Most homeowners will agree that their water heaters are best left out of sight and out of mind. Like many other aspects of the home, we expect our water heaters to work without issue, year after year. Just like a vehicle, however, our water heaters suffer wear and tear over the years, and if they’re not properly maintained, they can eventually end up breaking down.
Has it been a while since you’ve taken a close look at your water heater? Are you wondering when to replace an old water heater? Here are five signs that it’s time for a replacement:
1. Your Current Water Heater Is Old
As you might expect, age can play into whether or not a water heater needs replacing. You can figure out how old your water heater is by looking at the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker, which is typically located on the upper portion of the unit. If the water heater is 10 years old or older, a replacement should be considered, especially if your water heater has not been receiving regular maintenance visits.
2. Your Hot Water Turns Cold Fast
A common sign that a water heater is getting ready to fail is that it simply doesn’t put out the same amount of hot water that it used to. This is typically due to a buildup of sediment in the heater, which separates the water from its heating source and causes the unit to function improperly. The problem is very common and is usually one of the first signs that something is wrong.
3. Your Water Is Rusty
There are few things quite as anxiety-provoking as turning on your faucet and watching a stream of rust-colored water flow out. If this occurs only when you turn on the hot water, the problem is probably due to your water heater rusting, and a leak is likely to happen soon. Rusty water could also be a sign of rusted piping if your home has galvanized pipes.
4. Your Water Heater Is Making Strange Noises
Is your water heater making noise? It shouldn’t be. Your water heater should never be noisy, so the moment you hear something strange, you can assume there’s a problem. Usually, if your water heater is making a popping noise or another strange sound, it means there is sediment buildup inside the heater, which can lead to leaks over time. Don’t ignore strange noises coming from your water heater—they’re not supposed to be there.
5. Your Water Heater Is Actively Leaking!
Once a leak is formed in your water heater, there’s truly no going back. Slight fractures in the heater will only get worse upon expansion and contraction, and the leaking water can severely damage your utility closet or basement. If your water heater is leaking, it’s time for a new unit.
Water Heater Replacements from the Pros at Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric
Replacing a broken water heater often makes more financial sense than repairing the damage, especially if the system is old, because newer models are so much more efficient than their dated counterparts.
At Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric, we know water heaters and can help you decide whether the time for a new water heater has come for your Davis, Dixion, or Vacaville, CA home. We install top-quality water heaters that are built to last, including:
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters are super efficient because they move existing heat to warm your water, rather than creating heat. This means that they can operate as well as a traditional water heater while being two to three times more energy efficient.
High-Efficiency Tank Water Heaters
Our high-efficiency water heaters are a popular option. Much more efficient than traditional tanked water heaters, modern, high-efficiency tank water heaters feature thickly insulated walls and motorized dampers to minimize heat loss and keep energy costs low.
Keep Your Water Heater Working With Regular Maintenance
All water heaters start to fail eventually, but oftentimes, water heaters break down before they should due to neglected maintenance. By having your water heater regularly inspected, you can catch problems before they turn into major issues and keep your water heater running as efficiently as possible for as long as possible. Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric makes water heater maintenance easy with our Maintenance Value Plan, which includes a free water heater inspection and 20% off the cost of repairs.
Is it time for a new water heater? The pros at Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric can help you find out. Call us or contact us here to schedule an inspection.
