With better insulation and heating technology, modern water heaters provide a reduction in monthly utility bills. Improved safety measures, such as better pressure relief systems and improved venting, are seen in new models. A plumbing contractor can install water heaters to provide better water quality by reducing corrosion and sediment buildup. Smart-enabled units have the ability to remotely control temperature and monitor usage. Here are signs you need a water heater upgrade:
1. Unit Age
Internal components such as heating elements or gas valves tend to wear after several years of service. Manufacturers of water heaters usually mark the manufacturing date on the serial number label of the unit. Energy-efficient features like improved insulation that the newer models have are not present in older models.
2. Rusty Water
If discolored water is coming from hot water taps, the internal tank corrosion may have contaminated your water supply. Rust particles may show up as reddish brown flecks or the water stream may be orange-brown throughout. Fluctuations in the pressure of water could stir rust residue and mix with the water, causing discoloration.
3. Strange Noises
Rumbling or popping noises from your water heater could indicate that you have a sediment buildup on the heating elements. As more sediment accumulates, the noise level increases and some units become quite disruptive during heating cycles. The heating elements will expand and contract and may cause the tank to shift slightly, resulting in knocking sounds. A plumbing contractor can recognize these sounds and identify the particular patterns of sounds that relate to different internal problems.
4. Water Leaks
Small puddles around the base of your water heater are signs of potential tank failure that could lead to extensive property damage. Secondary problems such as mold growth or wood rot in surrounding structural elements often result from moisture accumulation. Leaks tend to occur in certain connection points like inlet pipes, outlet pipes, and pressure relief valves. Water heater failures are regarded as preventable damage by insurance companies and they usually deny claims for neglecting maintenance issues.
5. Inconsistent Temperature
If you notice temperature fluctuations during showers or while running hot water taps, then the heating elements or thermostat could be failing. Temperature inconsistencies tend to worsen over time, with the variations becoming more frequent and pronounced as components continue degrading.
6. Decreased Hot Water
During high-demand situations, such as when successive showers or appliances are in use at once, households often see the capacity of hot water decline first. It usually takes place slowly over months or years as sediment accumulates. Deposits of several inches thick at the bottom of older units tend to reduce tank capacity. Washing machines, dishwashers, and other appliances with high hot water requirements may no longer work.
7. Rising Energy Bills
Unexplained increases in utility costs are an indication that your water heater is consuming more energy than it used to in order to reach the same performance level. Efficiency problems in deteriorating systems are exacerbated by seasonal factors such as colder incoming water temperatures during winter months. Current bills are compared to previous years’ statements and you may often see a pattern of increased energy consumption every year.
Working With a Plumbing Contractor
As units age, multiple problems tend to appear simultaneously, and performance degrades gradually rather than abruptly failing. Today’s water heaters have made leaps in efficiency, capacity, and features compared to units that were produced just a few years ago. When warning signs do appear, it is best to act quickly to keep your household’s hot water running reliably and to maximize long-term value. Reach out to a plumbing contractor to know the correct type of water heater to use.
Eagle Eyes 
AbdulBasit