When To Replace Your Water Heater

Proper maintenance is essential to the longevity of your water heater. Traditional units typically last between 10 and 13 years while tankless models often last up to 20 years. While regular maintenance can extend performance lifespan, water heaters do eventually wear down over time and will require replacement. Here are three warning signs that it’s time to consider replacing the water heater in your Seattle home.

1. No Hot Water

When you turn the tap on and nothing but cold water comes out, it’s a pretty obvious sign that something’s wrong with your hot water heater. It might be a one-time issue, such as a tripped circuit breaker. However, if it keeps reoccurring, this is a sign that your tank is starting to wear down, is working overtime to try and compensate, and then shuts down to prevent overheating.

2. Strange Colors, Smells or Taste

Over time, sediment and minerals will build up inside traditional water heater tanks, which can eat through the inner lining of the unit. Rusty looking water or strange smells or tastes are potential warning signs that the tank is nearing its end. Fortunately, scheduling routine maintenance can help prevent this build-up and add years of life to your water tank.

3. Leaks and Drips

A water heater that’s leaking, visibly rusting, or showing signs of regular standing water near the base is at the end of its life and will typically require replacement. Leaks can go from small to severe rather quickly and can result in flooding, especially if the tank cracks. Any signs of drips or standing water should be handled right away by contacting an experienced plumbing professional to evaluate the situation.

Get an assessment of your water heater condition by calling the experts at All Clear Plumbing at (251) 210-8308. You can also visit our website for a full listing of our services. Whether you need a repair or water heater replacement, you can rely on our experienced services to get hot water flowing again.