Four warning signs it might be time to replace your water heater
There are tank and tankless water heaters. Water heaters with hot water tanks commonly last for about 10-12 years on the average. If you properly maintain your water heater tank, it might serve you almost twice as long. But it is also possible that a water storage tank will fail after just two or three years of usage. On the contrary, tankless water heaters will last much longer. In fact, some companies provide lifetime no-leak warranties with their tankless water heater systems. If the time has come to replace your water heater in order to avoid significant water and energy losses, a tankless water heater may be a great option.

When is the right time then? When should you replace your water heater?

The following signs will help you determine whether you need a water heater replacement or not. Read on to find out more about them.

1. Inconsistent Temperature
Most home hot water tanks are set to operate somewhere between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a perfect temperature for a broad range of different activities at home from showers to washing dishes. If you noticed any inconsistencies in maintaining this temperature by your water heater, check your water heater’s thermostat settings. If they are accurate (inside the mentioned temperature range) but the water is either too hot or too cold, that is a definite sign of heating element failure. In this case the replacement is inevitable.

2. Weird Noises Produced by Your Tankless Water Heater
There are some appliances at your home that are meant to make strange noises over the course of their service. However, one appliance that should not be producing strange noises is your water heater. If an old water heater produces loud squeaking or knocking sounds, this might indicate internal corrosion. The sediment build-up comes in contact with the heating element and burns out as a result producing all those noises.

If you constantly hear noises emerging from your water heater, contact reliable and trusted South OC Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning contractors to flush the tank and inspect your inside tank lining or sacrificial anode rod (if there is one) for any damage. If the internal tank lining is damaged, it is a warning sign that the time is approaching to replace your water heater.

3. Leaks… again!
Leaks are another indicator of the need to replace your old water heater. After long term use leaks are inevitable and the most dangerous, since even a tiny hole can cause the tank structural weakness and lead to ultimate tank destruction. Small leaks can often be disguised as condensation marks or splashes from an outward water source. If you discover a leak, no matter how small, call South OC Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning to examine your water heater for internal damage or corrosion.

4. Exterior rusting and bursting may also signal about internal water heater problems leading to the end of its life in case if your water heater has steel inside tank.
No matter what the signs might be, if you happen to notice any of them, contact your reliable South OC Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning plumbing contractor to deal with all your water heater replacement needs.