4 Ways A Plumber Will Determine You Need Water Heater Replacement

Your home plumbing system is one of the most important systems in your home. It's responsible for bringing fresh water in and taking waste water out. Without it, you wouldn't be able to cook, clean, or even take a shower. So when something goes wrong with your plumbing, it's important to get it fixed right away. One of the most common problems that plumbers are called to fix is a broken water heater. If you think your water heater might be on its last legs, here are four signs that a plumber will look for to determine if you need a new one:

1. There's rust on your water heater

Rust is never a good sign, especially when it comes to your water heater. If you see any rust on your water heater, that means the tank is starting to degrade and it won't be long before it starts leaking. In some cases, you might be able to get away with simply replacing the rusty parts, but in most cases, it's best to just replace the whole thing.

2. Your water heater is making strange noises

If your water heater starts making strange noises, like banging, popping, or even screeching, that's a sign that something is wrong and it needs to be fixed. These sounds are usually caused by sediment build-up on the bottom of the tank. When the sediment gets too hot, it starts to make these noises. If you ignore it, the sediment will eventually harden and cause even more damage to your water heater.

3. You're not getting enough hot water

If you notice that you're not getting as much hot water as you used to, or it takes longer to heat up, that's a sign that your water heater is starting to fail. This is usually caused by a build-up of sediment on the bottom of the tank. The sediment insulates the water from the heat, so it takes longer to heat up.

4. Leaks

A small amount of dripping around the base of your water heater is normal. But if you start to see large amounts of water or even standing water, that's a sign of a serious leak and you should call a plumber right away. Leaks can lead to extensive damage if left unchecked, so it's important to address them as soon as possible.

If you're not sure whether or not your water heater needs to be replaced, it's always best to err on the side of caution and call a professional plumber. They will be able to inspect your unit and give you an expert opinion on whether or not it needs to be replaced. 

For more info about water heaters, contact a local company.