The water heater in your home plays an integral role in your day-to-day life, supplying you with hot water for bathing, dish washing, and laundry chores. This particular blog post from Buie Brothers Plumbing of Mint Hill, North Carolina, will guide you through detecting the many warning signs indicating that your water heater may be in need of repair or replacement.
What is the common lifespan of a water heater?
Most traditional, tanked water heaters have a lifespan ranging between eight to 12 years, while tankless variants can last even longer. If your water heater has been in use for over eight years, it may be time to consider a replacement. The longevity of a water heater depends on several factors, including:
- The brand and model of the water heater
- Unit’s quality
- Regular maintenance sessions
What might cause a hot water heater to stop working?
Your water heater’s age is not the sole deciding factor for its replacement. Other factors causing a water heater malfunction include:
- Accumulation of sediment
- Rusting and corrosion
- Loose fittings
- Excessive pressure
Water heaters contain magnesium anode rods to avert rust and corrosion. However, once the rod becomes ineffective, corrosion may affect the metallic parts of the heater, causing potential leaks. This is another thing to watch for as your water heater rises in age.
What are some signs that your water heater might need to be replaced?
Regular checks by Buie Brothers Plumbing can ensure your water heater is functioning optimally. However, if you are noticing any of the below signs, you may need to consider replacement:
- Unusual sounds from the water heater. Odd noises from your water heater hint at its impending failure. These could range from popping and banging to rumbling sounds, typically caused by sediment accumulation, leading to overheating.
- Inconsistent or reduced water temperature. Inconsistent or lower water temperatures signify a malfunctioning water heater. It is advisable to get such irregularities checked promptly, as they may point towards a larger issue.
- Low water pressure. Inconsistent water pressure might be a result of accumulated sediment, affecting its functioning.
- Unusual color or noticeable rust in the water. If your water appears rusty or discolored, the anode rod in your water tank responsible for resisting internal corrosion might be failing, leading to rust in the tank.
- Quick drainage of hot water in a tanked heater. Running out of hot water quickly could mean that your water heater is on the verge of failing, as it loses its ability to effectively heat water.
- Leaky water heater. Water heaters are designed to be airtight hence any visible leakage shouldn’t be ignored. Leaks can cause significant home damage, so regular checks for leakage are crucial.
- Regular repairs. Frequent repairs indicate that it might be more economical to replace your water heater than repair it.
- Increasing age of the water heater. The likelihood of sediment accumulation increases with the age of your water heater, leading to reduced efficiency and potential failure.
- Increased energy bills. Accumulated sediment can affect the efficiency of your heater, resulting in higher energy bills overall. Regular maintenance can help extend its lifespan and efficiency, and any spike in one’s utility bills might be an indication that a problem is occurring.
- Strange-smelling water. Odd-smelling water may be due to bacteria growing inside the tank. Regular draining and treatment can usually solve this issue. If not, it might be time for a replacement.
Who can I reach to learn more about water heater repair and replacement?
If you are a resident of the Mint Hill, North Carolina, area and want to speak to a professional about the replacement of your old water heater due to signs of failure, we invite you to call us at (980) 451-5627 or complete this form to have us evaluate your current heater and talk to you about your options for repair and replacement.