Your water heater is one of the most essential appliances in your home. Not only does it make your daily routine more comfortable and pleasant, but it also keeps your dishes and laundry clean and sanitary. If your unit is more than about eight years old or shows signs it's failing, it's time to schedule a new water heater installation.

How to Know When Your Water Heater is Failing

1. Not Enough Hot Water

If you run out of hot water during your shower or have to keep turning the knob on the water heater higher, it might be a sign the unit is becoming less efficient. It could also be that the heater itself is too small to keep up with the demands of your household and needs to be replaced with a larger model, even if it's working. If your unit isn't heating at all, check that it's getting electricity or fuel as needed. However, if it's plugged in or the pilot light is on, and these issues still occur, you'll need repairs or a replacement.

2. Changes in Operation

A water heater that's getting old or corroded may start to make loud banging and rattling sounds, or it might run more loudly than it used to. The water quality can also change, and it's common to see reddish or brown water due to corrosion inside the tank. The water may pick up a distinct rotten egg smell from contamination or an excess of bacteria. Try flushing the tank to remove any damaging materials. However, if that doesn't resolve the issue, it’s difficult to remedy a corroded tank without replacing it.

3. Frequent Repairs

The older your water heater gets, the more wear and tear will build up across all of its components. Parts will start failing more and more frequently, so you'll need to schedule plumbing repairs more often. When you add up the cost of all these repair visits, it might be more cost-effective to replace the unit.

For water heater repairs and replacement in Jessamine County and the surrounding areas, choose Tim's Plumbing Service. Based in Nicholasville, KY, their team has over 30 years of experience serving residential clients. They're available 24 hours a day and offer same-day service for emergencies. Call (859) 533-1294 today to schedule an appointment, or learn more about their full range of services online.