How do you know when a hot water heater needs to be replaced

Learn the warning signs of a water heater on the fritz—and what to do about it

Table of Contents Show

1. Taps or Knocking Sounds
2. Not Enough Hot Water
3. Temperature Fluctuations
5. Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Water
6. It’s More Than 10 Years Old
Things to Consider When Replacing Your Water Heater
5 signs you need a new water heater
1. Your older water heater is getting up there in age
2. It’s making strange noises
3. You’re getting rusty water out of the tap
4. Your hot water doesn’t last as long as it used to
5. There are water puddles around the unit
Call Reimer for new water heater here in Buffalo and Western New York
What are signs that your hot water heater is going out?
How often should a hot water heater be changed?
Should I replace my 20 year old water heater?
What is the life expectancy of a hot water heater?

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Sometimes a lagging water heater is simply the result of too many hot showers or back-to-back loads of laundry. However, there are some instances where it needs a fix so your water heater keeps giving you hot water on-demand. Let’s walk through six signs your water heater is about to fail and how you can keep it from happening.

Note: Water heaters can be dangerous if not approached properly. If you attempt to diagnose or repair a gas water heater yourself, extinguish the pilot light, and for an electric unit, unplug it or flip the circuit breaker. Wear goggles and protective gloves, too.

1. Taps or Knocking Sounds

If you hear tapping or knocking sounds coming from your water heater, there’s a good chance you have sediment buildup, which could create tiny tears in the metal that ultimately cause leaks that send your hot water heater to appliance heaven. Luckily, there’s a chance you can save your appliance by draining it. And thankfully, draining a hot water heater is easier than you think. Or, calling a professional will run you about $100 and might be totally worth it if you aren’t comfortable with DIY-ing the project on your own.

2. Not Enough Hot Water

Are you and your family drawing straws for showers and baths because there’s never enough hot water on demand? If you have a growing family or have added a bathroom, maybe your current hot water isn’t actually meeting your needs and it’s time for a larger unit .Water heater sizes are based on the gallons of water they hold and demand. In general, a 30-gallon capacity is fine for one person; two people manage nicely on a 40-gallon capacity, and a 50-gallon capacity water heater means no more staggering showers for larger families. Explore the option of upgrading to a water heater unit that not only serves your current needs but can last for years to come.

3. Temperature Fluctuations

Your hot water heater’s thermostat should stay where you program it, but sometimes they cool off too much. In some cases, it’s simply a matter of having a pro replace the thermostat or heating element for $150 to $200. How can you test it? Adjust the thermostat and use a marker or piece of tape to make a small mark. It’s possible the thermostat is unstable and changes slightly on its own.

4. Leaks

A leaking water heater needs immediate attention. Best case, it could be that one of the connectors, pipes, or screws just needs a little tightening. Some condensation gathered around the bottom of the unit can be OK depending on the humidity level where you live, but clearly visible puddles or active leaking means it’s time to call a plumbing professional to determine if it’s a water tank issue or a connection issue.

5. Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Water

Washing dishes, your hair, or your dog is far from fun if your water stinks like rotten eggs or looks dirty. This likely means rust and bacteria are not being eliminated by the built-in anode rod. Before you make that call to a professional, however, make sure the foulness is actually coming from your water heater unit and not the actual water supply to your home. Run a clear glass of cold water next to a clear glass of hot water. If the cold water runs clear from the tap, it’s a water supply issue. But, if the glass of hot water is murky, it’s a water heater issue. Try draining the tank first. If that’s unsuccessful, you’ll need the anode rod replaced by a pro.

6. It’s More Than 10 Years Old

You may love your historic home but if your water heater is just as historic (as in double digits years), you may have to replace it, especially if it’s exhibiting one or more of the issues above. Thankfully, the range of newer models are far more durable and energy efficient. Many utility companies have programs that offer discounts on purchasing, installation, and rebates.

