Almost all households require warm running water for daily use. However, water heaters are human-made and can break down due to various contributing factors. Your water heater will begin showing signs that it needs replacement after using it for several years. Here are the top signs that you need an expert to replace your hot water system.

An Aged System

Though you may carry out regular maintenance and repair of your hot water system, most units have a lifespan of about a decade. If the water heater has been serving you for almost ten years, it may be time to replace or upgrade to a new unit. After using the heating system for about eight years, you may realise that its efficiency starts dropping as the internal components wear or break down.

Water Leaks

When your water heating unit starts leaking, it needs expert servicing or replacement. Leaking water has negative effects on the system and can lead to low water pressure. The surrounding areas can also soak up and contribute to structural integrity issues. One source of leaks in hot water systems is the inlet or outlet connections. The leaks could also be from the relief valve or the tank itself. If left unattended, these water leaks cause mould growth, which is harmful to human and pet health.

Rusty Water

Once the water from the taps starts looking rusty, it may be time to get a new unit. The combination of water and metal eventually leads to corrosion, especially after exhaustion of the sacrificial anode. After the anode gets damaged, the other parts of the system will start to corrode. If you experience such issues when the water heater is still new, you can get expert plumbers to add a new zinc anode rod and have things back to normal. However, if the system is in its later years, replacing it might be the best solution.

Knocking Sounds

Knocking sounds from the hot water unit is mostly a result of sediment buildup on the unit's lower sections. Sediments, such as calcium particles, start settling in the unit after operating for a while. The continued buildup of these deposits forms a barrier between the water and the heating components and contributes to overheating. If you deal with the issue as soon as you start hearing the noises, an expert can save it by flushing the sediments out. However, if the heater has been making noises for a while, there may be severe damage to the unit.

Once you notice these signs, call expert plumbers to help you choose and install another unit. If you have any questions about hot water systems, reach out to a professional.