Every homeowner wishes to have a water heater that you do not need to replace again. However, regular use can cause this home appliance to wear out. There will come a time that you need to purchase a new unit so you continue to gain access to hot water when you need it most. Fortunately, your water heater will show signs that it needs repair or replacement. Unless you are a licensed Frisco plumber, the signs that your water heater needs repair cannot be easily detected. The key to knowing if your unit needs repair is to take several factors into consideration.

Age

One indicator that your water heater is going to fail anytime soon is its age. On average, your water heater can last between 6 to 12 years depending on the maintenance it receives and how frequent you are using it. If you do not know when your unit was made, all you have to do is to check the serial number in the manufacturer’s sticker. It can be usually found on the upper portion of your tank.

The serial number will include essential information such as the date that the unit was created. The serial number contains a combination of letters and numbers, which have corresponding meanings. The first letter indicates the month it was made and the next two numbers represent the year your heater was created. If the serial number was 16, it means that the unit was made in 2016.

You will need to consider a home warranty if your water heater is almost 10 years. A home warranty is essential, especially if you have made it a point to follow the specifications and instructions of the manufacturer. With a home warranty, you can be assisted with repairs and even replacements as long as you have properly maintained your home appliances. It is important that you review the terms and conditions of your home warranty before you consider a water heater replacement.

Leaks

If there are puddles around your unit, these are indicators of leaks. You need to call a plumber to schedule a repair. The plumber will check your unit if repairs will fix the problem. If the leaks of your water heater have not been addressed immediately, it can cause the metal tank to crack because it expands and contracts. Another reason your water heater experiences leaks is due to the opening in your temperature and pressure valve.

If the water inside your tank is too hot, the valve will also expand. The tank will not explode because of its ability to open and release the pressure. There can be a larger problem that needs to be addressed if your temperature and pressure valve continues to leak. It is important to call a plumber immediately to check the problem.

Yellow-colored water

Another sign that you need to call a plumber to repair your water heater is when there is rust-color water coming out of it. While you may not completely see the tank of your water heater disintegrate into corroded metal, the presence of yellow-colored water can still be a cause for alarm. The anode rod makes up your unit and it rusts faster than the metal itself. If rusty water is coming from your tank, it only means that your anode rod needs replacement. You need to check this component every year. If you see yellow-colored or rusty water, you should call a plumber to diagnose the problem.

Strange noise

You should also pay heed to the strange noise coming from your water tank. These loud noises might be due to the sediment that has accumulated inside the tank. The sediment sinks to the bottom and if you do not flush them regularly, a layer of sediment will start building up. The sediment makes noises inside your tank. Your water heater also needs to work hard in heating the water. Once you start to hear noises, it is important to flush the sediment out. You have to flush the water heater once every six months to prevent sediment build-up.

You should consider calling Lex Plumbing if you need help in repairing your water heater. Restoring your water heater to its top condition is necessary so you continue to enjoy getting access to hot water.