Having a working water heater at home is important. Like most appliances, a water heater requires a maintenance routine to ensure that it is still working properly. Here are signs to look for that may indicate it is time to replace your water heater:

Age: A water heater has its own life expectancy and will usually not work after that period. Water heaters usually last for 8-10 years and gas heaters have an even shorter life expectancy of 6-8 years. Check the manufacturing date on your water heater manual to see if your heater is near the end of its life.

Rust: Since water heaters are made of steel, rusting can take place. You can tell if this is happening if the water that comes out of a faucet is rusty. The problem is being able to tell whether the rust is in the heater or the pipe. You should also look for rust spots near inlets and valves. If the rusting is in the tank, you will have to replace it.

Noise: As a heater gets old, it can become noisy, which is an indication of sediment build-up. Flushing will normally drain the sediment. But if the problem persists, it indicates a deeper problem that you will need a plumber to check out.

Inadequate heating: If your heater is not producing hot water, this is a common sign that something is wrong. The first step is to rule out other possibilities like an undersized tank, a broken heating element, or a malfunctioning thermostat. You may have to call an expert who can check your water heater Miami for any leaks or other issues.