While cold plunges and baths are trending, hot water in a home is a must. From doing necessary chores like dishes to taking a relaxing hot shower, a working water heater is essential.
However, it can be a cumbersome and costly replacement project for homeowners to consider. So, if you’re experiencing unusual water heater symptoms, an obvious leak, or have an older water heater showing signs of age…this is the place to start.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top signs your water heater needs to be replaced. Keep reading to learn all about replacing water heaters, the reasons why you shouldn’t ignore specific symptoms, and who to call to complete a water heater replacement.
The Top Signs You Need a Water Heater Replacement
Without further ado, let’s get into what you’re here for. Here are the top 10 signs a water heater replacement may be necessary.
Age
Water heaters typically have a lifespan of 8-12 years. As your unit approaches or surpasses this age range, it’s wise to start planning for a replacement. Even if it’s still functioning, an older unit is more prone to sudden failures and is likely less efficient than newer models. Regular maintenance can extend its life, but eventually, replacement becomes necessary to ensure a reliable hot water supply and energy efficiency.
Rusty water
If you notice reddish-brown water coming from your hot water taps, it could indicate that your water heater’s internal tank is rusting. This is a serious issue as it suggests the protective lining inside the tank has deteriorated, allowing corrosion to occur. Once rust starts forming inside the tank, it’s usually more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than attempt repairs. Rusty water can also stain clothes and fixtures, so prompt action is crucial.
Strange noises
Rumbling, popping, or crackling sounds coming from your water heater are often signs of sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. Over time, minerals from hard water accumulate and harden, creating a layer that reduces heating efficiency and can cause damage. These sounds occur as water bubbles up through the sediment layer. While flushing the tank might help in the early stages, persistent noises in an older unit usually indicate it’s time for a replacement.
Leaks
Water pooling around your water heater is a clear sign of trouble. Small leaks can quickly escalate into major issues, potentially causing significant water damage to your home. Leaks often occur due to the expansion of the metal tank after years of heating cycles, leading to minor fractures. Once a tank starts leaking, it’s generally not repairable and needs to be replaced immediately to prevent water damage and potential electrical hazards.
Inconsistent temperature
If you’re experiencing fluctuating water temperatures or an inability to maintain heat, your water heater may be failing. This could be due to a faulty thermostat, a broken heating element, or sediment buildup affecting heat transfer. While some of these issues can be repaired, persistent temperature problems in an older unit often signal that it’s nearing the end of its useful life and should be replaced.
Reduced hot water supply
If you find yourself running out of hot water faster than usual, it could indicate your water heater’s capacity has diminished. This can happen due to sediment buildup reducing the tank’s effective volume or because of a failing heating element. In multi-person households, this issue can be particularly disruptive. If adjusting your usage patterns or flushing the tank doesn’t solve the problem, it may be time to consider a replacement, possibly with a higher-capacity model.
Visible corrosion
Rust or corrosion on the exterior of your water heater tank or its connections is a serious warning sign. While some surface rust might be addressable, extensive corrosion often indicates that the tank’s integrity is compromised. This not only affects the unit’s efficiency but also increases the risk of leaks or complete failure. If you notice significant external corrosion, it’s usually best to start planning for a replacement before a more serious problem occurs.
Frequent repairs
If you call a plumber for water heater repairs more often than usual, replacing the unit might be more cost-effective. Frequent repairs add up financially and indicate that the heater is becoming less reliable. Consider the frequency and cost of repairs over the past year or two. If they’re increasing or a significant repair is needed on an older unit, replacement is often the more economical long-term solution.
Higher energy bills
An unexpected increase in your energy bills could indicate that your water heater is losing efficiency. Water heaters often require more energy to produce the same hot water as they age. This is usually due to sediment buildup, wear on heating elements, or insulation degradation. While some efficiency loss is normal over time, a significant increase in energy consumption suggests upgrading to a new, more efficient model might be more cost-effective.
Cloudy or smelly water
If your hot water appears cloudy or has an unpleasant odor, it could indicate problems with your water heater. Cloudiness might be due to excessive sediment in the tank, while odors (particularly a rotten egg smell) can suggest bacterial growth. These issues can sometimes be resolved by flushing and disinfecting the tank, but if they persist, they may point to more serious tank deterioration. In such cases, especially with older units, replacement is often the safest and most effective solution.
Find Water Heater Replacement Experts
With this guide, you now know the most common signs of a water heater replacement in your future and what to expect from the job. The next step? Finding a reputable, trustworthy, and experienced plumbing service to complete the job. Luckily, you’re in the right place.
Meet WaterWork Plumbing, Fabulous Ferndale’s premier residential and commercial plumbing service. We’re proud to have served the area for all things plumbing since 2006—from Romeo to Grosse Point and all over Metro Detroit.
Contact us today with any water heater replacement questions, to get a quote, or for other plumbing repairs. Need more tips and resources? Visit our blog before you go!
