Stashed away in the back of a closet or a corner of the basement, water heaters are unsung heroes. Homeowners often take water heaters for granted until a steamy shower turns frigid. Stay ahead of water heater repairs and replacements with these 7 signs that your home’s water heater needs replacing.
1. Lifespan
How long a water heater lasts varies with the average being 10 years. It will only reach its life span if it has been well-maintained. Not sure how old yours is? There’s an easy way to check on most water heaters. Look on the upper half of the tank for the manufacturer’s sticker. The date is formatted in a series of numbers after a letter. The letter indicates the month and the next two numbers represent the year. For example, C1800000 is March 2018.
2. Low Hot Water Supply
If the water from your kitchen and bathroom faucets runs cold or at room temperature, your water heater may have a malfunctioning or broken heating element. Daily tasks like laundry, doing dishes, and showering will become almost impossible. Whether you need a repair or a replacement will depend on the water heater’s age. If it’s less than 5 years old, a licensed professional can replace the heating element. It’s recommended to replace it if it’s older than 8.
3. Cloudy or Rusty Water
If you notice that your water looks cloudy or rusty, the heating element in your water heater isn’t working properly. The cloudy water is the result of rust or sediment that accumulated in the tank. Avoid drinking or cooking with it. You will need a professional to check the heating element and flush the tank.
4. Leaks
Age is a common cause of leaks, and you may begin noticing them if your water heater is 10 years old or older. After so long, the water heater goes through thousands of heating cycles. Over time, all that hot water causes enlargement of the internal metal parts. The leaks will only occur when you’re using the hot water. A professional can advise you on the best course of action.
5. Water Tastes or Smells Bad
Your sense of taste or smell can help tell you when your water heater needs replacing. A bad odor may indicate a deteriorating tank. A metallic taste is caused by corrosion. These chemicals and metals are unsafe to consume. Smelly, bad-tasting water is a sure sign that it’s time to replace your water heater.
6. Odd Noises
If your typically silent water heater starts making odd noises like cracking, popping, and hissing, it can indicate several problems from leaks to a heating element that is about to burn out. Call a professional to determine if your water heater needs replacing.
7. A Spike in Energy Bills
If the heating element in your water heater is wearing out, you may notice a significant increase in your energy bills. The water heater must use more energy to heat the water. Consider replacing your water heater with a tankless model that only heats water as needed.
