Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

5 Signs You Need a New Water Heater

A typical storage-type water heater will last roughly 10 years. Some even last 13 years, but don’t count on it. Your water heater is an important part of your home—providing your family with hot showers and clean dishes. You don’t want to be caught without it, especially with the cooler seasons approaching. And you definitely don’t want your water heater to fail and cause thousands of dollars in water damage. Better to replace your water heater before it’s an emergency. You’ll save yourself the stress and extra costs associated with waiting too long. Fortunately, your water heater will give predictable warning signs before it conks out for good. Ask yourself the following 5 questions to determine if it’s time to replace your water heater:

1. Are your energy bills higher? If you’re seeing an increase in your energy bills and fuel prices have been constant or dropped, your water heater may be the reason. Your water heater will become less and less efficient over time.
2. Are you noticing leaks or rusty water? If you see puddles under your tank or it’s producing rusty water, that’s a sign of corrosion—a common problem in steel tanks. If your tank is leaking, don’t ignore it. Failure could be imminent. It’s time to call in the professionals. (Black Bear provides 24/7/365 emergency service to customers in and around Sullivan County.)
3. Do you have hard water stains? If you start to notice white marks on your silverware and glassware, there may be lime buildup in your tank. This is a problem that will decrease your water heater’s efficiency and lifespan.
4. Is your water heating making strange noises? If you hear growling or gurgling coming from your storage tank, chances are there is a build-up of sediment. This is a serious problem that could result in expensive repairs or premature replacement if not addressed in a timely manner. Don’t wait to address this problem.
5. How old is your water heater? Age isn’t just a number when it comes to water heaters. A well-maintained water heater will last an average of 10 years. Even if you’re not noticing any troubling signs, once your water heater passes a decade, it’s time to start thinking about replacement. You’ll get better performance, reliability, and peace of mind.

Don’t wait until your water heater fails to replace it. Contact the Bear, and we’ll be there for all your water heater installation and maintenance needs.