Your water heater is a vital component of your home. It supplies you with hot water for bathing, dishwashing, and laundry. Water heaters are very complicated, but they are essential to our daily lives. So, what do you do if you suspect your water heater is failing? In this blog post, we’ll go over ten symptoms that will help you determine whether your water heater requires repair or replacement.
What is the lifespan of a water heater?
Water heaters typically last eight to twelve years, with tankless systems lasting even longer. If your water heater is more than eight years old, it may be time to consider a replacement. A few factors influence the lifespan of a water heater:
- Water heater type
- Unit quality
- Regular maintenance
What Makes a Hot Water Heater Stop Working?
Age is not the only element that influences whether or not your water heater should be changed. Here are some of the reasons your hot water heater stops working:
- Sediment buildup.
- Rust and corrosion.
- Loose fitment.
- Too much pressure.
Water heaters include magnesium-style anode rods that are designed to prevent rust and corrosion. However, if the anode fails, rust will begin to damage various metallic components within the heater, and the entire device may begin to leak.
Signs a Water Heater is Going Bad
To maintain your hot water heater running smoothly, check its functionality on a regular basis. Here are some warning indications that your hot water heater is failing:
- The water heater makes strange noises.
A water heater making odd noises could indicate that the unit is about to fail. These sounds could include popping, pounding, or even rumbling. Sediment buildup on the tank’s bottom is typically the source of hot water heater noise. When this occurs, the machine may overheat and ultimately fail.
- Reduced or varying water temperature.
If you find that the water temperature from your hot water heater is not as steady as it once was, or if the water temperature is considerably lower, it could be an indication that the unit is failing. Temperature irregularities should be investigated as soon as possible because they may indicate a much larger problem.
- Low water pressure.
Good water pressure from your cold water faucets but poor pressure from your hot water taps may indicate sediment buildup in your hot water heater. Over time, silt will accumulate in the tank’s bottom, causing a variety of issues.
- Discolored or rusted water.
If you discover that your hot water is turning yellow, discolored, or rusty, it means that the anode rod in your water heater tank is starting to fail. The anode rod is crucial for keeping the tank’s inside from corrosion, therefore if it fails, the tank would begin to corrode.
- Hot water shortage.
Running out of hot water more quickly than usual is an indication that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. When water heaters begin to fail, they frequently lose their ability to effectively heat water, resulting in shorter showers and less hot water overall.
- Water Heater Leaks.
If you find your water heater is leaking, it’s time to replace it. Water heaters are supposed to be airtight, therefore any leaking indicates that something has gone wrong. Leaking water heaters can cause considerable damage to your property, so check the heater and valves for leaks on a regular basis. If your hot water heater is leaking, turn it off immediately and get a professional to inspect it.
- Frequent repairs.
Frequent water heater repairs are a good indication that it is time to replace it. With each repair, there is the possibility of new problems developing or existing problems worsening. If you find yourself having to make regular hot water heater repairs, replacing your water heater may be a better long-term investment.
- Age of the Hot Water Heater.
As previously indicated, the average lifespan of a water heater is between 8 and 12 years. If your water heater is approaching or has reached this age, it may be time for a replacement. If any sediment accumulates in the tank, it will eventually settle at the bottom. This produces a variety of issues, including decreased efficiency and ultimately water heater failure. The good news is that regular maintenance will help your water heater last longer.
- Higher energy bills.
Sediment buildup in your water heater reduces its energy efficiency with age. Minerals in water cause sediment in hot water heaters. Over time, these minerals will sink to the bottom of the tank and accumulate, making it difficult for heat to move evenly throughout. This can cause your water heater to function less efficiently than before.
If you see increasing energy bills, it could mean that your water heater isn’t as efficient as it once was. To extend the life of your water heater, drain it every six months to remove debris.
- Water smells odd.
If your water smells weird, it’s mainly due to bacteria developing in the tank. Bacteria love the warm, damp atmosphere of a water heater, especially if the temperature is kept below 120 degrees. Corrosion and rust can also produce bacteria. Bacteria may usually be removed by draining and treating the water. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the water heater.
While most of the indicators that your water heater is failing are more of a nuisance than anything else, one sign, as mentioned above, could indicate a major problem: unusual odors coming from your water.
If your water smells strange or has a rotten egg odor, it is likely due to sulfate-reducing bacteria developing in the tank. These germs can make you ill. Maintaining your water heater’s temperature is critical for preventing bacteria growth. Older water heaters struggle to maintain a hot enough temperature to destroy bacteria, which is
why updating an older water heater can be such an important factor in your family’s health.
5 Risks of Using an Older Hot Water Heater
When something goes wrong with your water heater, it might lead to additional concerns.
- Mold Growth from Leaks
If your water heater leaks, mold might grow. This is because mold requires two crucial components to grow: water and moisture. Mold not only poses a major health danger, but it can also damage your home’s structure. If you see evidence of a leak, such as water on the floor surrounding your water heater or pooling near the base of your unit, repair it right once to avoid mold from forming.
- Nesting Critters
An older water heater may also become a nesting site for pests. Small animals prefer the warmth of a water heater and will frequently nest near it. This is especially likely if your unit is outside or in an open area that is exposed to the elements.
Rats and mice can inflict a wide range of damage, including eating through cables and insulation. This not only damages your water heater, but also poses a fire risk. To avoid this, keep the area around your water heater clean and debris-free. If you observe gnawing and nesting damage, it’s time to start looking for a replacement water heater.
- Electrical Shortages and Outages
As an electrical water heater matures, you may experience more power interruptions and shortages. This is because the heating element in an electric water heater might short circuit with age. This can cause a circuit breaker to trip or a fuse to blow.
- Blocked Valves
Older water heaters may struggle to sustain water pressure because their valves are failing. Over time, dirt and minerals can accumulate in the valves, leading them to get clogged. This can result in a reduction in water pressure or possibly a complete loss of hot water.
- Overheating
If your water heater begins to overheat, it may be a sign that it is failing. This could be due to a buildup of silt in the tank or hard water on the heating element. Because the burners must work harder to bring the water to the right temperature, they remain on longer, resulting in high temperatures. This can cause major complications, such as skin burns from too hot water and even fires.
Should I replace my water heater before it fails?
It depends on whether you prefer regular hot water or not. If you ignore the warning indications of a failing hot water heater and wait until it breaks down, you could be without hot water for several days.
Preparing before an emergency occurs will save you money and inconvenience in the long term. It can also protect your home from damage. A faulty hot water heater could spill 50 gallons or more of water into your home or garage.
Advantages of A New Hot Water Heater
While hot water heaters are not particularly sophisticated, improved technologies can save you money. New hot water heaters are more energy efficient, resulting in lower energy bills. They also last longer, and some versions come with warranties of up to 12 years.
Tankless water heaters are also an excellent choice. These water heaters do not have a tank and only heat water as needed, resulting in a longer lifespan. They are extremely energy efficient, but may be more expensive than a standard hot water heater.
If you are concerned that your water heater is failing, you should always a professional.
There are many aspects to consider when replacing your water heater, and ABT is here to help. Remember that regular maintenance can extend the life of your water heater, and we can often service it the same day you call for an appointment.