A water heater can be one of the most important appliances in your home. It is used to provide hot water for bathing, washing dishes, and other household chores. However, just like any other appliance, it can wear out over time. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it may need maintenance to keep it running efficiently. If you suspect that your water heater needs repairs or needs to be replaced because it won’t produce enough heat or keep the water hot enough, it’s time to call in the experts. Knowing the signs that your water heater needs maintenance will help you determine if it is time to get it fixed or if it’s time to replace it with a more efficient model.

Lack of hot water

If you always seem to run out of hot water, there are a couple of reasons why this may be happening. If your natural gas has been cut off, it will take longer for your water heater to heat up the water. If your water pressure is low, it will also take longer for the hot water to reach the faucets in your home. If you have a water softener in your home, it may also result in less hot water. So if you’re running out of hot water, the first thing you should do is check to see if your water pressure and water softeners are turned off. If your hot water tank is old, it may also take longer for the water to heat up. If the water has been sitting in the tank for too long, it will take longer to reach the desired temperature.

Rusty smell

If you ever smell a strong rotten egg smell coming from your water heater, it’s a good idea to call in a plumber. This is because the smell is caused by the bacteria that feeds on the minerals in your water. Over time, this can create enough bacteria to make the water toxic to drink. If you notice a strong ammonia smell, this is another sign that your water heater may be leaking or needs repairs. This smell is caused by ammonia that is released by rotting organic matter and is toxic to humans when it is at high levels. If this smell is coming from your water, you should flush out your water heater and turn off the cold water supply.

Hot water at the end of the day

If you turn on the hot water in the morning and it’s still hot at night, your water heater may be old and may need to be replaced. If the water is cold, it could mean that your water pressure is too low or your pipes are frozen. If the water is not as hot as usual, it could mean that the burner is broken or the temperature sensor is not working properly. If you notice that the water in your home is not as hot as usual, it’s a good idea to call in the experts to check out what is going on with your water heater.

Dropping water level

If your water level is dropping, this could mean that your water tank is leaking. If you have an older model, it may be time to replace it with a new one. If you have a newer model, you may be able to fix this issue by turning down the temperature. If you have an older water softening system, it may also be leaking. This can be a problem if you have rainwater that is getting mixed with the water that you use to water your garden.

A sudden drop in efficiency

If you notice that your water heater isn’t as efficient as it used to be, it may be time to replace it. If the water doesn’t get as hot as it used to, it could mean that the tank is leaking or the burner is broken. If you notice that your water has a strange smell, this could mean that the tank is leaking. If you have installed a water softening system, it may also be leaking. This can be a problem if you have rainwater that is getting mixed with the water that you use to water your garden.

Noise when it’s on but not when it is off

If you hear a loud hissing or bubbling sound when your water heater is on but not when it is off, it could be an indication that there is a leak in the pipes or in the water heater tank. If this happens and you don’t notice, it could lead to an explosion in your home. If you are hearing this sound, you should shut off the water immediately and call a plumber. This could be a sign that the water heater is failing and needs to be replaced.

If you’ve read through this article and noticed that your water heater is not working as well as it used to, now may be the time to call in a plumber. Keep in mind that not all water heaters break down at the same time. Some break down after 10 years while others may last for 20 or 30 years. If your water heater has been working well for a long time, it’s a good idea to make sure that it is still safe to continue using it.

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.