Your water heater helps keep everything in your house clean, providing a reliable supply of hot water for your shower, bath, sinks, dishwasher and washing machine. But even though water heaters are fairly simple machines, they will eventually wear down.

Here are some signs to look for when deciding if it’s time for a water heater upgrade:

1. Age – The average lifespan for a conventional water heater (one that has a tank) is about 10 years; if your tank is nearing that age, replacing is usually a smarter bet than repairing. If you want to know how old your water heater is, here’s a trick: look for your water heater’s serial number on your unit’s rating plate (if you can’t find it, call us). Its first number corresponds to its month of production, while the first two numbers its year of production. For example, in the serial number F082738598, “F” (the sixth letter in the alphabet) corresponds to June, the sixth month. The number “08” represents the year.
2. Rusty tank water – If the water in your water heater’s tank is rusty, the tank is probably corroding from the inside – which could lead to a costly flood in the near future.
3. A leak – If you spot a leak, turn off the tank’s water supply and get your water heater inspected quickly; the structure of the tank has probably been compromised.
4. Unusual sounds – Rumbling sounds usually mean there is sediment buildup in your tank, which reduces efficiency and raises your monthly bills.
5. Hard water – If you notice “scaling” – white spots or powder on drying dishes or glassware – your water is “hard,” meaning that it has a high mineral content. An aging water heater can contribute to hard water problems, which can reduce efficiency and shorten the lifespan of your water heater.

One way to avoid many of these problems is to install a tankless water heater, which instantly heats water for use rather than storing it in a tank. While they are more expensive up front than conventional water heaters, they are extremely efficient, compact (about the size of a suitcase…they can even be hung from a wall), and produce an unlimited supply of hot water. They last longer, too, with some models capable of operating for 20 years.

Not sure if it’s time to upgrade your water heater? Let us know – we’ll give you a FREE, no obligation estimate on a conventional or tankless model for your Northern New Jersey home!