Hot water heaters, like all appliances, will eventually wear out and require the need to be replaced. A water heater will often show signs of impending replacement if the homeowner knows what to look for. Most signs are very obvious while some may not be so obvious. Jacob's Ladder Heating & Cooling will share what signs to watch for to know when your home’s water heater is beginning to wear out and when to consider replacing the water heater.

Rusty or Dirty Hot Water

When you run water and you notice that the water looks rusty or dirty, turn off the cold tap and see if the rusty water continues. If the dirty or rusty water continues to run as you use only hot water then this is an obvious sign that your home’s water heater is nearing its end. Rusty water is a sign of major erosion that is occurring inside the tank. You can turn off the water to the water heater and open the relief valve and see if sediment and dirty water runs out. In some cases the discoloration in the water is due to sediment in the tank. If such is the case, the tank needs to be cleaned out and treated. If the tank is eroding within then the water heater needs to be replaced.

Water Heater Making Rumbling Noise or Boom Sound

When you hear a rumbling or booming clanking noise inside the water tank this is another common sign that there is sediment banging around inside the tank. As the sediment gets cold and then reheated as the hot water is used, large sediments form inside the tank. Some sediments build up too big to be broken down and removed. As the sediment builds up inside the tank, the element that heats the water erodes and eventually, makes it impossible to repair. Once enough damage is done by the sediment, the water heater will need to be replaced.

Hot Water Heater Leaking from Top or Bottom

If you see the water heater is leaking or water is standing around the water heater, this is a sign of an internal failure. There isn’t usually any fix or repair for when a water heater begins to leak. Leaks indicate that the tank has been cracked internally and it is impossible to repair the tank. If the water heater is leaking, shut off the water to the water heater and get the heater replaced.

High Water Heater Age

On average, a water heater is able to last for about 10 years. With periodic maintenance, where the tank is drained and cleaned out and the tank treat for sediment, water heaters may last longer. However, like any other appliance, water heaters will eventually wear down and need to be replaced. If you find you need frequent repairs for your water heater, consider stopping repairs and replace the water heater. It may seem like a higher investment replacing the water heater versus repairing the heater. However, over time you might find your spending more in repairs than simply replacing the water heater. A newer water heater can also help improve efficiency, costing less power to heat the water.

Hot Water Heater Installation, Repair, Replacement & More in Oak Park, West Bloomfield, Huntington Woods, Southfield & Greater Detroit, Michigan

If your water heater requires replacement or repair, contact Jacob's Ladder Heating & Cooling.We provide water heater repairs and replacement as well as HVAC services. Contact Jacob's Ladder Heating & Cooling and schedule our services today.