Here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Andover, we’re proud to have the opportunity to provide our communities with the plumbing and water services you need to have a happy, healthy, and smoothly-functioning home.

With a crew of seasoned pros who know how to get the job done efficiently, correctly, and on-time every time, we invite you to find out why Ben Franklin is known as The Punctual Plumber.

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell whether or not your water heater is on its last legs. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a list of some red flags to watch out for to give you an idea of when to start looking for a newer model.

1. Your Unit Is Old

If your heater’s been around the block, you can find the precise age from the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker near the top. The first two numbers typically represent the year, though these stickers can vary. Check the manufacturer’s website for more information and start looking for a replacement if you find out your heater is older than 10 years.

2. The Water is Rusty

If your home’s hot water is rusty, your heater could be rusting from the inside, and may even begin leaking soon. To check if your hot water has rust, fill three or four 5-gallon containers. If rust comes from the hot water only, you most likely need a new water heater.

3. Rumbling Noises

Rumblings from your heater may point to sediment in your tank. As water heaters age, sediment builds up and eventually hardens on the bottoms of tanks, wasting energy and using a lot of your water heater’s capacity. The extra time required to heat water frequently leads to cracks.

4. Leaks

Metal expands as it heats, and water may leak from your tank in the event of even minute fractures. Leaks can damage your basement or utility closet — however, your heater’s inner tank will stop leaking as the metal cools down. Before you go out and replace your heater, make sure there aren’t other leaks issuing from the fittings or connections to the tank.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the pros by calling our crew today at (860) 421-9940.