Nobody wants to find out their water heater has gone out by hopping into a cold shower, but it’s easy to become overconfident in an appliance if it hasn’t given you any trouble before. Luckily, there are a few plumbing tips anyone can follow to know when to replace your water heater.

How Do You Know It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

1. Leaks

If your water heater begins to leak, you want to catch it as early as possible to avoid an emergency plumbing call. Fortunately, leaks tend to start small, often because of a slow-growing crack in the metal. It’s good practice to periodically check for pooling or water dripping out of the tank. 

2. Sediment Buildup 

As your water heater ages, it collects an assortment of mineral sediments. When too much sediment builds up or if the metal begins to crack or corrode, your hot water may begin to look muddy, smell and taste metallic, or even have visible rust particles. 

3. Knocking Sound 

When sediment builds up too much in your tank, it encrusts the inner walls and the heating element. Over time, as it is repeatedly heated, it will harden, expand, and crack. The popping or knocking noise you may begin to hear is caused by the expansion and cracking of the sediment. Over time, it can damage the heating element, accelerate tank wall cracking, and significantly reduce your tank’s water volume. 

4. Lukewarm Temperature

If your water temperature drops to lukewarm, you should check your thermostat setting on the heating unit. If it can be adjusted, set the thermostat to a hotter setting and see if that makes any difference. If that doesn’t make any difference, the heater may not be repairable and will have to be replaced.

5. Age

On average, electric water heaters last up to ten years, and gas water heaters last up to eight years. This means that if your heater is eight to ten years old or older, you should be prepared to replace it. That doesn’t mean the tank is guaranteed to go out at that time, but statistically, it is a strong possibility. 

When you need to replace a water heater, you’ll want a plumbing expert with a great reputation. That’s why you should contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Chardon, OH, for your plumbing needs. This company promises to leave no customer behind and offers 24-hour service and response. Call them today at (440) 286-6002 for punctual and reliable service. You can also visit them online and on Facebook.