Access to hot water on demand is a luxury most people take for granted, at least until the water heater stops working. Unfortunately, this important appliance has a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced. Here are five signs your water heater is on its last legs.
1. Not enough hot water If the hot water runs out before you can finish your shower, it’s likely that your water heater needs to be replaced. This can occur when sediment builds up in the tank, takes up space and separates water from the heating elements. 2. It’s over 10 years old. Even if your hot water heater is working, if it’s over a decade old, it’s reaching the end of its usable lifespan. If you’re not sure how old yours is, check the serial number. The first two numbers often represent the year the unit was manufactured. 3. Your hot water is rusty. It’s common for hot water tanks to start to rust when they’re over ten years old. To check if the rust is truly coming from the heater and not from the pipes, fill three buckets of hot water from one of your taps. If you’ve used no cold water and the third bucket is filled with rusty water, it’s time to replace your tank. Rust can also occur on the outside of an old water heater. This type of corrosion can’t be fixed, so a replacement will be needed. 4. The water heater is leaking. Puddles of water around your water heater are an indication that it needs to be replaced. Deposits, rust and general wear and tear can cause the seams or even the bottom of the tank to corrode and leak. 5. Strange noises coming from the heater. Over time, sediment can build up in a water heater and eventually harden at the bottom of the tank. This sediment can cause banging or rumbling sounds when you use hot water. This is a sure sign that your heater is reaching the end of its lifespan. Water heater replacement in the GTA If your water heater breaks down or you want to install a more reliable unit, turn to Black Forest Plumbing. We offer a full range of plumbing services, including water heater repair and replacement. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a service call. Book A Service Appointment