Can you imagine life without a functioning water heater? Thanks to your water heater, you can take hot showers, baths, and properly sanitize your linens. According to The Appliance Standards Awareness Project, about 48% of households have natural gas water heaters. About 45% have electric, and slightly more than 6% burn propane or oil. Unfortunately, your water heater may begin to break down and need repairs or replacement. Here are some signs that say replacement may be your best course of action.

Leaks

Instead of simply heating your water, has your tank also allowed it to leak out? Anything in your home that causes leaks can be a major hazard. When your water tank begins leaking, it can get worse and eventually flood your home. Even the slightest water damage can breed mold. It takes just mold 24 to 72 hours to begin sprouting on a wet surface, according to CNET. Water damage can ruin the underlining floor or wall near the water heater that's leaking. In addition to worrying about mold, water can also cause the underlining foundation to rot, which can make your structure unsafe.

Rust

Has your hot water began to have a discolored appearance? Is it also smelling funny? Unfortunately, you may have rust inside your water tank. Once rust begins to build on the coils inside your heater, it's usually time for a replacement. Rust is a very serious issue, so you'll want to get it checked out as soon as possible.

Age

Do you know how old your water heater is? Like any other feature in your home, your water heater has a certain lifespan. According to Bob Vila, a typical hot water heater can last about 10 to 15 years with good maintenance. So if your water heater is near the end of its lifespan, it may be time to consider switching it out. After all, you don't want to be in a situation in which you are suddenly out of hot water because your tank has reached the end of its life and has completely stopped working.

Noises

When it's time to take a hot shower or wash your hands in the sink, are you noticing rustling noises in your water heater? Those rustling noises may be due to a buildup of sediment in the tank. In many cases, flushing out the water tank can remove that sediment. Your water tank professionals will often do that for you. So at first, that can be a simple repair, but if sediment keeps building quickly over time, it may mean your tank is at the end of its life cycle.

Repair Frequency

Does it seem like you're constantly calling your water heater services to repair your tank? If so, it may be time to look over your past repair charges and compare them to the cost of a replacement. If your water tank keeps having problems to where it always needs repairs, that means it is no longer functioning at an optimal level. Your household can end up being without hot water at any time, as well as having higher bills.

Energy Efficiency Concerns

Most homeowners want a home that's energy efficient. When energy is optimized in your home, you're reducing your carbon footprint. In addition to increasing the eco-friendliness of your home, you can also save on those high energy bills. When your water heater has to work harder over time, it's going to burn more energy. The more energy that your home is burning will cause your bills to increase. Luckily, there are more energy-efficient models that your local hot water heater replacement services can install.

As you can see, there are several ways to tell whether or not it's time for a hot water heater replacement. It's essential to have hot water in your home for bathing, house cleaning, and washing your clothes. For proper sanitation and comfort, you want an efficient water heater that won't give out on you at any time. If you're experiencing any of the above issues heating your home water, it's time to find a professional who can help you. Contact our team at Ultimate Plumbing, Heating & AC LLC today for assistance. Our experienced team has all the training necessary to get your new hot water heater up and running. We look forward to working with you.