By Bellevue Plumbing Pro

Your water heater is an essential part of your home. Imagine the water heater turning on and cold water coming out of the shower. That’s not what anyone wants!

It’s crucial to be aware of the signs that your water heater is due for replacement so you don’t get caught by surprise with a cold splash in your home.

These Are the Most Important Things to Watch Out for.

1. Your water heater is over 10 years old.

Water heaters are not meant to last forever. They usually have a ten-year life expectancy. It’s time to shop for a replacement if yours is more than a decade old or you don’t recall when it was last changed.

2. Leakages around the water heater are obvious.

Puddles of water are a sign that your heater is on the way out. Leakage can cause serious damage to your home and lead to costly water damage.

3. Water heater making strange sounds.

It is not like eating a bowl full of cereal. The tank should not snap, crackle, or pop. This could indicate sediment buildup in the tank.

4. Water can smell or taste bad, or both.

Beware if the water tastes or smells like metal. This is likely to indicate that your heater’s tank has become corroded. It could also be a sign that your water is hard, which can taste metallic, sulfuric or sour.

5. There is rust in the sink.

It could also be caused by hard water. It could also be a sign that your tank is corroded. This could lead to a decrease in water quality and possibly leaks.

6. Your family uses lots of hot water.

Your water heater will be more used if you have a lot of people living in your home, especially if they take hot showers and are frequent users. It may also wear out faster.

7. Water doesn’t get hot, just warm.

If the water feels warm when it comes out the tap, but it never heats up, its more than likely time to replace your heater.

We have some suggestions for how to pick the right water heater for you if you are looking to replace your old one. A tankless water heater might be a better option. On-demand or tankless water heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank.

This means that they provide hot water straight through your pipes and out to your faucets. They are estimated 34% more efficient than traditional water heaters, but they are more expensive to install.

READ MORE: What are the pros and cons of tankless vs. Traditional water heaters?

Don’t wait if your water heater shows signs of failure. Call Bellevue Plumbing Pro at (509) 245-6477 or contact us online.