Top Three Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Replaced

by Kevin Smith Author

Leaking or broken water heaters can cause massive damage in your home, and could result in thousands of dollars in repair bills. No one wants to be surprised by their water heater breaking down, or failing entirely. Most water heaters last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, and begin to fail as they age. Several different factors, such as internal corrosion and mineral build-up, can contribute a broken water heater. Fortunately, there are a few telltale signs you can watch out for that can warn you your water heater may need to be repaired or replaced.

Unusual Noises

While many water heaters make slight sounds as they are warming up, loud or sharp noises coming from your water heater are not normal. This is a particular problem for water heaters as they age. Older water heaters can develop sediment on the bottom of the tank. As this sediment is heated and reheated, it hardens, and can cause loud rumbling or banging noises in your water heater. Any loud cracking sounds may also be a sign that your tank is damaged, or that the heating system is becoming less efficient.

Muddy Water

Check out the water that comes out of your hot faucet. If the water looks muddy, rusty, or murky, it indicates a potential heater failure in the near future. Another indicator of a problem is water that has a metallic smell or taste. Water heater repair services in Marietta may be able to diagnose the problem with your heater based on these signs alone. If your water looks at all out of the ordinary or has an unusual taste, do not drink it and seek out a professional.

Small Leaks

If you notice any water or moisture around the water heater, act quickly. This could be the first symptom of a much larger problem. Leaks are a dead giveaway that something in your heater is not working correctly. Address any leaks immediately, because they’re likely coming from tiny cracks in the outside of the tank. They could also be coming from fittings that connect to the main tank. Failure to fix leaks when they’re small could result in the total failure of your water heater.

The disaster of a failing water heater can be avoided if you know what to look for. If you notice any of these signs in your home, seek out water heater repair services in Marietta.