Top 5 Warning Signs Your Water Heater Needs Replacing Now

All good things must come to an end eventually, including water heaters. Out of all the appliances in your home, the water heater is likely to be forgotten—until something goes wrong, and you no longer have hot water.

Today’s water heaters are generally built to last between 10 to 15 years. It’s a good idea to know the signs of a failing water heater if yours is getting up there in age. Here are five things to look for that indicate it’s time for a new water heater:

1. Inconsistent or No Hot Water

The most obvious sign that your water heater might need replacing is a lack of hot water. It might be cold or warm, but not hot. Not having hot water alone may not be cause for alarm. It could just mean that your unit lost power, or its pilot light went out. Your water heater’s thermostat could also be broken. However, barring those issues, it could just be that your water heater no longer works properly, and the cost of fixing it will be greater than replacing it.

2. Signs of Rust

Visually inspect your water heater at least once a year. If you see signs of rust on the outside, there’s a good chance the storage tank is wearing out. Address it soon, as a rusted water heater can leak and eventually flood. A rusty water heater is rarely salvageable. Similarly, if the water coming out of your tap is red or brown, the water heater is likely rusting from the inside.

3. Strange or Unexpected Noises

Water heaters are generally quiet, even when they’re running. So, if it makes any unusual sounds, there’s likely a larger problem. These include knocking, pinging, or whistling. These noises are often caused by sediment buildup, which sometimes traps air and forces it to rise and pop inside the heater’s tank when it’s in use.

4. Lots of Leaks

Another clear sign that your water heater has passed its prime is if it regularly leaks. However, a leak isn’t always an indication it needs to be replaced. It could just be a faulty valve or gasket. In this case, it’s best to get your water heater checked by a professional residential plumber who can identify the issue and recommend an appropriate course of action.

5. Too Many Repairs

When it comes to water heaters, there’s such a thing as throwing good money after bad. Many of the issues described above can have short-term fixes. But when it all adds up in terms of cost, you might find that it’s more cost-effective to simply replace the unit altogether.

If you think it’s time to replace your hot water heater, give us a call. We’re happy to come out and assess any issues you may be having, as well as make a recommendation for a replacement unit if that’s an appropriate solution.

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