5 Signs You Need a New Water Heater

You might be surprised at how easy it is to be unaware of your water heater’s age, or how difficult it can be to recognize a problem before it results in a big leak. 

There are several indications that you can leverage to monitor the condition of your water heater. You’ll want to be alert for them to keep your equipment in the best condition. 

Here are five potential signs it may be time to replace your water heater in San Antonio. 

1. It’s Starting to Demonstrate Its Age 

Just like the other important appliances inside your home, your water heater has a definite lifetime. When it reaches the end, it will run much less efficiently and might be more expensive to fix than replacing it. 

The average water heater lifetime is about six to eight years. You won’t want your water heater to be working for longer than 10 years, as this may create pricey damage in your house if it leaks. 

It’s always possible for your water heater to experience troubles before this time, so take note of anything that seems odd. 

2. Rust is Starting to Show 

Rust is usually a sign your water heater needs to be inspected. Rust is corrosive and may quickly expand to other pieces. This can create a leak or other problems. If you see some on the tank or pipes, contact a licensed professional. 

3. Not Enough Heated Water 

If your water heater is having difficulty heating water, that’s a clear sign an upgrade is needed. Your heater may not be able to provide any hot water because of too much sediment. The tank capacity could also be inadequate for the amount of water your home requires. 

This is especially true for larger homes. The faster you run out of hot water, the more important it is to consider getting a new one. 

4. You’re Hearing Odd Noises 

Your water heater isn’t silent. If you begin to notice banging noises coming from the tank on a regular basis, that could mean a component isn’t tight. 

Odd sounds could also indicate there’s junk accumulating on the tank’s base. Excessive buildup could force your water heater to work harder and increase your heating and cooling bills as a result. 

Listen closely if you begin to hear any odd noises, and give us a call right away. 

5. Sudden Leaks 

If you notice puddles or dark areas close to your water heater, it’s a good time to think about getting a replacement unit as soon as possible. 

These leaks are often created by slight fractures in the tank itself. The longer you ignore it, the more likely you’ll experience a crisis when the tank fails. (You can stop a messy tank malfunction later on by upgrading to a tankless water heater, which doesn’t hold water.) 

Water damage is expensive to fix and a nuisance you shouldn’t have to deal with. 

If your water heater is past its prime, or in dire need of professional repairs, contact the Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air pros at 210-404-4233. You may also request an appointment by contacting us online.