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Your water heater is one of your home’s best friends—providing warm water to your showers, sinks, and laundry machines. Unfortunately, water heaters don’t last forever, and there are few things worse than hopping into the shower and discovering the water heater is not working. Lucky for you, your water heater will display many obvious signs before shutting down entirely. The plumbing experts at Fosh Plumbing & Heating, Inc. are sharing 5 common signs to look for indicating it’s time for a water heater replacement.

Leaking or Pooling Water 

Any water pooling around your water heater is never a good sign. Water can come from cracks created by the expansion and shrinking of the metal on the unit. When cracks in the metal get worse, water will begin to leak out starting with what looks like a small puddle. It’s always a good idea to contact a professional immediately because leaks can become worse quickly and lead to major flooding and damage.

Rust and Corrosion

Have you noticed rust-colored hot water coming from your faucets? This is due to the inside of your water heater rusting. If you have an older unit, corrosion on your water heater can often also appear, indicating it’s time for a replacement.

Cold or Lukewarm Water

Have you noticed a drop in the temperature of your shower over time? This can be another indication of a failing water heater. A great way to judge if the temperature change indicates a failing system is by adjusting your water heater thermometer between 120 to 140 while running the hot water on full blast. If the water is warm or lukewarm, it’s time for a replacement water heater.

Strange Noises

Popping, banging or rumbling noises coming from your water heater? When you hear these questionable sounds coming from your unit, it’s definitely time for a replacement. The older your water heater gets, the more sediment will start to build up on the bottom. When sediment heats up, it hardens and often may cause strange noises in your water heater. Call a professional and replace your water heater as soon as you hear any unusual noises because the sediment can quickly lead to leaks and further damage.

Old Heater 

Nothing lasts forever and this is also true with your water heater. Many homeowners buy a home with a working water heater and forget about it after a few years. To extend the lifetime of your water heater, it’s crucial to schedule regular maintenance on your system. While maintenance checks do help, If your water heater is over 20 years old, it’s a good idea to begin thinking about a replacement.

At Fosh Plumbing & Heating in Springfield, PA, we recognize that your water heater is an essential part of your home and keeps everything running smoothly and efficiently. Any disruption can cause serious damage and pricey repairs, leaving you and your home without hot water. Don’t wait until it’s too late! If you notice any of these signs, contact us right away to schedule an appointment with one of our plumbers. Our experts can inspect your water heater and provide next steps on repairs and replacement.