Hot water is a necessity for any home. Whether it’s a warm shower or hot water to wash dishes, we rely on our water heaters to do daily tasks. Not sure if your water heater needs a replacement? Here are some signs to watch for.

#1: Lukewarm or cold water.
If your water is simply not warming up when you turn on the hot water faucet, this is a sure sign that something is wrong. This could be due to a broken heating element, a problem with the thermostat, or that the water heater is past its prime.

#2: Leaking.
Have you walked by your water heater and noticed water around it? Water around the floor of the tank is a bad sign. Leaks are usually from metal expanding in the tank. And if the water heater is older, a fracture could happen. This means small amounts of water start leaking through the gaps. Over time, this could cause damage to your home in the form of warped hardwood flooring, wet carpet, or saturated areas around the area. And if not taken care of, this could even cause mold.

#3: Your water heater is more than 10 years old.
Most standard water heaters will work well for about a decade. Sometimes, they will work longer, but when you inch past the 10-year mark, it’s a good idea to start planning for a replacement. If you aren’t sure how old it is, check the serial number and do a search online to see if you can determine its age.

#4: Noises or smells.
If you smell a strange odor coming from your faucet, it could be a sign of a water heater problem. In addition, water heaters will sometimes make strange noises as it gets older. That’s because as the water gets heated, sediment can harden. This can cause banging or rumbling sounds inside the heater.

So, don’t risk losing hot water in your home! Our experts at Specialty Heating and Cooling can help get your old tank removed and get a new one installed quickly with all the controls running properly. Contact us today for a product and installation estimate today.