Your water heater is how you have warm and hot water to do things around your home. Even the simplest of tasks such as washing your hands with warm water requires the assistance of your water heater. Without the water heater, your clothes will be washed in cold water, your hands will be washed in cold water, and your showers are going to be cold as well. If you have a hot water heater, you may not know when you should invest in a new appliance, or when you should spend money on repairs. Read on for signs that you should get a new one.

Your Water Heater Is Older Than 12 Years

If your water heater is older than 12 years old, you should probably start looking for a new water heater. A water heater's life expectancy is between 8-12 years, so if yours is getting up there in years, it's time to start thinking about a new one. An older water heater may not work as efficiently, and it may be starting to wear out. You also may wake up one morning looking forward to that warm shower, only to find cold water coming out of your pipes. Before you end up with a cold-shower day, you should invest in a new system.

Your Water Heater Is Needing More Repairs

If you've already had your water heater repaired or have had multiple issues with it, it may be time to start looking at getting a new one. Although the repairs may have been minor, it's only a matter of time before those minor repairs start to really add up and investing in a new unit may be a more cost-effective solution.

Your Water Is Taking Longer To Heat Up

If your older unit is starting to take longer and longer to get warm water through your faucet, it's a sign that it's time for a new unit. Older units can accumulate with minerals at the bottom of the tank, which sometimes can be cleaned out, but if the heating element is too worn-out, cleaning out the minerals isn't going to do you much good.

If you aren't sure if you need a new water heater, you should consult a professional. When it's time for a new one, have one installed by a professional contractor to ensure the work is done correctly. Water heaters help give you hot water on demand. Don't end up in the cold; get a new unit.