Signs That You Need a New Water Heater

Water heaters are built to last for at least a decade, but some can begin to show signs of wear and tear before that. If you’ve been having problems with your water heater, should you have it repaired or replaced? The following signs typically indicate that you should look into replacing yours before it stops working or causes damage to your home’s interior.

Noise

Most water heaters operate quietly when they’re in good condition. If yours is making rumbling sounds, it can mean that there’s a lot of sediment in the tank. When this sediment becomes hard, it can lead to loud banging sounds when your water heater is running. Sediment buildup causes it to run less efficiently over time while also being subjected to more wear and tear. Although you might be able to manage this problem by flushing the tank, too much buildup can be difficult to remove.

Leaks

Water heaters that are in poor condition can end up leaking and causing considerable water damage to your home. Leaks usually happen when parts of the water heater have deteriorated. If you notice water around your unit, have a professional technician take a look at it as soon as you can. Keep in mind that leaks usually mean you’ll need to replace your water heater.

Temperature Problems

Water heaters that don’t produce hot water at all or that aren’t able to maintain a constant temperature typically need to be replaced. In many cases, this happens in older units that have experienced too much wear and tear to run efficiently. This can also happen in areas that have hard water, since the minerals in the water can build up inside the tank and cause faster deterioration. Water heaters can also wear out faster in homes that use higher amounts of hot water than usual.

At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues — especially HVAC and plumbing issues — so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.

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