A water heater that receives regular maintenance and prompt repairs can last several years without any issues. However, even with top-notch servicing, all good things must come to an end. If you have had the same water heater working for you since you moved into your current home, know you will need to replace it at some point. However, for most homeowners determining when to replace a water heater can be a challenge, especially when the unit doesn’t stop working altogether. The licensed plumbers at Clarksburg Plumbing provide the following seven signs it is time for water heater replacement.

Loss of hot water volume

If you notice your hot water heater no longer meets your shower demands, it may be time for a replacement rather than a repair. Lukewarm showers in the morning when this wasn’t the case before may be a sign of a broken heating element. Hot shower water should be set between 120 to 140 degrees, and if you find the “hot” water isn’t hot enough, call a professional. A licensed plumber will diagnose the problem and suggest the next steps, which will likely be to go for a water heater replacement.

Inconsistent water temperatures

If you are enjoying a hot stream of water that suddenly turns ice before being hot again, your heater has a significant issue. This problem is usually caused by a broken gas thermocouple or broken heating element, depending on whether your heater is powered by gas or electricity. A professional plumber can diagnose the problem and recommend a suitable water heater replacement.

Rising energy bills

If you notice a sharp rise in heating energy usage, investing in a new heater can prevent such costs. How a water heater heats the water determines the overall energy efficiency. If the heater takes too long to warm up the water to the level required, it will surely send your energy bills skyrocketing. Choose a new water heater replacement to save on costs.

Signs of wear and rust

Signs of wear and rust in your unit are indicative of major issues that can only be addressed by a water heater replacement. With time minerals in the water react with the tank’s metal parts causing the interior to corrode and form rust. Rust can also happen after the anode rod fails. Discolored water coming from faucets and visible rust on the bottom of the tank could be evidence of a more complicated problem. A rusted heater should be replaced immediately to avoid risks of potentially deadly combustion gases such as carbon monoxide.

Leaking

Leaks are a sign your unit is failing. If you see water dripping from the tank or pooling under the heater, it is possible the tank itself is fractured. With time as the metal warms, it expands and causes the tank to crack and leak. Unexplained pools from dripping water could be extremely dangerous. Call a professional to diagnose the problem and help rectify it or install a new unit.

Lower water pressure

If you are experiencing low water pressure, it could be a sign of sediment buildup. This issue can also be due to hard water that clogs systems fast and prevents water’s seamless flow into the faucet. Significant low water pressure from the taps is a sign of massive buildup in your hot water heater and connections. It is also one of the signs your hot water heater is going out. If the problem persists despite regular maintenance, you may need a new water heater replacement.

Strange noise

It is not entirely uncommon for water heaters to make a certain amount of noise when running. However, there are some noises that water heaters produce that indicate severe issues. Specifically, the ticking noise could be caused by a sudden change in water pressure due to worn-out insulation or broken valves. A high-pitched screeching or whistling sound is usually caused by loose valves letting air out of the tank. Any unusual noise that your unit produces should be a reason for concern. Have an expert check the cause of the issue and advice on appropriate steps, including choosing a water heater replacement.

Increased repairs needed

If you are always calling your plumber to work on your water heater, consider replacing the unit. The cost of regular service visits can quickly add up to eat into your home or business budget. Water heaters that keep malfunctioning may mean the unit is nearing the point of being beyond repair. Instead of paying for costly repairs, a better investment will be to opt for a new water heater replacement.

Malfunctioning parts

An adequately maintained water heater can last for years without any issues. However, some parts may occasionally start to fail with time. Depending on which parts of your system fail, replacing the entire unit may be advisable rather than doing temporary repairs. Call a trained professional to look at your unit and advise on the best solution.

An extended lifespan

Different water heaters have diverse life spans. However, most water heaters have a lifespan of approximately 10 years. No matter the model, water heaters will only reach their maximum lifespan if well maintained. If your heater is over 10 years old, consider replacing it, especially if you notice any of the signs of trouble discussed above. If you are unsure how old your water heater is, check the serial number. The manufacturing date is usually on a sticker on top of the unit. If the date isn’t there, feed the serial number into the company’s website for accurate information.

Contact Clarksburg Plumbing for Quality Plumbing Solutions

For most homeowners and business leaders, a water heater is something you hardly think about until something goes wrong. However, a malfunctioning water heater can be a source of discomfort, inconvenience, and injuries. Bad water heaters can also result in high energy and repair costs. If you have noticed any of the above issues with your unit, choose a water heater replacement over standard repairs.

If you are experiencing water heater trouble, Clarksburg Plumbing is the company to call in Rockville and the surrounding areas. Our experienced and licensed plumbers can diagnose various plumbing issues and recommend a lasting solution. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

Photo By Maria Sergeevna at Shutterstock