From dish cleaning to hot baths and cooking, the availability of hot water is important, which makes a functional hot water system a necessity in every home. However, your hot water system has an expiry date –– you have to replace it sooner or later. Thankfully, most hot water systems don't fail overnight. 

When your system is living on borrowed time, you will notice the following signs that tell you when you need a replacement unit. 

Leaking Hot Water Tank

A leaky appliance is never a good thing because it can cause indoor flooding, which in turn leads to extensive water damage. An unmistakable sign of a leaky system is water puddles around your unit or visible leaks along the structure.

A hot water tank fractures over time as it heats and cools repeatedly. As a result, leaks can develop along the lines of weakness. Loose pipe fittings, a defective pressure relief valve and high water pressure may also cause leaks.

Leaks that spring from valves or loose pipes are easy to fix. However, you can't fix leaks that originate from the tank itself. You'll need to budget for a replacement unit. When you spot leaks from your system, turn off your water heater and the water valve that feeds the tank. Contact your plumber to get a lasting solution for your leak problem.

Rusty Water

If you see rust or brown-coloured water coming out of your hot water taps in your bathroom, kitchen sink or shower, a new hot water system should be in your cards. Rust is a sure-fire sign that your system's internal components are corroded.

Although steel is a strong material, the metal can rust and eventually develop cracks. You'll likely see discolored water coming from your faucets if there's rust inside the tank. The water might also have a strong metallic smell or taste as a result.

Weird Noises from Your System

Ignoring weird noises emanating from your heating system is a recipe for disaster. As your heating unit ages, rumbling and banging noises get louder. In most cases, sediment build-up inside your tank might be to blame for the noises. The buildup is common in homes that use hard water in their hot water systems. 

If you fail to flush your system, the sediment can corrode the heating elements and build a layer (scale) that makes it hard for your water to function efficiently. This situation also accelerates hot water tank damage, which ultimately results in uncontrolled leaks. When these issues occur, you might have no choice but to replace your water heater.

Do you notice any of the above signs with your hot water system? If so, you should replace your hot water system with an efficient unit, like a tankless water heater. Enlist the help of a professional plumber to install the replacement unit to avoid premature system failure. 

For more information on plumbing, contact a professional near you.