Replacing your water heater at the right time ensures your home always has reliable hot water while helping to prevent rising energy costs and potential water damage. Replacing your water heater before it fails also means that you can schedule the upgrade when it is most convenient for your family. This article will cover the most common signs that indicate your water heater is reaching the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced.
1. The Tank Is Leaking
One of the most serious problems homeowners encounter with a traditional water heater is a leaking tank. Leaks typically occur when rust and corrosion weaken the tank’s seams, eventually causing it to lose its watertight seal. If you notice a leak, immediately turn off the water heater and shut the valve on the cold water inlet pipe.
The cold water inlet pipe is usually located at the top of the tank and is often marked with a blue label. The shut-off valve may be a lever or a round handle. If it is a lever, turn it 90 degrees so it’s perpendicular to the pipe; if it’s a round handle, turn it clockwise until it stops. This prevents additional water from entering the tank and worsening the leak.
After your water heater cools down, drain the tank to prevent further water damage. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the unit and run the hose to a floor drain or outside. Open the drain valve, then lift the pressure relief valve lever to make the water flow out faster. Taking these steps can help minimize damage until a plumber can replace the water heater.
2. Hot Water Looks Rusty
If your hot water appears discolored or has a rusty tint, it’s a sign of internal corrosion in your water heater. Draining and flushing the tank may temporarily improve water clarity, but if rust is coming from the tank itself, the problem will likely return quickly. This usually means the tank has significant corrosion, increasing the risk of leaks. In this situation, replacing the water heater is the best solution to prevent potential water damage.
3. Your Water Heater is Over a Decade Old
The average lifespan of a gas water heater is between 8 and 12 years, while electric models typically last 12 to 15 years. However, as a water heater nears the end of its lifespan, the risk of failure, particularly from internal corrosion, increases. While some units may continue to function beyond expectations, experts recommend replacing your water heater once it shows signs of aging to avoid the higher costs and inconvenience of an emergency replacement. Proactively replacing the unit before it fails can also help prevent water damage and rising energy bills due to inefficiency.
4. Frequent Breakdowns
A clear sign that your water heater is nearing the end of its life is when it starts requiring frequent repairs. As the unit ages, various components naturally wear out, making it more prone to breakdowns. Additionally, if your water heater is struggling to operate efficiently, it will need to work harder each day, leading to more wear and tear. This increased workload can cause the unit to break down more often, signaling that it’s time for a replacement.
5. Water Is Often Not Hot Enough
If your water frequently does not reach the desired temperature or fluctuates, it could be caused by several factors. For gas water heaters, this might indicate a problem with the burner assembly. If you have an electric water heater, a worn-out heating element could be the issue, which a plumber can replace relatively easily. Both gas and electric units can also experience thermostat or temperature control malfunctions, causing the unit to shut off prematurely. While these issues can often be repaired, consistently inadequate hot water may also signal that your water heater is no longer functioning efficiently and may need to be replaced.
6. Long Recovery or Lag Times
For traditional tank water heaters, recovery time refers to how long it takes for the water to get fully hot when starting with a full tank of cold water. That means how long you have to wait until you have hot water again after you’ve used up your hot water supply. If you have a gas water heater, the recovery time should generally be 30-60 minutes. Electric units heat slower, meaning the recovery time could be anywhere from one to two hours. Of course, the exact recovery time depends on factors like the size of the hot water tank and how efficiently the unit heats. You can also expect the recovery times to be a bit longer in the winter when the water coming into your house is colder.
For tankless water heaters, lag time is how long you have to wait after turning on a shower or faucet until the water flowing out of the fixture is fully hot. The lag time can usually be anywhere from 15 seconds to a minute or more, as it depends on the proximity of the fixture to the water heater and the temperature of the water coming into the unit. Your lag times will also be longer in the winter due to your pipes being colder.
While recovery times and lag times can vary quite a bit from one water heater to the next, longer than normal recovery or lag times often mean your water heater isn’t heating effectively. This is another issue you may be able to overcome by having the unit repaired. Flushing a tank water heater or descaling a tank unit can sometimes also improve heating effectiveness. Nonetheless, if you’re experiencing this type of issue with an old water heater, it’s probably an indication that the unit is starting to fail, and you’ll soon need to replace it.
7. Rising Energy Bills
Rising energy bills can be caused by a variety of factors, including issues with your HVAC system. However, if you notice that your utility bills have increased and suspect your water heater is to blame, there are some clear indicators. For example, if you have a gas water heater and your gas bills rise unexpectedly, especially during warmer months when the heater isn’t in use as much, it’s a strong sign the water heater may be the issue. Similarly, if you use an electric water heater alongside gas heating and your electricity bills spike during the winter, the water heater could be consuming more energy than it should. Regular water heater maintenance keeps your unit as efficient as possible, and a maintenance plan is a great way to keep up with tune-ups. But eventually, this won’t be enough. If you notice your water heater using more energy than before, replacing it could help reduce your utility costs in the long run.
Contact Your Local Professionals
At Pacific Plumbing & Rooter Inc, we have been serving the residents of Eugene, OR and the surrounding areas since 2013. We are experts who can handle all your plumbing service needs, including water heater installation and repair. Additionally, we offer drain cleaning, sewer repair, and repiping services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
