The Romans were some of the first groups of people to devise a way to generate hot water. These days it’s almost unheard of not to have hot water readily available when turning the tap on. Water heaters give us access to hot water without needing to boil it beforehand and have become a staple in households.
However, you might need to replace a water heater at some point if you’re having water heater issues. It’s important to spot the signs that your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced.
So, keep reading to find out how you can tell when it’s time to replace a water heater.
Your Water Heater Is Old
Like most appliances, water heaters have an expected lifespan. There are factors that can speed up the decline, but on average, a water heater lasts around 12 years before it needs to be replaced. If you keep using the water heater longer than intended, you can end up with a big mess you’ll need to clean up.
Signs of wear and tear will slowly start showing up. The damage can lead to leaks, water not being heated properly, and even a burst water heater.
There Isn’t Enough Hot Water
After a few years, you know roughly how much hot water your heater can produce. If you start noticing the water isn’t warm when it should be or cuts out mid-shower, you might need to do some water heater troubleshooting.
If the water heater doesn’t meet your and your family’s needs anymore, it might be time to simply get a newer and bigger model. By upgrading to a new water heater, you can rest assured that there will be enough hot water to go around.
The Water Is Rusty
If you start noticing rusty water when you use hot water, it’s a sign that you need to contact a plumber. Drinking rusty water not only tastes funny, but it can also be dangerous.
The rust color and taste are usually due to bacteria growth and pipe corrosion. As your water heater continues to deteriorate, the taste and look will become worse. If caught early, you might only need to do some repairs, but if you leave it too late, you’ll need to replace the entire system.
Know When to Replace a Water Heater
When you need to replace a water heater, it’s better to act quickly. Water heaters can leak and burst if they aren’t properly maintained and replaced as needed. Rather than dealing with a big mess, contact a local plumber to come and take a look once you spot the warning signs.
If you need your water heater repaired, please feel free to contact us today! Alco Air has been serving the Longview, Texas, area for the last thirty years, and we have earned our reputation as the areas heating and cooling specialist.