Things to Consider When Replacing Your Water Heater

If you’re considering purchasing a new water heater, factor in the following:

Your family’s usage in terms of the amount and frequency of showers, baths, dishes, and laundry.
Your budget—the average cost to replace a water heater is $1,200.
Your trusted plumbing professional can help you figure out the best water heater unit for your needs.
Any rebates or incentives from your local power or water utility.

There are certain telltale signs that indicate that it’s time to replace your water heater. You just have to know what to look for. In this blog, we’ll run through the five signs that you need a new water heater, and when you need to call in the professionals at Reimer.

5 signs you need a new water heater

For most of the time, your water heater just works, without incident. So, how do you know when it’s time for a new system? Let’s run through the 5 signs that you need a new heater—and when you need to call Reimer.

1. Your older water heater is getting up there in age

Most standard water heaters last about a decade before they need to be replaced. You may squeeze a few more years out of your system, but past the 10-year mark, you need to at least consider buying a replacement water heater.

If you’re unsure how old your water heater is, check the serial number. This is most likely on a sticker on top of the unit. If you can’t find a date, plug that serial number into the manufacturer’s website for more information.

2. It’s making strange noises

A water heater makes strange noises as it gets older. Over time, sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank. When the water is heated, the sediments harden. As a result, you can hear banging or rumbling noises from inside the heater.

This is a sign that you need to get a new hot water heater, as its nearing the end of its operational lifespan.

3. You’re getting rusty water out of the tap

Another sign that you need to replace your water heater is rusty water. Water, plus metal, will eventually equal corrosion, especially after the sacrificial anode rod is exhausted. After that point, the water will likely pick up the corrosion, leading to rust.

If this is happening early in the system’s life, you can have the team of plumbers here at Reimer add a new zinc anode rod to the water heater. However, late in the system’s life, it’s probably more cost-effective and easier to just replace the entire unit.

4. Your hot water doesn’t last as long as it used to

Insufficient hot water is yet another sign that you need to buy a water heater. Not only do water heaters get worse at heating water as they age, but they also lose capacity due to that sediment buildup we mentioned earlier.

Lack of hot water is a clear sign that your heater is failing and needs to be replaced. If hot water supply is an issue in your home, you may want to consider the benefits of a tankless water heater, which can provide your family with an endless supply of hot water.

5. There are water puddles around the unit

If you see water leaks around the water heater, there might be a leak in the tank that needs to be dealt with—immediately. Slight fractures develop over time as the metal tank expands and contracts with heat, over and over again. However, when it fractures, you’re at serious risk of a tank burst, and it’s time to call in the professionals at Reimer.

Call Reimer for new water heater here in Buffalo and Western New York

If you’re experiencing water heater trouble, Reimer is the company to call here in Buffalo and Western New York. Our experienced and licensed plumbers can resolve all kinds of plumbing issues. We also repair and install new water heater units. Contact us today!

What are signs that your hot water heater is going out?

Warning Signs of Water Heater Failure.

Aging. Unfortunately, household appliances are built to last forever. ... .

Leaking. Every homeowner fears water damage, for good reason. ... .

Delivering Rusty or Cloudy Water. ... .

Hot Water Shortage. ... .

Varying Water Temperature. ... .

Making Strange Noises. ... .

Requiring Expensive Repairs..

How often should a hot water heater be changed?

Water Heater Lifespan If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years. Check your water heater's warranty for the most accurate timelines.

Should I replace my 20 year old water heater?

A professional can sometimes repair these issues, but if your water heater is older, you'll need replacement. For example, a 20-year-old water heater is nearing the end of its service life and will need to be replaced even if repairs are possible.

What is the life expectancy of a hot water heater?

While the typical water heater has a lifespan of about 10 years, careful consideration of the factors that pertain to its lifespan can provide the InterNACHI home inspector and the homeowner with information about the potential costs that would be incurred by replacing the water heater.