When is it time to replace my water heater?

There are a few indicators or factors when deciding if it is time to replace your water heater. Some common indicators are: Calcium buildup can form at the bottom of your tank resulting in a crackling noise when the burners light. Thermostats can act up or fail entirely. A broken dip tube can blend incoming cold water with the outgoing hot water. Unrestrained thermal expansion can cause dangerous pressure levels and ruptured pipes. These in conjunction with other less common troubles can cause a loss of hot water, abnormal hot water, or harm to the plumbing.

In conjunction with these factors, age of the water heater should be considered. On average, water heaters last around 10 years although is not unheard of to have a water heater go out after only a few years. If your water heater is over 10 years old and you are experiencing one or more of these issues or if it is leaking and you can only get one hot shower before the water starts getting cold, you should contact a local water heater professional to give you your options. Make sure you are an active participant when determining whether you repair or replace your water heater. Be aware of how much the fix will cost, vs. how much it will cost to replace the water heater, and how long you can expect your old water heater to last once the repair is finished.