One of the appliances in your home that you would expect to provide you with an extensive life expectancy is your water heater. Despite these gadgets being designed for longevity, they are not immune to damage. The laborious demands placed on hot water systems with daily usage coupled with the intense heat they produce will eventually lead to wear down the road. It is vital for homeowners to know how to discern that their hot water system is on the decline so that they can start preparing for a replacement. Otherwise, your heater will seemingly malfunction overnight, and this can cause a massive inconvenience to you and your loved ones. So when do you start seeking a replacement for your hot water system?

Brownish sludge has started to collect around it

One of the first telltale indicators of the impending failure of your hot water system is when a muddy substance begins to form at the bottom of the tank. This sludge almost always comes from your tank, and it would be a warning sign of corrosion. When the interior lining of your tank starts to rust, it is only a matter of time before the entire receptacle becomes compromised. Moreover, the water that is heated boiled inside the tank will also be affected and could turn colour.

This discolouration subsequently indicates that the water is not safe for consumption, as there will be rust particles floating inside it—not to mention the damage that it could cause to your hot water faucets. When you start to notice the brown slime, call a plumbing contractor to replace your tank at the earliest convenience.

Banging noises are coming from the tank

If you have had your water heater for a while, chances are you are accustomed to hearing strange sounds coming from it when it is in use. These noises usually stem from the changes in temperature that cause the metallic receptacle to expand and contact. Thus, they are typically not a cause for concern. However, when you notice a change in the type of noise that your tank is making, you may need to start considering a replacement.

Banging noises will begin when there is debris in the tank. This debris is usually in the form of calcified minerals that have hardened due to the continuous exposure to high heat. If the banging goes on unabated, considerable damage will be done to the receptacle, which leads to cracks and holes in your water tank.