7 Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Repaired or Replaced

Homeowners often wish their appliances could talk to them about how they are feeling.

Why is my garbage disposal groaning like it has an upset stomach? What does it mean when my washing machine sounds like a helicopter landing in my laundry room? And why is my hot water heater more temperamental than an overtired toddler?

A malfunctioning water heater can disrupt your daily routine and cause major inconveniences. However, before you resign yourself to lukewarm hand washing and cold showers, there might be a solution!

This article will guide you through the telltale signs of a failing water heater, helping you identify potential problems and determine if a repair or replacement is necessary.

The Importance of a Properly Functioning Water Heater

A well-maintained water heater is essential for a comfortable and hygienic home environment.

It provides hot water for showers, baths, dishwashing, laundry, and other household tasks.

A failing water heater can not only disrupt your daily routine but also lead to higher energy bills and potential water damage.

Let's explore seven signs that indicate your water heater might need some attention.

Sign No. 1: Age of Your Water Heater

The average lifespan of a water heater is typically between 8 and 12 years with a wider range of 6 to 15 years.

 Knowing the age of your unit is crucial in determining its potential need for repair or replacement. Here's how to find that information:

• Look for a date tag: Most water heaters have a date tag affixed to the unit itself. This tag usually indicates the month and year of manufacture.
• Check your owner's manual: If you still have the owner's manual for your water heater, it might mention the installation date.
• Consult your service records: If you've had your water heater serviced previously, the service records might indicate the installation date.

If your water heater is approaching or has surpassed the 10-year mark, be extra vigilant for any signs of trouble. Remember, the actual lifespan of your water heater can depend on several factors, including:

• Maintenance
• Size and location
• Water quality
• Usage

Sign No. 2: Rusty Water

Discolored water coming out of your taps is a clear indication of a potential problem with your water heater.

Here's why it may be happening:

• Corroded water heater tank: Over time, the interior tank of your water heater can corrode due to hard water or improper maintenance. This corrosion can cause rust particles to flake off and mix with your hot water supply.
• Rusted pipes: Rusting pipes leading to your water heater can also contaminate your hot water with rusting particles.

Rusty water can not only stain fixtures but also pose health concerns, especially for individuals with respiratory problems.

Steps to Take if You Notice Rusty Water:

• Stop using the hot water: Turn off the hot water supply at the main valve to prevent further contamination.
• Flush your water heater: A qualified plumber can flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup that might be contributing to corrosion.
• Consider water filtration: If the source of the rust is from your incoming water supply, consider installing a water filtration system to address the issue.

Sign No. 3: Strange Noises

A properly functioning water heater should operate quietly. If you hear unusual noises coming from your unit, it might be a sign of trouble:

• Rumbling or popping sounds: These noises can indicate sediment buildup at the bottom of the water heater tank. Sediment can reduce efficiency and cause the heating element to work harder, leading to rumbling or popping sounds.
• Crackling or hissing sounds: These noises could be caused by condensation or minor leaks around the water heater tank or pipes.
• Banging or knocking sounds: Loose heating elements, pipes, or a malfunctioning pressure relief valve can cause banging or knocking sounds.

Ignoring strange noises from your water heater can lead to more serious problems down the line.

Sign No. 4: Leaks

A water heater leak is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Common areas for leaks include:

• The tank itself: Cracks or corrosion in the tank can cause leaks. A leaking tank is a sign of a failing unit and needs to be replaced.
• Pressure relief valve: The pressure relief valve is a safety feature that releases pressure buildup in the tank. A faulty pressure relief valve can leak, and a qualified plumber should inspect it.
• Drain valve: A malfunctioning drain valve can also leak. This valve is typically used for flushing the water heater tank.
• Inlet and outlet connections: Leaks can also occur where the water pipes connect to the water heater.

Water heater leaks can lead to several problems:

• Water damage to your home: Leaking water can damage floors, walls, and ceilings, leading to expensive repairs.
• Mold growth: Moisture from leaks can create a breeding ground for mold growth, which can pose health risks.
• Increased energy bills: A leaking water heater might be struggling to maintain water temperature, leading to increased energy consumption.

Sign No. 5: Inconsistent Water Temperature

Fluctuations in your hot water supply can be frustrating and indicate a problem with your water heater.

Here are some potential causes:

• Faulty thermostat: The thermostat regulates the water temperature inside the water heater tank. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause the water to be too hot, not hot enough, or fluctuate in temperature.
• Broken heating element: The heating element is responsible for raising the water temperature. If it's broken, your water heater won't be able to heat the water properly.
• Sediment buildup: As mentioned earlier, sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank can reduce efficiency and lead to inconsistent water temperature.

Maintaining consistent water temperature is essential for comfort and safety, especially to prevent scalding.

Sign No. 6: Insufficient Hot Water

Running out of hot water quickly can be a major inconvenience. Here's why it might be happening:

• Undersized water heater: If your water heater is too small for your household's needs, it might not be able to keep up with hot water demands, especially during peak usage times.
• Faulty heating element: As with inconsistent water temperature, a broken heating element can significantly reduce the water heater's ability to heat water, leading to a shortage of hot water.
• Sediment buildup: Excessive sediment buildup can reduce the tank's capacity to hold hot water, leading to a quicker depletion of the available hot water supply.

If you consistently run out of hot water, consider replacing your unit with a larger water heater. Consult a qualified plumber to determine the appropriate size for your household's needs.

Sign No. 7: Higher Energy Bills

A sudden increase in your energy bills might be a sign of an inefficient water heater. Here's why:

• Failing heating elements: A faulty heating element might have to work harder to maintain water temperature, leading to increased energy consumption.
• Poor insulation: Over time, the insulation around your water heater tank can deteriorate, causing heat loss and forcing the unit to work harder to maintain temperature.
• Sediment buildup: As discussed previously, sediment buildup can reduce efficiency and make your water heater work harder to heat water, leading to higher energy bills.

Regularly monitoring your energy bills can help you identify potential problems with your water heater early on.

Traditional vs. Tankless Water Heaters

There are two main types of water heaters: traditional tank heaters and tankless water heaters.

Here's a brief overview of the signs of failure for each type:

Traditional Water Heaters:

• Leaks from the tank
• Rusty water
• Inconsistent hot water supply
• Strange noises
• Difficulty maintaining desired water temperature

Tankless Water Heaters:

• Error codes displayed on the unit
• Reduced hot water flow rate
• Inconsistent water temperature
• Mineral buildup affecting performance (depending on water hardness)

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Traditional water heaters offer a lower initial cost but require more space and have standby energy loss.

Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient and provide hot water on demand, but they have a higher upfront cost and might require modifications to your plumbing system.

If you're looking for a more energy-efficient option and have the budget for a higher upfront cost, a tankless water heater might be a good choice. Consult a qualified plumber to determine if your home's plumbing is suitable for a tankless system.

Pilot Plumbing Can Diagnose Your Water Heater Problems

A properly functioning water heater is essential for a comfortable and efficient home. By being aware of the signs of a failing water heater, such as rusty water, strange noises, leaks, inconsistent water temperature, and insufficient hot water, you can address potential problems before they escalate.

Remember, regular maintenance and prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of your water heater and save you money in the long run.

If you notice any of these signs with your water heater, don't hesitate to contact Pilot Plumbing in North Houston and Greater Montgomery County. Our experienced technicians can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action, whether it's a repair or a replacement.