A hot water system is essential for daily activities such as bathing, cleaning, cooking, and space heating. While indispensable, however, water heaters don’t last forever. Push them past their average lifespan and there’s a good chance that they could leak and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. Fixing a water heater can only be attended by a qualified Sydney plumber or a licensed technician. You’ll have no choice but to spare a portion of your budget for it.

It’s the reason why pre-emptive hot water replacement is essential. There are benefits to doing so, too.

The Benefits of Hot Water Replacement

• It will save you both water and energy – Most of today’s water heaters use less energy to heat the water in the tank. Therefore, when you upgrade to a more energy-efficient hot water system, you will be saving energy and money on bills, too. Moreover, an efficient hot water system can also add value to your home and help you meet local government regulations.
• It will save you from a costly breakdown in the future – By replacing your old and worn out hot water system, you get ahead of issues before they happen. These include rusting, which may corrode the pipes and potentially cause flooding, as well as gas leaks and damaged electrical connections.
• It will give you more readily available hot water every day – With a new water heater, you never have to worry about taking cold showers again. Replacing your hot water system every now and then will guarantee to provide you with a longer-lasting supply of hot water for your home needs.

With all these things said, how can you tell your water heater already requires replacement? In this article, we will run through the telltale signs when to call for hot water replacement.

1. Old Age

An average water heater has a lifespan of 10-15 years, provided that it’s well maintained. If yours is within that range, consider replacing it. But, if you aren’t sure when it was last replaced, you can also look for the following signs of wear and tear.

2. Rusty Water

If your hot water is rusty or has a metallic taste, your water heater could be rusting on the inside. When left unaddressed, it may also start leaking soon, causing your water to look dirty and muddy, too. Get a new water heater immediately.

3. Not Enough Hot Water

Whether the water keeps turning cold before you get done or you don’t get hot water at all is a sign that your heater is failing—and there are at least two possible reasons to that: sediment has built up over time in the heaters, thus reducing its efficiency or it has just reached the end of its useful life.

4. Odd Noises

Another issue with the sediment that settles onto the bottom of your water heater tank is that it causes your heater to make odd noises such as banging and rumbling. If you hear these noises, it may be an indication of the mineral build-up inside, which may result in a leak or other serious damages in the future.

5. Leaks

Leaks are never a good sign. The puddles of water around your water heater may indicate a fractured tank, putting you at risk of serious flooding in case the tank bursts. There is no repair for a leaking tank and it has to be replaced immediately.

6. Frequent Repairs

When your water heater keeps breaking and adding up on repair costs, it’s a positive sign that it’s on its way out. So, if you ever find yourself calling in a professional more and more often for water heater repairs, you are better off replacing your unit before it causes another serious damage.

Instead of spending money for repairs, arrange for a hot water system replacement instead. It should not only save you on costs down the line, but will also protect your family from potential safety risks such as flooding, electrical issues, and bursting of tanks.

Is it time to replace your water heater? Schedule an appointment with your local plumber today!