Six signs it is time to replace your Boston hot water heater

Is your aging hot water heater in your Boston home past its prime and leaving your family without enough hot water? 

As tanks get older, they become less efficient and are prone to unexpected breakdowns. 

Knowing when to replace your old unit can help prevent an unexpected and inconvenient breakdown.

The affiliated contractors of Plumbers 911 Boston are a phone call away from helping you replace your aging or failing hot water tank with a new, efficient unit. 

Here are six signs that may indicate it is time to replace your Boston home’s hot water heater:

1. Frequent repairs

If your hot water heater frequently stops working and needs repairs, then replacing it may be more cost-effective than continuing to apply band-aid fixes. 

Old tanks tend to develop leaks, pilot light problems, broken parts, retain sediment and develop other issues. Multiple recent repairs likely indicate an aging, failing unit.

2. Excessive rust and corrosion

Check the bottom and sides of your tank for rust spots or buildup. Some surface rust can be expected, but heavy corrosion signifies your tank is wearing down. 

Excessive rust can lead to leaks or even tank failure. Replacing a severely rusted hot water heater can prevent extensive water damage due to a leak.

3. Strange Noises

Older hot water heaters often make gurgling, rumbling or popping noises as sediment accumulates inside. These strange sounds mean your tank is clogged and operating inefficiently. The sediment buildup accelerates wear and tear. Consider replacing your unit if you hear unusual noises.

4. High Energy Bills

Hot water heaters lose efficiency as they age, which drives up energy bills. 

If your monthly bills seem excessively high, no matter your hot water usage, your aging tank is likely the culprit. Upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model will save money over time.

5. Long Recovery Time

Does your hot water take a long time to come back after showers or running the dishwasher? Oftentimes, older tanks struggle to meet household demand. 

Frequently running out of hot water means your hot water tank lacks adequate capacity. A properly sized replacement will provide all the hot water your home requires.

Age – At least 10 years old

While some last longer, most residential hot water heaters work effectively for eight to 12 years. 

However, once the tank hits 10 years, it is operating on borrowed time. 

Even without other obvious signs, replacing a decade-old hot water tank will ensure you avoid unexpected breakdowns. 

We recommend that once your tank turns 8 years old to start saving for a replacement unit. This way, you will be ready to hire a plumbing contractor to remove the old tank and install a new one when the time is right.

Trust the experts at Plumbers 911 Boston for hot water heater replacement

If your Boston home’s hot water heater shows any of these warning signs, replacing the tank may be in order. Installing a new, higher-efficiency tank will prevent leaks, breakdowns and other issues – plus it will save money on your energy bill.

If the work is not performed correctly, attempting to install a new hot water tank yourself could create safety issues and code violations. Instead, let the licensed pros at Plumbers 911 Boston handle your hot water heater replacement.

Plumbers 911 is a referral service affiliated with the best local, licensed, bonded and insured plumbing contractors in Boston. They employ highly qualified plumbers who receive over 10,000 hours of training and undergo rigorous background checks.

Do not wait for your hot water tank to quit and leave you without hot water or a flooded basement. Contact Plumbers 911 Boston today to schedule an appointment and get your Boston home’s failing hot water heater replaced promptly. Give them a call now to get started!