What are some signs that my water heater needs maintenance?

Every home needs a reliable and efficient water heater to maintain a consistent temperature for hot water. While that is the ideal, not everyone has that in their home. For those who don’t, it’s important to know when your water heater needs to be replaced. Fortunately, there are a few signs that will alert you when it’s time to replace your water heater. Knowing these signs will help you avoid more extensive repairs in the future. If you have concerns about the condition of your water heater, it’s best to call for professional assistance so you don’t risk further damage and cost. Here are some signs that might indicate your water heater needs replacing sooner rather than later.- Dirt and rust buildup- If your water heater has not been used for weeks or even months, it is possible for the inside of the tank to become caked in dirt and rust. As the buildup thickens, it can cause the temperature of the water to rise much slower than normal.- Temperature fluctuations- If you notice a sudden change in the temperature of hot water, it might be an indication that your water heater is on the verge of failing.- Excessive noise- If your water heater is making loud screeching or banging noises when it cycles on or off, it could be a sign that it is about to fail.- Deteriorating materials- If you can see signs of rust or discoloration on your water heater’s materials, it could be time for a replacement.- Loud bubbling sounds- If you notice loud bubbling sounds coming from your water heater, it might be a sign of a gas leak.- When in doubt, replace! A faulty water heater can cause major damage to your home’s plumbing system and pose serious health risks to anyone living there.- If you notice any of these signs in your water heater, don’t wait to call a technician.-

Water is no longer hot or cold

Water that is no longer hot or cold is a clear sign that your water heater is about to fail and needs replacement as soon as possible. If water is only warm, it can be corrected by turning up the thermostat or adding more water to the tank if there is an adjustable one available. If water is only cool, it can be corrected by turning down the thermostat or removing a water filter if there is one installed in the home. If both hot and cold water are not working, it is likely that your water heater has a faulty heating element or broken thermocouple.

Water is coming out of the faucet in a constant stream

If you are trying to use hot water and the faucet keeps running cold water, it could be a sign that the water in your home is above the recommended temperature. This could be caused by a faulty water heater, a leaking pipe, or a faulty water softener. If you are using cold water and the faucet keeps running warm water, it could be a sign that the water in your home is below the recommended temperature. This could be caused by a faulty water heater, a leaking pipe, or an airlock that has formed due to scale buildup. In either case, it is important to call a technician to repair the problem as soon as possible.

Water is discolored or smells like sewage

This is a sign that your water is contaminated and should be treated as such. If the water coming out of your faucets is brown or black in color and smells like sewage, it is a sure sign that your water has been contaminated. This is a serious health hazard, and the only way to fix it is to replace the water pipes that lead into your house.

Your water bill is increasing at an alarming rate

The only way that your water bill can increase at such a rapid rate is if you are using more water than normal. This could be the result of a faulty water heater, a broken pipe, or a faulty water softener. If you are using more water than normal, it is important to turn off the taps, shut off the water main, and call a technician to fix the problem.

It is leaking and causing damage to other parts of the house

There are a few signs that will indicate your water heater is leaking and causing damage to your home. If you are hearing water running constantly, it could be a sign that the tank is leaking. If there is a large amount of condensation on your walls, it could be a sign that the tank is leaking and the condensation is coming from the tank. If you are noticing large amounts of rust or algae growing on the inside of your water heater, it is a sign that the tank is leaking and the water has been contaminated.

Conclusion

Water heaters are an important part of every home and should be kept in good repair at all times. If you notice that yours is starting to fail, it is important to get it replaced immediately before it causes more damage and an increase in your water bill. There are a few signs that will alert you when your water heater needs replacing, but in the end, it is best to call for professional assistance when in doubt.

Frequently Asked Question

​Can I install a hot water heater myself?
While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
​Why is installing a water heater so expensive?
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
​What is done when replacing a hot water heater?
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
When is the best time for a new water heater?
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
Should I set my water heater to very hot?
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
Does turning up the temp. make hot water last long
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
What shortens the life of a water heater?
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Regular water heater maintenance will always extend its lifespan.
​What is the average cost for a new water heater?
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
Why does my hot water only last 10 minutes?
  • You're overusing hot water.
  • The water heater tank size is too small for your household.
  • Your hot water heater is tankless.
  • Sediment or minerals have built up in your water heating system.
Does a water softener harm a water heater?
Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.