Water heaters are a vital major appliance in the New York home. It’s important that you pay attention to the possible warning signs that you need a new water heater.

Let us know if your water heater is:

Old

Water heaters do not last as long as some of the other major appliances in your home. For most models, eight to twelve years is the norm, which is much less than a typical furnace or heat pump.

You can check the age of your water heater by checking the serial number. If you are experiencing any issues with your hot water and your heater is getting up there in age, it’s probably best to replace since the issues are likely to keep repeating.

Noisy

A noisy unit most likely means there is a build-up of sediment within the tank. This sediment, usually calcium deposits, can harden on the bottom of the water heater and cause loud banging and creaking noises.

To avoid this you should be flushing your water heater about once a year, but many people aren’t aware of this. If the noise is loud enough that you can hear it in your home, it’s most likely in critical need of attention. If you have an older model the sediment buildup could be enough that replacement may be the only option.

Not Performing Well Anymore

Water heaters heat water. That’s all they’re designed to do right? If you have to turn the hot water knob farther every time you use it or if it just comes out cold, there’s an issue with your system. If your water heater isn’t doing its job as well as it used to, then it’s time to get a new one that will probably be more efficient anyways.

Leaking

Your storage tank should do a very good job of keeping water contained in the system. If there are puddles of water underneath your tank that’s a sign of a leak that can be pretty serious. If you’re in this situation go ahead and dry any puddles and see if you can determine the cause of the leak. If you’re unable to determine the cause, but the puddles reappear a few days later. It’s most likely your water heater causing the problem. If you need to turn off your heater there will be a simple on/off switch on the unit that you can flick to ensure no further leaking until a plumber comes to check it out.

Discoloring Your Water

If you are noticing rust-colored water, it could be as a result of your water heater. If your cold water is also discolored that most likely means there is an issue with your pipes. Either way, you should consult with a plumber because rust-colored water is unsightly and dangerous.