If you are worried about the water heater in your home, it may be time for a new one. From the age of the water heater to a lack of hot water in your home, there are a variety of signs that you may need to look into getting a new water heater. Here’s a list of eight of them.
1. Leaking from Water Heater
A clear sign that your home’s water heater may need replacing is leaking water. If the leak is from the base of the water heater, it could indicate that there are severe issues like a crack in the tank of the water heater. Over time, sediment builds up in the tank. If you don’t flush it regularly (about once a year), it can lead to internal corrosion, which can result in the tank deteriorating. This deterioration may lead to a leak in the tank. A replacement is the only option in that case.
2. Age of Water Heater
The age of your water heater is very important in deciding if it needs a replacement. If you have a gas water heater, it can last between 10 and 20 years. An electric tank water heater usually lasts between 10 and 15 years. If you think your water heater is near the end of its lifespan, our team at Davis & Green can help you find the right one for your home.
3. Rusty Water from Water Heater
If you start to notice rusty water coming from your water heater, this may be a warning sign that the unit needs replacing. This can indicate that the inside of the tank is rusting, which may lead to potential water damage from leaks. Rust usually develops on the tank’s steel components, especially if the anode rod, which prevents rusting, has worn out. You can tell if the rust is coming from your hot water tank because it is only rusty if you are running hot water. If there’s a rust issue when you run the cold water, the problem may be with the plumbing. A professional inspection can help determine where the problem originates.
4. Increased Need for Repairs
Frequent repairs of your home’s water heater are a good indication that you should consider replacing it. As your water heater ages, components start to wear out, which leads to more repair needs because of breakdowns. If you need repairs multiple times in a year and you are adding up the repair costs to find that they are starting to break your budget, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new unit. Older water heaters are not only less efficient, but they are also prone to more issues like mechanical failures and inconsistent temperatures. Not only can a new water heater offer peace of mind because of improved performance, but it can also give you reduced maintenance costs annually.
5. Inconsistent Water Temperatures
When water temperatures fluctuate frequently, they could indicate that the heating element is not working or there are other internal issues. Sediment buildup inside the tank can also affect the efficiency of the water heater. While repairs may resolve some issues, repeated problems often suggest that the water heater is ready for replacement. Inconsistent temperatures can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially during peak usage times like in the morning before you go to work. Investing in a new water heater can provide consistent hot water and improve energy efficiency as well as productivity levels in your home. More modern water heaters come with advanced technology that offers better reliability and temperature control features.
6. High Energy Bills
If you see that you have energy bills each month, you could have issues with your water heater. High energy bills are a potential sign that your water heater is no longer operating efficiently and may need replacing. As water heaters age, they can become less efficient and use more energy to heat the same amount of water. The increased energy consumption tends to result in higher utility bills. Sediment buildup inside of the tank may also cause the unit to work harder, further increasing the need for you to spend more on energy bills. Newer water heaters usually have improved insulation and heating technologies designed to consume less energy. If you replace your old and unreliable water heater with a new energy-efficient model, you will most likely see savings on your energy bill in the long term.
7. Odd-smelling Water
If there is an odd smell coming from the hot water in your home, the culprit may be your water heater. Foul odors, like a rotten-egg smell, may be because of bacteria that react with the anode rod in the tank. If you have neglected the maintenance of your home’s water heater, there is a higher likelihood that you’ll have odd smells coming from the water it heats. If you’re unsure of how to flush your tank, it’s a good idea to call a professional. They’ll also be able to check the anode rod to make sure it’s still in good condition.
Sometimes, repairs fix odor issues, but persistent odors typically suggest that the tank has contamination or corrosion that makes it beyond repair needs. You may also notice a sulfur-like or metallic smell, which is a good indication of sediment buildup or other internal issues that start to compromise the quality of the water. Consistently foul-smelling water may be a health concern for your household as well as being a sign of a deteriorating water heater.
8. Water Never Gets Hot
Finally, the easiest way to know if you’re home needs a new water heater is if you cannot get hot water from your current water heater. This problem may stem from various issues, like a malfunctioning heating element, a thermostat that isn’t working, or significant sentiment buildup in the tank. While many of these problems are repairable, repeated or multiple problems indicate that the water heater is reaching the end of its life. If the water heater in your home consistently underperforms or doesn’t heat water at all, it can be inconvenient and frustrating. Investing in a newer water heater can help resolve these issues and provide you with a reliable supply of hot water when you need it. Our team is always available to help answer your questions about why your water heater isn’t producing hot water and come to inspect the unit for definite answers.
At Davis & Green in Richmond, Virginia, we provide HVAC, electrical, and plumbing services, including tank and tankless water heater repairs and water heater replacements for homes in the area. Our friendly team also provides services for drain cleaning, sewer repair, and leak detection. Founded in 1984, we have multiple decades of experience behind us. As a Christian-owned company, we believe in treating everyone the way we’d want to be treated ourselves. Not only that, but we also have BBB accreditation and maintain an A+ rating with them. Contact Davis & Green for more information today!
