A broken water heater is never a fun experience. The tank might not be broken, but we all have experienced those moments when it feels like the water from your faucet has been boiling for hours. It’s frustrating, inconvenient, and can even be dangerous if you are depending on this water for cleaning or bathing purposes. But we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be this way. With a little bit of maintenance and care, your water heater can last for decades even with frequent use. However, with so many different brands and models out there, it’s important to know what signs to look for when trying to determine if your water heater is in need of repair or replacement.

What are some signs that your water heater is not working properly?

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then it might be time to get your water heater checked out. Below we have listed some of the common problems that water heaters face.

  • If the water coming out of your faucets is brown or orange, it could indicate that there is an issue with your water chemistry. This could be a sign of a problem with your water softeners, chemicals in your water, or even a bad pipe leading to your water heater. You should have your water tested to make sure that it’s safe to drink.

  • If your water flows very slowly, this could indicate that there is a problem with your water heater. The water needs to be hot enough for the flow of water to push it through the pipes. If there is a blockage, it could cause the water to back up into your home.

  • If the water coming out of your faucets is discolored or has an unpleasant taste, it could indicate that the water has been exposed to bacteria or minerals. This is usually the result of chemicals being added to the water, so you should have your water tested to make sure that it’s safe to drink.

How long do electric water heaters last?

Electric water heaters typically last from 10 to 15 years, depending on the size of the unit, the amount of water being heated, and where the unit is located. If you live in a small building or a house, it’s important to know that a water heater may not be able to keep up with water demand. This can cause your water to turn off and on throughout the day, which could affect your bills.

How long does an electric water heater spend in each stage?

Electric water heaters typically cycle through the following stages throughout a day:

  • Warm-up – The water heater begins to warm up when the thermostat activates the heating element. In this stage, the water coming out of the faucets is cold and may not be able to flow through the pipes. The water heater will continue to heat until the water reaches the desired temperature.

  • Hot tank – Once the water is hot enough, the water heater will switch to the hot tank. In this stage, the water is still clean and safe to drink, though it has lost some of its heating power. The water heater will continue to cycle through the hot tank until the water is shut off due to reaching the maximum temperature.

  • Rinse cycle – This is when the water is between the hot tank and the cold tank. If the water is not yet hot, the flow of water will be reduced until it is hot enough to flow. This is also when the water filter is activated. Once the water has reached the temperature of the cold tank, the water heater will change over to the cold tank.

Washing machine

Washing machines are notorious for breaking down, causing thousands of people to call in repair technicians every year. The two main causes of this breakdown are improper use and wear and tear.Improper use – If you are washing laundry on a cold setting, it causes extreme stress on the washing machine. This is why it is important to use the correct water temperature to avoid damage to the machine. Washing machines will also have issues if they are overloaded or running with the lid left open. Washing machines need to run at a specific speed to avoid damaging the machine.Wear and tear – As the washer is used over time, there are many components that could be wearing down. The most common culprits are the motor, hoses, and bearings. These parts need to be replaced periodically as they are worn.

Conclusion

Water is essential for survival, but it can also be a very inconvenient and costly substance. Luckily, with the right tools and knowledge, a water heater can be maintained and repaired to last a lifetime. There are many different types of water heaters on the market today, so it is important to know which one is best for your home. Once you have chosen the right water heater, you can enjoy hot water all year long!

Frequently Asked Question

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.
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.
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.
  • 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
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.
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.)
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.
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.
  • 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.
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.