Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Repaired or Replaced

A water heater is an essential appliance in any home. It provides a steady hot water supply for bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Most homes have a central water heater connected to the home’s plumbing system. The water heater consists of a storage tank and a heating element. The tank is filled with cold water, and the heating element warms the water to the desired temperature.

The average lifespan of a water heater is about ten years. However, this can vary depending on the quality of the unit and the amount of use it receives. With proper maintenance, a water heater can last closer to 15 years. How do you know when it’s time to repair or replace your water heater? Please keep reading to learn about six possible signs it might be time to call in the professionals.

6 Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Repaired or Replaced

1. There’s a strange noise coming from the water heater

If you notice a strange noise coming from your water heater, it could be a sign that it’s starting to fail. The most common type of noise is a loud banging or knocking sound. This is caused by sediment build-up inside the tank.

When the water heats up, the sediment expands and causes the tank to make noise. Sediment can also cause the heating elements to wear out prematurely. If you hear a noise coming from your water heater, it’s best to call a local plumber to take a look.

2. You notice water leaking

If you see water leaking from the tank or around the unit’s base, shut off the power and water supply immediately. Then, call a plumber to take a look. Water heater pressure relief valves are designed to release pressure from the tank when it gets too high. If the valve is faulty, it can cause the tank to burst or leak.

Another possible cause of leaking is a cracked tank. While this is not as common, it can happen if the water heater is old or damaged. If you have a cracked tank, it will need to be replaced.

Call a plumber immediately if you see any water leaking from your water heater. The service techs can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.

3. The water is not hot enough

If you notice that the water coming from your water heater is not as hot as it used to be, this could signify a problem. There are several possible causes of this issue. One possibility is that the heating element has burned out and needs to be replaced. Another possibility is that the thermostat is not set correctly. If the thermostat is set too low, it will not heat the water to the desired temperature.

A qualified plumbing technician can adjust thermostats to help improve the performance of your water heater and make it more energy-efficient.

If you have an electric water heater, another potential cause of this issue is a tripped circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker is tripped, it will not allow electricity to flow to the water heater. Resetting the breaker should fix the problem. If it trips again, a more severe issue with the water heater may need to be addressed by a professional.

4. Your bills have increased significantly

If you’ve noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills, it could be due to your water heater. Water heaters are one of the most significant sources of energy consumption in most homes. If yours is not working correctly, it can cause your energy bills to skyrocket.

There are several possible causes of this issue. One possibility is that the heating element has burned out and needs to be replaced. Another possibility is that the thermostat is not set properly. If the thermostat is set too high, it will use more energy to heat the water to the desired temperature.

If you notice a sudden increase in energy bills, it’s best to call a plumber to check it out.

5. Rusty water

If you notice that the water from your tap is rusty, it could be a sign of a problem with your water heater. Rust can cause severe damage to your water heater and other plumbing fixtures. If you have a steel tank water heater, rust can cause the tank to leak. If you have an aluminum tank water heater, rust can cause the tank to rupture.

In most cases, rust is caused by corrosion. Corrosion can be caused by several factors, including the water itself, the type of tank, and the age of the tank. If the problem is not addressed, it can cause severe damage to your home.

There are several ways to prevent rust from forming in your water heater. One way is to install a water softener. This will remove minerals from the water that can cause corrosion. Another way is to have the tank professionally cleaned and inspected regularly. This will remove any build-up of rust and help prevent it from happening in the future.

6. Age of the water heater

If your water heater is more than 10-15 years old, it’s time to start thinking about replacing it. Water heaters have a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced. If you wait too long, you could face costly consequences. Older water heaters are more likely to develop leaks or other problems that can cause damage to your home.

If you have an older water heater, it’s a good idea to call a plumber to take a look. They will be able to tell you if it’s time to replace the unit. In most cases, it’s best to replace the entire unit rather than try to repair it.

Titan Plumbing Water Heater Repair & Replacement Services

Repairing or replacing your water heater is a big job, but it’s essential to do it right. Make sure you hire a qualified professional to repair or install a new unit.

Titan Plumbing’s expert technicians are licensed, bonded, and insured professionals that can handle any of your water heater needs – whether it be maintenance, installation, repair, or even replacement.

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