How old is it?
Look at the label on the tank. The serial number often encodes the manufacture date, and the manufacturer's website can decode it. A tank near or past 10 years is worth planning for, even if it still works.
Signs it's time
- Water pooling around the base or a leak from the tank itself
- Rusty or discolored hot water
- Popping, rumbling or banging, which usually means sediment buildup
- Running out of hot water faster than you used to
- Corrosion on the fittings or the tank
Hard water and sediment
Minerals in hard water settle at the bottom of the tank. That layer makes the heater work harder and can cause noise and early failure. Flushing the tank once a year removes much of it. A plumber can also check the anode rod, which protects the tank from corrosion.
Replace before it fails
Water heaters in DFW are often in garages and attics. A tank that fails in an attic can cause serious water damage below. If yours is older and in the attic, it is worth replacing on your schedule rather than waiting for a leak. Replacements usually need a city permit, which a licensed plumber should pull.