3 Signs You Need a New Water Heater
Blog #3
April 23, 2018
3 Signs You Need a New Water Heater
Your water heater is an appliance that can last for years, yet daily usage will take its toll and your water heater will eventually need to be replaced. Here are four indicators to watch out for so that you have plenty of time to repair or update your hot water system before a malfunction leaves you without hot water.
1. Age of Water Heater
If your water heater is approaching 10 years old, then you should consider getting it professionally inspected by a licensed plumber to determine if it needs replaced. If you’re not sure of its age, look for the manufacturer’s label on the upper part of the water heater. This label will feature the serial number for the unit and a date code for when it was made. Go to the manufacturer’s website to decode the serial number and determine the date your water heater was manufactured.
Older water heaters are less efficient and upgrading to a newer model, such as a hybrid or tankless water heater, can really help cut energy costs. Circulation pumps, mixing valves and timers can also help reduce water waste, as you’ll no longer have to keep the tap running constantly, waiting for the hot water to arrive.
2. Less Hot Water
Brrrr! Has your family been complaining about the hot water running out during showers or baths? A definite sign that your water heater is wearing out is when it starts producing less hot water or none at all. This issue could be caused by several factors. Over time, sediment can build up in the tank, reducing the volume of hot water available for your home. Another common problem is that the heating element or burner components start to fail and are unable to heat the water to the desired temperature. Either way, it’s time for a new water heater.
3. Leakage and Rust
Leakage and rust are two common signs that your water heater at the very end of its life. You do not want to get to the point of water leakage – this can result in disaster. If you turn on the hot water and it looks brownish-red (rust), or you find water pooling on the floor around the heater, then the inner tank seal of your water heater has failed.
It is always better to be proactive with your water heater so you are not without hot water for a day or two. Most people prefer to have time to consider their options for water heaters because it’s a major purchase. You can discuss the pros and cons of tankless, hybrid or traditional water heaters. It’s not as easy when you are trying to do this on a Tuesday evening when the sink is full of dirty dishes, there is a pile of soccer and baseball uniforms that need washed for the game tomorrow and all the kiddos need a bath.
If you have questions about your water heater, give me a call at (406) 855-7131.
Bill Manske
Owner and Master Plumber
Rimrock Plumbing
You install gas lines too?
Oh we just noticed this comment. Sorry, we are new to the blog thing. Yes, we install gas lines too! (I’m sure it’s too late now, but feel free to call me, Bill, at 855-7131 if you still need any gas lines. We work on those weekly and handle the process with the gas company too
It’s interesting to know that you need to consider if your water heater is approaching 10 years to decide if you need a new heater. My husband and I are moving to our new apartment and noticed that our heater is not working properly. I will let him know about your recommendations to decide if we need a new heater.
Our water heater is about 12 years old. I just noticed the other day that there is a bit of a leak that is on the floor underneath it. Since you wrote about water going onto the floor around the heater, then that is indicative that the tank is failing, I am very concerned. We will probably call a plumber and replace our water heater with a new installation at our earliest convenience.
Absolutely! Additionally, If you want an energy-efficient water heater, get either a tankless water heater, heat pump water heater, or solar-powered water heater.
Absolutely! Additionally, If you want an energy-efficient water heater, get either a tankless water heater, heat pump water heater, or solar-powered water heater.
Thank you for explaining that you should consider getting your water heater inspected if it’s almost ten years old. I think we’ve had our water heater for much longer than that and I was starting to wonder if we should get it replaced. It seems like it could be a good idea to at least get it checked out so we can see if it needs any repairs.
I agree! Water heaters have an average lifespan of 6 to 10 years. It’s a good idea to replace them before they break down, so you can prevent water damages in your home.
Great post! This will surely help people understand if they need to buy a new water heater or have their old repaired.
Great article! This is really nice to know especially if you don’t know anything about their water heater.
I’m glad you mentioned how water pooling around your water heater is a sign of failure. Yesterday, I noticed that there was a small puddle of water at the base of my water heater. I’ll have to look for a water heater that is of good quality and will last for many years to replace my old one.
Thanks so much for talking about signs to look for when you think your water heater needs repair. My water heater has begun to make odd noises and stop running randomly and I’m not sure why. I’ll have t look into calling down a professional to see if it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
I appreciate you helping me to understand that rust and leakage are signs that a water heater is reaching the end of its life. I would imagine that showering in hot water that is full of rust can be really bad for your hair and skin. Keeping your water heater in good shape seems like a good way to take care of your skin and hair.