You might be shocked at how easy it is to be unaware of your water heater’s age, or how difficult it can be to spot a concern before it causes damage.
There are several pointers that you can take advantage of to keep track of the state of your water heater. You’ll want to be watching for them to keep your equipment in the finest state.
Here are five likely signs it might be time to replace your water heater in Canada.
1. It’s Starting to Display Its Age
Much like the other essential appliances inside your home, your water heater has a definite life span. When it gets to the end, it will function much less efficiently and might be pricier to repair than buying a new one.
The average water heater life expectancy is about six to eight years. You won’t want your water heater to be in use for longer than 10 years, because this can result in expensive damage in your residence if it leaks.
There’s always a possibility for your water heater to run into problems earlier than this time, so pay attention to anything that feels unusual.
2. Rust is Starting to Appear
Rust is usually a sign your water heater needs to be examined. Rust is corrosive and could swiftly spread to other components. This can create a leak or other problems. If you notice a bit on the tank or pipes, call a licensed professional.
3. Limited Hot Water
If your water heater is straining to heat water, that’s a clear sign an upgrade is required. Your heater may not be able to deliver any hot water because of too much sediment. The tank size could also be too small for the capacity of water your household needs.
This is especially true for larger homes. The quicker you use up hot water, the more crucial it is to think about getting a new one.
4. You’re Hearing Strange Noises
Your water heater isn’t silent. If you start to notice knocking noises coming from the tank on a routine basis, that might indicate a part isn’t tight.
Odd sounds could also indicate there’s debris piling up on top of the tank’s base. Large amounts of buildup can force your water heater to work harder and increase your energy costs as a result.
Listen closely if you start to notice any strange noises, and call us right away.
5. Sudden Leaks
If you find puddles or dark patches close to your water heater, it’s a good time to consider getting an updated unit right away.
These leaks are often a result of little cracks in the tank itself. The longer you ignore it, the more likely you’ll have an emergency when the tank malfunctions. (You can avoid a messy tank leak later on by upgrading to a tankless water heater, which doesn’t store water.)
Water damage is expensive to repair and a trouble you shouldn’t have to fret about.
If your water heater is on its way out, or in extreme need of expert repairs, call the Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Experts at 866-397-3787. You can also set up an appointment by contacting us online.