Sometimes, you can tell if your water heater is past its prime. It may have broken down completely or, unfortunately, flooded your basement or another area of the home. Other times, it’s not so easy to tell a water heater is in trouble. We always recommend that you replace your water heater as early as possible, to avoid ending up with a shallow swimming pool in your basement.
Signs of a Failing Water Heater
It’s important to take notice of these signs as early as possible, before anything is seriously wrong. Otherwise, you might get stuck with a major cleanup job, an unexpected expense, and no hot water when you really need it!
- Rust in the water – Once the inside of a tank begins to rust, it can start to corrode until it potentially springs a leak. Take notice if there are rust flakes or if hot water is discolored. If a plumber determines the rust came from inside of the tank, it’s time for a replacement.
- Leaks around the water heater – Any sign that a water heater may already be leaking should be closely examined. If the tank is leaking, rather than the shut-off valve or another small replaceable component, then your water heater is done for.
- Problems with age – Of course, it’s often possible to repair a water heater, but if you’re experiencing issues with a water heater over 10 years old, it’s a good idea to save yourself the trouble and replace it now.
Be Proactive, Replace Early
We recommend that you replace a water heater when it is past its prime, even if you aren’t noticing any major problems. After about 10-15 years, it’s time to start considering a replacement. The sooner you install a new water heater, the less you’ll have to worry. And, you know your new installation will run smoothly and safely.
Call Max Sr & Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, A Corp. for water heater service and installation in Cranford, NJ. We install Bradford-White water heaters and service all makes and models.