Does your water heater look like a rusty bucket? Maybe it doesn’t look so bad, but it has been around since The Great Depression. In all seriousness, there are certain signs you need to be on the lookout for so that you know when it’s time to replace your old water heater.

The first thing you’re going to want to know is the age of your system. You may not know what year the water heater was installed, and in that case, you can take a look at the serial number. That will tell you what you need to know.

While you need to take into account other factors besides the age of your water heater, the 10 year rule does apply. After 10 years, the experts recommend that you consider replacing your traditional tank water heater, especially if there are other warning signs. However, water heating systems can last longer than 10 years.

A tankless system lasts about twice as long as a traditional water heater. That being said, you can look at your options for replacement after you determine if you need to take action. What signs should you be on the lookout for besides the age of your water heating system?

Rusty water is always one of the signs that your water heater might need to be replaced. Yet you don’t want to jump to conclusions. The rusty water could be because of your pipes. A test can be performed, and then you will know. One thing about rust is that it can cause a water heater to eventually leak.

You’re not going to want to wait for it to start leaking before you purchase a replacement. And if the water heater is leaking already, then you know it’s time to start picking out a new one. Older water heating systems and boilers also are known to make noise. If yours is making noise, then that’s just another reason why it might be time for a new system.

It could be that there is quite a lot of sediment built up inside the tank. This sediment can be damaging to your water heater, and it can also make it much less efficient. Once your old tank heating system is in this kind of shape, it goes downhill fast.

You are familiar with some of the major warning signs now. If any of this advice seems familiar to you regarding the water heater you have in your home, perhaps an upgrade is in order. Remember that you do have tankless systems as an option. They are a little more expensive, but you get what you pay for.

There are other individual warning signs that you might want to know. Start with the age of your water heater, and work your way from there. What problems have you noticed? If you’re not sure whether or not it needs to be replaced, the professionals can take a look. Maybe repairs are in order for now, but sooner or later, a replacement will be necessary.