is in the best shape. It is important to know what the signs are to replace major things in your home. A hot water heater is a big deal in a house, so look over these signs to determine if you should replace your hot water heater.
Is Your Water Heater Making a Lot of Noise?
If you notice your water heater getting louder than it may be time to consider getting a new one. Over time, sediment and minerals build up in your hot water heater causing it to bounce around. Your hot water heater should not be loud and making weird noises. This could be a sign that it is time to replace your hot water heater.
Is Your Hot Water Not Lasting as Long?
If you are losing hot water or it is fluctuating, then it may be time to consider replacing the hot water tank. Don’t put up with a cold shower, look into replacing it. You may notice that you do not have as much hot water or your family is not able to run the dishwasher and then take a shower without running out of warm water, these are signs that something is definitely wrong with the hot water heater.
Sometimes it is a heating element or a thermostat that is causing these issues but it is important to weigh the benefits of making repairs or replacing the hot water tank completely. If you are not comfortable making repairs yourself then it may be time to call in a professional.
How Old Is It?
Most tank water heaters last around 10 years. Many tank hot water heaters need to be replaced between 8-12 years so be sure to pay attention to how old the water heater is when deciding if it is time to replace it. Tankless hot water heaters last around 20 years, so keep that in mind when determining what hot water heater is best for you.
Did you Perform Maintenance on Your Hot Water Heater?
If you do not perform regular maintenance or keep up with your hot water heater you may need to consider replacing it sooner. It Is important to complete any upkeep required to keep your hot water heater at top shape to prevent it from needing replaced sooner. It is important to empty out and drain your hot water heater once a year.
Each time you do this you can even make a note on the side of the water tank including the date it was drained so you have it available if you need to reference it in the future. Draining the water heater allows you to clean it and remove sediment build up.
Is There Water On the Ground Around your Hot Water Heater?
If you notice a leak or puddles of water around your hot water heater this is a definite sign it is time for a new one. A small leak can lead to the tank bursting so it’s important to replace it right away. Do not ignore a water leak around your hot water heater. Make sure you determine where the leak is coming from and then replace it if needed.
Take time to look for any of these signs and determine if your hot water heater is in great shape or in need of being replaced. You may also want to consider other home maintenance projects around your home each season to ensure you are keeping your home in the best shape possible.
