What are the signs that its time to replace my hot water heater?
There is no tried and true way to know precisely when a whiter heater will need to be replaced. Obviously a leak in the body of the heater requires a immediate replacement. If there is a major malfunction, such as a complete loss of hot water, leaking form the tank, or appearance of corrosion, and the unit is over 8 yrs old replacement may be preferred over repair if the repair is possible. All of the active parts and most of the plumbing parts are designed to be replaced. The main obstacle is corrosion. A water heater corrodes more quickly than other plumbing fixtures due to the higher temperatures. So, like a conscientious Boy Scout, be prepared for th possibility of replacement even when the repair seams simple and straightforward, thats the rule of plumbing.
