You turn on the hot water tap and out comes hot water. Yes, we take hot water for granted. Thankfully water heaters last a long time with little need for maintenance, however they’re usually in a dark basement or tucked away in a remote corner of your house.

As a result, water heater issues can sneak up on you. If you’re thinking about it now, though, you probably have your doubts about how much longer yours will last. Here are a few signs that it might be time to start thinking about a water heater replacement.

Leaks

A leak around the base of your tank is one of the first signs of a failing water. Usually if you find a little bit of water or signs of moisture damage, it’s not going to be long before you have a major leak. Tank-style water heaters are subject to corrosion since they hold water all the time, and after a while the seams and fixtures can weaken, causing the tank to start leaking. If you notice your tank is leaking, it’s best to get it replaced as soon as possible, before the leak causes major water damage.

It’s not unusual for the first signs of a leak to go unnoticed, since your water heater tank is usually hidden. If that is your situation, you might benefit from a leak detector set up near your water heater. This sensor will let you know when it’s getting to be time for a water heater replacement.

Rust

If you’re seeing signs of rust, that’s another sign that the corrosion inside your tank is getting to be advanced enough that it’s time to replace the water heater. Signs of rust may include discolored water when you turn on the hot, or water with a metallic smell to it. The best way to test and make sure that the rust is coming from your water heater and not the pipes themselves is to fill several buckets of just hot water, and then fill several buckets with just cold water. If it’s time for a water heater replacement, you’ll see signs of rust only in the buckets of hot water.

Noises

If your water heater is making noises, it may be time for a replacement. Rumbling or banging coming from the water heater may mean that there is a lot of sediment buildup on the heating element. This impacts its ability to heat the water. And if the sediment buildup is bad enough to cause a lot of noise, chances are it’s all over the inside of the tank too. There’s no real way to remove this sediment, therefore a water heater replacement is your best option… preferably before the tank starts leaking also.

Age

The best indicator that your water heater needs to be replaced is its age. It’s generally not a matter of whether they will fail, it’s a matter of when… and how much of your home they will damage in the process. Replacing an older water heater can prevent an inconvenience of rusted water and possible water damage.

In general, you should replace your water heater if it’s older than 10 or 12 years. If you can’t remember when you last replaced it, or if you don’t know because it was already there when you moved in, you can check the label on the unit to find out its age.

Plan Ahead to Prevent Water Damage

Most homeowners find out their water heater is failing when they detect a leak, and the resulting water damage is the last thing you want. Check your water heater regularly for these signs that it might be on its way to failing, and your ounce of prevention might just save you many gallons’ worth of water cleanup. To talk to an experienced technician about replacing your water heater, call your neighborhood plumber, Shane Elmore Plumbing today.