Most water heaters require routine maintenance to prevent breakdowns and keep hot water flowing through your pipes. But even if you’re diligent about these preventive measures, your water heater may still be in need of replacement if there are a few telltale signs that something is amiss. You can also call a plumber to diagnose your water heater and give you guidance on whether repair or replacement is the best option for you. Some of the most common issues that can lead to early water heater replacement include:
Water heater is leaking
Many homes have water heaters that are over 15 years old. These may start to leak or make a gurgling sound. A leaky water heater can cause a dangerous condition inside your home. A water heater that is leaking may not be a direct cause for a fire or explosion. The leaking water may be spilling onto electrical breakers; however, the electrical breakers may be the cause of a fire or explosion.
Unusual noises from water heater
It’s normal for a water heater to make some noise when it turns on or off. But if you notice a squeak, a clank, or a sudden vibration while your water heater is heating, it may need some maintenance or a new water heater. For example, if your water heater sounds like a jackhammer, is constantly knocking or bouncing, and if it has even gone a full day with no hot water, you need to bring it to a plumber for professional diagnosis and repairs.
Hot water smells bad
Has your hot water developed a musty smell? It could be due to one or more of the following reasons. The water heater is the most common culprit for the smell. If your hot water smells like rotten eggs it could have a chemical imbalance in the water heater. These are usually caused by the accumulation of minerals and gases in the water tank. When an accumulation begins to take place, the gases and minerals start to react with each other and cause an odor. The second common reason for a sour smelling hot water is a bacterial or mold infestation.
Water is not hot enough
If the temperature of the water is not hot enough, the problem could be with the thermostat on the water heater. The thing to keep in mind is that water heaters usually last around 10 years before they need serious repairs, and as they get older the performance can get worse and worse. In most cases there is nothing seriously wrong with the water heater, it just needs to be replaced before it fails.
Takes too long to heat water
Whenever you turn on your hot water heater, it takes a while before you get hot water. When you get cold water, the wait is even longer. While this may seem like a minor problem, it can cause bigger issues, such as your family experiencing water outages, or a water heater that no longer operates. The fact is, if your water heater takes too long to heat water, it may be a sign that you need a new one.
Water heater is older than 10 years
If you find that one of these issues is the reason your water heater needs replacing, then your water heater is probably at least 10 years old and in need of replacement. The average lifespan of a residential water heater is 15 to 20 years, but some models may last longer than that. If you are not sure if your water heater is going to outlive its lifespan, you can call a plumber to diagnose it for you.
