Your water heater plays a vital role in your home. Therefore, you must ensure that you're proactive about maintenance and repairs. You should also be alert enough to know when it's time to get a new one. Here are some signs you may need to invest in hot water heater replacement.

Age

Different water heaters have different lifespans. A water heater past its life expectancy should be replaced even when it's not causing problems. According to Forbes, water heaters can last for about ten years on average. If yours is older than this, you must certainly consider a replacement. If you aren't sure about the age of your water heater, try to check the number on the manufacturer's sticker. However, remember that the date may not be written in an easily identifiable format. A letter usually indicates the month, and the first two digits represent the year. 

Noise

If there's noise coming from the water heater, it's never a good sign. This usually means there is a significant problem. As such, you must find a water heater repair service to check and see where the noises are coming from. In most instances, there will usually be some sediment in a noisy water heater. This is common as the water heater ages. The major contributor to sediment build-up is hard water. A loud water heater is usually a sign that you need to get a new one. This banging can cause the tank to crack, and you will end up with leaks.

Rust

If you start getting rusty water from your water heater, this is a sign that you need to invest in a new one. Water heaters are comprised of an anode rod that prevents the tank from rusting. While these rods can be replaced, if you take too much time without replacing yours, the tank will rust instead. This is when you start seeing rusty water that sometimes smells bad. The rust will break down the tank over time, causing some leaks. A professional can help you determine the cause of the rust and what part you need to replace. If the tank is too damaged, they'll recommend replacing the entire unit.

You mustn't put off hot water heater replacement until you can no longer get hot water in your home. As soon as you notice any of the signs above, you should look at modern water heating options. Get in touch with Carroll Plumbing today for a hot water heater replacement. We would love to hear from you.