For many people, having a steady supply of hot water in their homes is something they don’t think about very often. It’s important to have reliable hot water for many daily tasks, including hygiene, cooking, cleaning, and laundry. If your water heater isn’t working as well as it should be, you may be wondering if it’s time for a replacement.
But how do you know for sure that your water heater might be heading for a breakdown? In this article, we’re sharing some of the signs your water heater might give if it needs replacing. And, we’ll tell you what options are available when it comes to water heaters and how Boelcke can help you get the right equipment for your home and lifestyle needs. Keep reading to learn more!
5 Signs Your Hot Water Heater May Need Replacing
If you turn on your faucet and you have no hot water at all, then you know something is up with your water heater. However, some signs are more subtle and may indicate it’s time for a replacement, including:
- Your water heater is 15+ years old and has needed frequent repairs. Water heaters are durable, but around the 10-year mark, many begin to need repairs. If you’ve been trying to keep an older water heater running, and repairs are becoming more and more expensive, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.
- Your water heater is leaking, or there are puddles around the base. If you notice any water on or around your water heater beyond normal condensation, there’s a good chance your water heater has developed a leak. A leaking water heater can cause damage to your home, so it’s best to have it checked out right away.
- You notice that your water is rusty. Rusty water usually indicates corrosion in your water heater tank. If there’s rust in your water, you may notice your white laundry has rusty spots, sinks have rust marks, and your water has a metallic taste. When water heaters rust, it’s only a matter of time before leaks develop.
- Your water is not hot. When water heaters start to fail, people often notice that their water doesn’t get as hot as it once did. This can be a sign that your water heater is on the way out, or that the heating element has failed. Either way, you should have your water heater checked out by a professional.
- Loud noises are coming from your tank. If you notice popping, banging, clanging, or other loud noises coming from your tank, chances are sediment has built up in your tank. This buildup prevents your tank from effectively pushing a supply of hot water through your home. And, sediment can damage your heating element and cause rust issues.
If any of these signs are apparent in your home, you should call a professional to inspect your system. While it may be possible that your water heater can be repaired, older water heaters or ones that have not been maintained properly may need to be replaced.
What are some options available for water heaters?
If you do need a water heater replacement, you have a couple of different options available – traditional tank systems and tankless water heaters. Conventional storage water heaters offer a storage tank of hot water that is adequate for everyday use. Tankless water heaters do not use a tank but instead, heat the water directly. The hot water is supplied on demand rather than from a reservoir of heated water.
How can Boelcke help me if I need a new water heater?
If you think you might need a new water heater, we can help! Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning proudly provides a comprehensive listing of water heating products for your home. We can help meet all your water heater needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.