Fall is here and now is the time to start thinking about your San Mateo water heater replacement project before it gets too cold! Understanding where to start before you embark on your San Mateo water heater replacement project can be difficult. That is why Performance Plumbing has put together this quick guide to help you out.

Replacement or Repair?

For starters, it’s important to determine whether or not you truly need a water heater replacement or just a repair. Replacements can be costly so make sure you really need to replace your water heater before shelling out the cash.

One way to determine if your water heater needs replacing is age. If your water heater is over 8 years old and has had issues in the past, it’s probably safe to assume it’s time for a replacement. The average water heater is expected to “live” for 8 to 12 years, depending on location, installation, maintenance, water quality, etc. If your water heater is young and hasn’t experienced any problems before, it could just be due for some maintenance and repair.

Signs It’s Time for Replacement

Aside from age, the below issues are signs that it might be time for a water heater replacement.

  1. Your heater is making weird noises: If your water heater starts rumbling louder and louder over time, it could mean it’s time to replace it. One of the causes of noise is sediment buildup in the tank. This can lead to inefficient energy usage and damage to the tank. Try flushing your water heater tank out. This should be done on an annual basis, best performed by a licensed plumbing professional.

  2. Your water heater is leaking: A leaky water heater tank is no good. For one it means you’re wasting water, but more importantly it could be indicative of something much more serious. A leaky water heater could cause serious property damage if not attended to right away. Leaks are often caused by the metal from the tank expanding and fracturing. It could also be a problem with the fittings or connections. Ask a professional to diagnose the cause of the leak and then determine if a replacement is warranted.

  3. Rusty water is bad water: Rust in your water demands immediate attention. Rust in hot water found in your sinks or bathtub could be a sign that your water tank has rusted and is contaminating your water. It is possible that rusty water could be a result of rusted pipes instead of a rusted tank. A professional plumber can tell you where the rust is coming from.

Time for a Water Heater Replacement

So you’ve made the decision to start your San Mateo water heater replacement project, now what? A replacement is a great time to make upgrades if needed. Maybe you want to upgrade from a 40- to a 50-gallon tank or maybe you’re ready to go tankless. Or maybe you still have questions and need a professional opinion. Performance Plumbing is ready to help you with your San Mateo water heater replacement project. Just give us a call or send us an email and we can discuss all of your water heater replacement questions.