Modern water heaters typically perform reliably for years with minimal maintenance. However, they don’t last forever. When your water heater approaches the end of its useful life, it may start showing signs of trouble. Catching them before a complete failure occurs can help prevent leaks, water damage, and a sudden loss of hot water. Here are seven common signs of impending water heater failure to watch for.
Why Water Heaters Fail Over Time
Water heaters suffer wear and tear like any other household appliance. They work at high temperatures and under pressure throughout their lives. That takes a toll on their major components and may lead to a sudden failure. The signs that one is about to happen include the following.
1. Your Water Heater Is Getting Old
The average storage tank water heater lasts between 12 and 15 years. If yours is within that age range, it’s wise to start considering a water heater replacement. If yours is older than that, you shouldn’t delay a replacement any longer. Older water heaters can suffer sharp declines in efficiency and may fail unexpectedly. You may also need a water heater replacement sooner if you’ve neglected maintenance.
2. You Keep Running Out of Hot Water
A properly sized storage tank water heater should meet your regular sustained demand for hot water. If yours suddenly isn’t, trouble may be on the horizon. An inability to keep up with demand could indicate excessive scale and sediment buildup or failing heating elements. Either way, you should consider installing a new water heater.
3. The Water Temperature Fluctuates
Your water heater has a thermostat that should help it maintain consistent hot water temperatures. That keeps your water heater efficient and prevents scalding. If your hot water temperature begins fluctuating, don’t ignore it. It could represent a safety issue or signal an impending water heater failure.
4. You Notice Rusty or Discolored Water
Storage tank water heaters have a sacrificial anode that protects the inside of the tank from corrosion. They have a stronger negative electrochemical potential than the tank’s metal. So, they corrode first, keeping the tank intact. If you spot rusty or discolored water coming from your water heater, however, there’s a problem. It often means that corrosion has started to eat away at the inside of the tank. Eventually, that’ll lead to a leak that may cause significant water damage. Rusty hot water almost always points to the need for a new water heater.
5. The Tank Is Leaking
If you spot any water leaks in or around your water heater tank, take action immediately. It could be the last warning you get before a major failure. There’s no way to repair a leaking water heater tank. Unless the leak is coming from around a fitting, you likely need a new water heater immediately. A professional provider of plumbing services can determine whether the leak is repairable or requires complete replacement.
6. The Water Heater Makes Rumbling or Popping Sounds
Ordinarily, your water heater should operate fairly silently. If you hear rumbling or popping noises coming from it, they’ll be hard to miss. Both sounds can indicate serious scale and sediment buildup. The sound results from water boiling beneath the sediment or from hard scale cracking due to heat and pressure. If you catch the problem early enough, flushing the tank may solve it. However, by the time the noises start, it’s often already too late, and you’ll need a new water heater.
7. Repairs Are Becoming More Frequent
Some storage tank water heaters can go most of their life without needing repairs. Minor repairs are often a cost-effective way to prolong a water heater’s lifespan, though. For example, replacing a temperature or pressure valve or a heating element may be worth it. However, if you find your water heater in need of repair more and more often, it’s a sign you need a new one. That’s especially true if your water heater needs any costly repairs to continue functioning.
Repair vs. Replacement: How to Decide
When you call us to diagnose a water heater problem, one of our plumbers will give you an honest recommendation. Any repair that would cost more than half the price of a new water heater is generally a poor investment. If your existing water heater isn’t meeting your hot water demand or efficiency needs, you should replace it. You will also need to replace a leaking water heater, as repair isn’t a viable option.
Tank vs. Tankless Replacement Options
When the time comes for a new water heater, there are two types to choose from. One is a standard storage tank water heater. They’re reliable, cost-effective, and readily available, which is why they’re the most common water heater in use today. They’re also large, relatively inefficient, and have limited hot water storage capacity.
You could instead choose a tankless water heater. They produce hot water on demand whenever you need it. As a result, you can use hot water continuously for as long as you wish. With no need to store preheated water, tankless models take up very little space and mount to a wall. Tankless water heaters can also last for 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
The main drawback to a tankless water heater is its cost. You can expect to pay two to three times as much for one relative to a comparable storage tank. Tankless water heaters also have flow rate limitations. While you can use hot water continuously with one, there’s a limit to the total volume it can produce. Using hot water in multiple locations at once can be problematic unless you purchase an oversized unit.
Why Professional Installation Matters
While it may seem that installing a water heater is a straightforward task, it’s essential to leave the work to a professional plumber. Only a professional can ensure a safe and reliable water heater installation. They’ll have the skills to handle electrical, gas, and plumbing connections properly. They’ll also ensure proper venting of your new water heater so it doesn’t pose a risk to those in your home.
A plumber will understand local building codes to ensure compliance. They’ll secure the right permits so you don’t run afoul of local regulations. A professional installation is the best way to get the most out of your water heater investment. Improper installation can harm your new water heater’s efficiency, performance, and longevity. A qualified plumber can also ensure you get the right-sized water heater for your needs.
Your Local Water Heater Experts
If you’re seeing signs that point to a need for a new water heater, like age, leaks, rusty water, inconsistent temperatures, strange noises, and frequent repairs, act fast. Schedule an inspection by one of our plumbers immediately, and they’ll let you know if you need a replacement.
Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned and -operated company that has served local homeowners since 1959. We sell and install water heaters from today’s top manufacturers. Our experienced and licensed plumbers are among the finest in the industry. We’re so confident in their work that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We also offer financing options on approved credit to make a water heater replacement as affordable as possible.
Contact Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical for a prompt and professional water heater replacement in Medina, OH, today.
