When a water heater breaks down, it becomes obvious how much we rely on having hot water to do laundry, wash dishes, and bathe. In some cases, the water heater may just need a minor repair to resolve the issue that is preventing it from working properly. However, these relatively small problems may be an indication that the water heater is approaching the end of its life.
If you don’t start planning for the replacement of the water heater when issues occur, you run the risk of the appliance breaking down entirely. When that happens unexpectedly, you could be without hot water for days or possibly weeks until you can have a professional replace the old unit with a new water heater. Avoid any unwanted surprises by learning how to recognize these signs it’s time to replace your water heater.
1. The Water Heater Is Reaching the End of Its Lifespan
The first sign to look for when deciding whether to replace or repair the water heater is the age of the appliance. On average, a tank-style water heater will last between either to 12 years before it starts to fail, while a tankless water heater can typically last up to 20 years as long as it is properly maintained.
If your water is reaching the end of this average lifespan, then it may be most cost-effective to invest in an upgrade instead of paying for costly repairs that will continue to stack up as the water heater begins to break down. Always keep the age of the unit in mind when any problems occur, so you can make the best decision for the home and your wallet.
2. Insufficient Hot Water for the Home
The entire purpose of a water heater is to heat up incoming water and distribute it to the various faucets, showers, tubs, and water-using appliances throughout the home—so, if there is a sudden drop in the amount of hot water that the water heater produces, it’s often an indication that there is a problem with the unit.
You can troubleshoot the issue to determine if the lack of hot water is due to a malfunctioning thermostat, sediment buildup, or a failing heating element, but if the water heater has had numerous problems in the past or it’s reaching a decade of age, then we recommend investing in a new water heater.
3. Increased Energy Bills
New water heaters operate at a high efficient level, allowing them to heat up the water with a minimal amount of electricity or gas, depending on whether you have an electric or gas unit. However, as the water heater ages, the efficiency of the appliance starts to decrease.
At first, this drop in efficiency levels is difficult to detect, but the longer you use the same water heater, the more you will notice an increase in the cost of your energy bills. When the cost to use the water heater gets too high, it’s a good idea to start budgeting to replace the old unit with a newer, more energy-efficient model to help reduce your spending.
4. Rusty or Discolored Hot Water
Clean water enters the water heater, is heated up, then distributed throughout the home. Generally, the water coming from the water heater should be clean and ready for use, so if you notice that the hot water is rusty or discolored, but the cold water is still clean, then this indicates there is a problem with the water heater.
In some cases, you may just need to flush the tank or replace the anode rod to resolve the problem, but if the inside of the tank is corroded, then these fixes won’t have much effect on the color and condition of the water. Additionally, heavy corrosion inside the tank can lead to leaks or flooding, so it’s a clear sign to invest in a replacement for the old water heater.
5. Inconsistent Water Temperature
Water heaters have a built-in thermostat that you can set to a desired temperature. The appliance will heat the water to the set level, ensuring that the water comes out at a consistent temperature. While a tank-style water heater may run out of readily available hot water after a long period of use, resulting in lukewarm or even cold water, the temperature of the water is usually consistent as long as you don’t use up the entire tank at once.
However, if the water temperature seems to be inconsistent, even without using a large amount of hot water, then this could indicate that there is an issue, like sediment buildup or aging components. You may be able to repair the problem, but inconsistent water temperature should be seen as a sign that the water heater is starting to fail, so it’s a good idea to start saving for an upgrade as soon as possible.
6. Strange Noises
Usually a water heater is relatively quiet, so if you notice that your water heater has started to make odd sounds, like rumbling, popping, or banging, then this is typically an indication that something is wrong with the unit.
Some of these noises point to a buildup of sediment in the base of the water heater, which can often be resolved by flushing the tank, but if the problem persists, then you may need to call in a repair professional. Depending on the age of the water heater, it may be more cost-effective to budget for a replacement, instead of paying to repair the old appliance.
7. Visible Leaks from the Water Heater
A water heater is a common component of any residential plumbing system, and like other water-using appliances, it’s designed to prevent leaks. That means, if you spot a visible leak coming from the water heater, you will need to troubleshoot the issue to determine the cause.
The leak may be due to a loose connection that simply needs to be tightened, or an old valve that needs to be replaced, but if you find that the leaks if coming from the tank or body of the water heater, then this is much more serious issues that should be addressed immediately. To avoid the risk of a flood, you should close the valve on the incoming water supply, then drain the tank before hiring a plumber to replace the old water heater with a new unit.
8. Decreased Water Pressure
The water pressure coming from the hot and cold faucets should be similar, so if you notice a distinct difference in the water pressure coming from the hot water line, this is a sign that the water heater is in need of repair. Excess sediment in the water heater can slow the flow of water, reducing the water pressure to the hot water faucets, showerheads, and water-using appliances.
DIYers with a basic understanding of plumbing systems may be able to fix the problem by flushing the water tank to get rid of any loose sediment, but if the buildup is extremely severe, it may require professional attention or may even necessitate replacing the water heater.
9. Rust or Corrosion on the Exterior of the Water Heater
Tank-style water heaters typically have an anode rod on the inside of the tank that is intended to reduce corrosion and help to prevent rusting. This rod can be replaced at regular intervals to keep the tank protected, but if you neglect the anode rod, then the inside of the tank can begin to corrode, leading to leaks.
However, the inside of the tank isn’t the only part that requires attention. If you notice that there is rust or signs of corrosion on the pipes, valves, or exterior of the water heater, this is a sign that the unit is deteriorating and that you should start budgeting for a replacement water heater for the home.
10. Frequent Water Heater Repairs
Generally, a new water heater will not require repairs, but the older the unit gets, the more likely it is that the parts of the appliance will begin to breakdown, forcing you to either make repairs on your own or to hire a repair professional to fix the issues. With regular maintenance, the number of repairs should be minimal. If you notice that you are having to fix the water heater frequently, this is a sign that the unit is beginning fail.
Before paying for additional repairs just to keep the appliance going, it’s important to consider the age of the water heater. If the appliance is reaching the end of the average lifespan for a water heater, then it’s more cost-effective to invest in a replacement for the old, worn out appliance, than it is to continue paying for costly repairs.
