The average household uses 64 gallons of water every day. That amounts to $400 to $600 spent on water heating each year. In fact, water heating is usually the second-largest expense in any given household, account for up to 18% of utility bill costs.
If your water heater is outdated, however, it will fail to operate properly.
How do you know when your water heater needs replacing? Keep reading to find out! By keeping an eye out for these five signs your water heater is going out, you can make repairs as soon as possible.
Otherwise, your utility costs might go up.
Know when to replace your water heater by keeping an eye out for these five signs.
1. It’s Old
Most water heaters last between eight and 12 years if maintained properly. One of the first signs you need a new water heater is time.
If your water heater isn’t showing symptoms it needs replacing, you might still want to replace it after a decade has passed.
Not all water heaters last up to 12 years, though. Gas water heaters last for half that time. If you’re unsure your old water heater needs replacing, keep an eye out for these remaining four signs.
2. Rusty Water
How do you know when your water heater needs replacing? Rust.
While steel is a strong material, it also tends to rust. One of the signs your water heater is going out is corrosion. Rust can quickly spread and eat away at the water pipes and tanks.
It’s sometimes difficult to tell if the rust is from the water heater or pipes that lead to the faucet. Either way, you’ll need to make a change for the sake of efficiency.
3. Noise From the Tank
Are you starting to hear strange noises from your water tank? When a heater ages, it can gurgle louder each time the tank tries to heat water.
These noises often occur as a result of sediment build-up. Sediment can cause wear and tear, leading to inefficiency and accelerated damage. As a result, your water heater life expectancy could get cut in half.
Make sure to flush your water heater on an annual basis to improve life expectancy.
4. Water Around the Tank
As you look for signs your water heater is going out, look at the floor. If you see water, it means your water heater is leaking. A leak could cause significant property damage and indicate there’s a problem with your water heater.
Unsure whether to replace or repair your water heater? Check out these tips.
5. Loss of Heat
Is your water no longer feeling hot or warm? The loss of heat could mean there’s a broken heating element. Your tank might also have a misadjusted thermostat.
If you notice you’re losing heat, it’s possibly time to get a new water heater.
How Do You Know When Your Water Heater Needs Replacing?: 5 Signs It’s Time for a Switch
How do you know when your water heater needs replacing? Keep an eye out for these five signs. By knowing when to replace your water heater, you can improve efficiency and utility costs.
Don’t wait to request repairs. Contact us today to get started.