Unfortunately, water heaters don’t have expiration dates written on them. So how do homeowners know when to get a new one? They replace it when they start having issues – which is why it’s so important to know what those issues are.

While the following are not hard and fast rules for judging when it is time to replace a water heater, they do help gauge the heater’s condition and lifespan:

• Leaks
• Failure to heat water
• Rusting, on the tank or in the water

One type of problem that can occur is corrosion. To avoid corrosion, the water tank should be taken care of to avoid rust appearing on any surface. Furthermore, you must ensure that an inspection is done yearly by a professionally trained technician to ensure that all parts are properly functioning. If something breaks down or begins to malfunction, repairs can potentially be expensive if not done by a professional.