How to Tell When Your Water Heater Needs Replacing

With proper care and regular maintenance, the water heater in your home should last you more than a decade and a half. But the system will eventually run down and deteriorate to the point where you will need to schedule a replacement. In this post, we will give you some pointers to help determine when it’s time to retire the old and bring in the new.

Mediterranean Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. provides exceptional service for water heaters in Canoga Park, CA. When you are ready for a new installation, call up our water heater specialists.

Signs of an expiring water heater

• Discolored water: A rusty brown coloration in the water coming from the hot water taps is one of the major warning signs that a heater is in its last stages. However, this discoloration isn’t an automatic suspension: for younger heaters, it might indicate a build-up of sediment, or even contamination from the municipal supply. But if your heater is at or beyond its expected lifespan, then rusty water usually means it needs replacement.
• Insufficient hot water: If you continually run out of hot water before you should, then the problem might come from excess sediment or (in the case of an electric water heater) a burned-out heating element. With an aged system, this usually means the water heater simply no longer has the efficiency to heat up enough water for your needs.
• Numerous leaks: Any leak indicates a problem that requires a repair technician. But if your water heater starts to leak in multiple places, particularly from around its tank, then it is failing and you should have a new system put in.
• You notice corrosion on the tank: Corrosion can sometimes start in the tank of a younger water heater if its sacrificial anode rod rusts all the way through; if caught in time, this can be repaired. But if your water heater reaches the point where rust has started to appear on the tank where you can see it—then no question, you need to replace it.

You can always call a water heater professional to help you make the final determination if your system needs replacement. The expert can also assist you with selecting a new unit if it turns out that you do need a new water heater. Call Mediterranean Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., where we install and service water heaters in Canoga Park, CA… and have for over 40 years.