Getting caught without hot water can be a nightmare, which is why getting started on your Belmont water heater replacement project before that happens is crucial. But how do you know it’s time for a replacement and not just a repair? Performance Plumbing is here to help with 5 signs it’s time to start your Belmont water heater replacement project!
1. Your Water Heater is Over 10 Years Old (Storage-tank Style)
A water heater is not like a fine wine that gets better with age—it has a limit, and for a traditional storage-tank style water heater it’s 8 to 12 years. How long this type of water heater lasts rests on a variety of factors, such as water hardness (the harder the water the more damaging to the lifespan), regularity of maintenance, location, etc.
If your water heater is nearing the 8 to 12 year mark and it’s been having problems, it’s probably best to get it replaced.
2. You’re No Stranger to Repairs
With regular maintenance, a repair here and there over the years is normal; however, if you’re experiencing a high volume of repairs (multiple times a year), it may be best to consider a replacement. Maybe you’ve been holding out on replacing because of the cost, but if you’re shelling out money to repair your unit regularly, it’s money wasted on a water heater that is going to need replacing eventually anyway. Strongly consider a water heater replacement if your unit needs constant repairs and is at the end of it’s lifespan.
3. Your Hot Water has a Reddish Tint to It
Water should be clear. If your water has any color to it, you should immediately call a plumber to find out what is causing the problem. If you notice that the water color has a rosy, reddish tint to it, and it only happens when the hot water is on, it’s possible the source is your water heater. The red color could be rust from inside the water heater tank. Water contamination is a serious concern and should be attended to immediately.
4. Your Water Heater Makes a lot of Noise
Water heaters should not be noisy. Loud knocking sounds or popping sounds are not normal and are signs your water heater may need replacing, or at the very least maintenance. Loud noises coming from water heater tanks could be due to sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, which could be a result of age and lack of proper maintenance and flushing. The noises may be the sound of hot water bubbles making their way through the sediment buildup. It is also possible that the sound is a result of fluctuating water pressure or loose pipe straps. Whatever it is, make sure to get a plumber out to your tank so that the cause of noise can be properly identified.
5. There’s Less Hot Water Than Usual
If you’re noticing a lack of hot water, it could be a sign it’s time to replace your unit. While there are many reasons you might not have enough hot water (i.e., your thermostat needs adjusting, the heating element needs repairing or replacing, etc.), the answer could also just be your unit is old and has reached the end of its life. To be sure, have a professional plumber like Performance Plumbing come out to assess the issue. Contact us with all of your Belmont water heater replacement questions and we’ll help you figure out what your next steps should be.