When Do You Need to Replace Your Water Heater?

Your water heater is almost constantly under a tremendous amount of stress and pressure, so it develops problems very quickly, and there's no way to predict when they might occur. That's part of the reason that the professional Modesto plumbers at Knights Plumbing & Drain recommend that you have an inspection and tune-up performed on your water heater at least once each year.

However, regardless of the repairs and maintenance that your water heater receives, you will eventually need to have it replaced. And when you do need to replace your water, you'll want to be prepared for it. If you need to replace your water heater unexpectedly, you could be left without hot water in your home for weeks, so you should always be on the lookout for some common signs that it's time to replace the unit.

When the time comes, you'll need a professional plumber to let you know whether your water heater will need to be replaced or if repairs are a feasible option. But keeping an eye out for some of these signs can help you ensure that you're not caught off-guard by the need to replace your water heater:

Your Water Heater's Age

Typically, a water heater can be used for around ten years before it degrades to the point that it needs to be replaced. Of course, that number can vary in either direction depending on the frequency of the maintenance it receives. Without proper maintenance, your water heater could last for as few as five years.

If your Modesto home has had the same water heater for more than five years, you should start paying closer attention to any problems that the unit may develop. If your water heater hasn't been inspected recently, you should definitely have a tune-up performed. Our plumbing contractors can let you know if you should be concerned about your water heater's condition, whether or not you need a replacement, and how long you can expect to continue using the unit.

Noises

Any clicking, buzzing, or loud noises coming from your water heater are often a sign of excessive buildup of sediment, which can be a huge problem. If you hear any noises coming from your heater, your best bet is to call in a professional plumber as soon as possible. Often, this sediment can be flushed out, but if it’s left to build up any more, it may become irreparable, and you’ll need to have a water heater replacement.

Look Out for Leaks

If your water heater develops any leaks, it's a sign that you'll probably need to replace your water heater soon. There's no need to panic, however, because leaks might also signify a wide range of problems that can be repaired. You should call a Modesto plumber as soon as possible to have your water heater inspected and either repaired or replaced.