Most homeowners have no clue when their water heater is about to malfunction – but, there are warning signs to look for, if you want to avoid unnecessary damage to your water heater.

Don’t panic! Here are some of the major warning signs that your water heater is about to fail:

Your water heater is more than 10 years old. If your water heater has been around for 10 years or more, it’s probably time to go ahead and find a replacement. 10 years is the typical shelf life of most water heaters, no matter the model. Even if your water heater has been in a leak-free zone for most of its life, it’s best not to take chances and simply invest in a new unit!

You hear unfamiliar noises coming your water heater. Uh, it’s never a good sign if you begin hearing strange sounds coming from your water heater! When this happens, it’s often because harmful sediment has built up on the bottom of your heater’s tank – an excess of sediment means that your water heater won’t run as efficiently, which can contribute to an early demise for your unit (no matter its age).

You notice moisture or water buildup around your water heater. Any amount of moisture that you notice around your water heater may mean that you’ve got a leak on your hands. As the metal in your unit heats up, it expands – and even the slightest leak will lead to potentially disastrous consequences for your unit.

Contact Northern's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® Today

If you have concerns about your water heater, it’s time to call in the professionals! Here at Northern's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, we’re well-versed on all aspects of heating and air conditioning – we’re happy to offer our assistance. Call us today at (763) 284-8639.