8 Signs that it's Time to Replace Your Water Heater
We don't always think about our water heater until it stops working. But like all home appliances, your water heater has a lifespan. Water heaters have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years, so paying attention to your heater’s performance around the ten-year mark will help you decide whether or not it’s time for a replacement.
Knowing the signs of a dying or malfunctioning water heater can help you save money and time on repairs. Let’s look at eight key signs that it might be time to replace your water heater with a new one.
1. Costly Repairs
Shallow pockets are not the only reason to think twice before repairing an old water heater—repairing an aging unit can often cost more than replacing it altogether. If the cost of repairs is close to or more than 50 percent of the cost of a new system, it’s probably best to go ahead and buy a new one.
2. Frequent Repairs
Have you had to repair your system multiple times in the last year? Frequent repairs usually indicate underlying problems that could lead to significant damage in the future—it may be time for an upgrade.
3. Corroded Parts
A corroded heating element or dip tube can result in poor performance from your water heater and cause rust-colored hot water, indicating a problem. In such cases, it’s best to have a plumber replace your unit rather than risk further damage or contamination from rusty particles getting into your hot water supply.
4. Lack of Hot Water
Suppose you have difficulty getting enough hot water from your current system to your faucets. In that case, this could be due to age-related deterioration or sediment buildup inside the tank —both signs that you should consider replacing your existing unit with something newer and more efficient.
If you have a gas water heater, and your water isn’t heating up, your unit may not be getting gas. If this happens, try contacting your local plumber or gas company to pinpoint the issue.
5. Noisy Operation
Loud noises coming from your water heater could indicate sediment buildup, which restricts the flow of heated air through the tank and causes loud banging sounds as air expands and contracts around sediment deposits inside the tank wall.
6. Leaks Around Base
If you start seeing puddles around your system, this is most likely caused by corrosion on the outside of the tank near its base, which indicates that there is corrosion on other parts inside, too. This usually means it’s time to look for a replacement heater.
7. Age Over 10 Years Old
The average lifespan of a conventional storage tank (electric/gas) type is around 10-15 years, depending on maintenance and usage patterns. If yours falls within this range, then unless you have recently replaced components, you should start considering shopping for alternatives soon.
8. High Energy Bills
An inefficient system costs more money monthly in energy bills. Suppose your water heater has been running for over ten years. In that case, chances are its energy efficiency has decreased significantly since its installation date. Consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model featuring higher ratings to save money.
Water Heater Maintenance and Repair in Newbury Park, CA
While some signs indicate that it's time for a replacement sooner rather than later, others are warning signals that regular maintenance services and inspection appointments can help prevent. Keep an eye out for these signs to ensure that your home stays warm and cozy all year round, with plenty of hot showers available when you need them most.
Get regular maintenance and on-time repairs with help from our team at Lloyds Plumbing. We’re here to keep your unit performing its best and hot water to your pipes. Give us a call at (805) 495-8766 to schedule an appointment today.