You depend on your water heater to supply faucets, showers, washing machines, and more. When your heater begins to show signs of failing, it can be more than a nuisance—it can be a genuine safety concern. Here’s when to call a trusted HVAC contractor to find out if it’s time to replace your unit.

5 Reasons You Need to Replace Your Water Heater

1. Noises

Is your water heater making knocking or popping sounds? They’re often caused by sediment buildup. Over time, calcium and magnesium deposits settle from the water and collect at the bottom of the tank.

As the layer thickens, it forms a barrier between the fluid and the heating elements, making the system work harder and weakening tank integrity. If you hear strange noises, have your heater checked right away. 

2. Age

The average water heater lasts 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. If your tank is approaching the decade-old mark, the chances of problems increase greatly. To avoid the risk of total failure caused by corrosion, sediment buildup, wear, and other issues, have a licensed technician inspect your heater before its tenth birthday.

3. Cold Water

If your faucet water never gets hot or turns cold quickly, a failing water heater may be the culprit. The cause may be an individual component that can be repaired without replacing the whole water heater.

Other times, the entire unit may need to be replaced. Only a qualified HVAC contractor can tell for sure, so schedule an appointment immediately.

4. Discolored Water

Run just your hot faucet to check for discoloration. If you see brown in the sink, your heater may be corroding inside. You may also notice a metallic smell or taste.

Once the process begins, the tank continues to weaken, increasing the chances of a leak or burst. There are other causes for brown water, but only a trained expert can determine the source of the problem.

5. Leaks

The most urgent sign you may need to replace your heater is water leakage. Look around the tank. Water on the floor or sides may indicate a leak.

Not only can leaking cause damage to your property, but it may also be the final warning that your heater is about to burst. The moment you notice any leaks, turn off the heater and water supply valve and then call your HVAC contractor.

Is your water heater showing signs of problems? If so, have it checked immediately by a trusted HVAC contractor for your convenience and safety. The experts at Masterpiece Mechanical provide prompt, affordable, quality service throughout the Greater Champlin, MN, area. Their licensed technicians use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and repair problems with water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning units, and more. They offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, so call (763) 482-1232 for a free consultation or visit them online to learn more.