A hot water heater can last a long time if it is properly maintained. If you have a version that uses a tank, its lifetime typically is typically between six and 12 years. On the other hand, some households use tankless water heaters, which can last upwards of 20 years. Still, nothing lasts forever, and it’s important to know the signs that you might need to get a new water heater. The four most common signs include:
- New noises coming from the heater
- Mysterious water around the heater
- Rust coming out of your water faucets
- Noticeably colder or more tepid water
If you’ve experienced any of these signs, it might be time to replace your water heater or make some repairs. At Plumbing by Jake, we’ve got your back. We’re available around the clock for emergency services. If it’s not a pressing problem, simply call our office at (928) 377-5910 to speak with a member of our team and schedule an appointment. You can also book us online through our website.
Explaining the Signs of an Aging Hot Water Heater
Let’s go into a bit more depth on these symptoms of a dying water heater. Not sure if your water heater is on the fritz? Not a problem. We also have annual maintenance plans designed to check for any issues and fix them as they arise. Let us take a look so you’re never surprised by a sudden breakage.
Strange Noises
You might notice new sounds coming from your water heater every time it activates. This can be caused by a build-up of sediment and contaminants, especially if you do not have a working whole house water filtration system in place. The water that courses through your home’s plumbing can have many different kinds of contaminants and sediment in it, such as:
- Metals
- Minerals
- Fluoride
- Chlorine
While some of these, like fluoride, are added by municipalities for good reasons (i.e. to prevent tooth decay), others can be harmful both to your health and your appliances. “Hard” water that contains unfiltered sediments can cause these metals and minerals to build up in your hot water heater. As they constantly heat and reheat, they harden and cause blockages, which in turn cause those creepy sounds you’ve been hearing.
Water Around Your Heater
A bit of condensation might not seem like a serious issue, but if you start seeing mysterious puddles or collections of water in the area around your water heater, it can signal the beginning of the end. Likely, the problem is that your water heater has worn out and sprung a leak. Repairs might be possible for a short while, but the best move is to replace it with a newer version that can last another decade or so.
Rusty Water
Do you see spurts of rust coming out of your faucets when you turn on your bath, sinks, or other water fixtures? It’s typically not a good sign when contaminants are passing through your plumbing system. The issue could be that your hot water heater’s interior has rusted out and it’s time to replace it. However, it could also signal serious problems with your pipes as a whole. Get in touch with the technicians at Plumbing by Jake so that we can evaluate your plumbing system and diagnose the problem.
Cooler Water
Even if the above signs aren’t present, you might realize you need a new hot water heater if you water just isn’t getting hot like it used to. Unfortunately, everything wears down over time, and the heating mechanisms in your hot water heater eventually stop working. If you’ve had your hot water heater for a decade or more before you start seeing significant dips in the temperature of your showers, it’s probably time to go ahead and replace it with a newer model.
Extending Your Water Heater’s Life
Taking care of your plumbing system is the best way to ensure that your hot water heater lasts as long as possible. This can mean a variety of things, such as purchasing a whole house water filter or a specialized water softener that removes minerals and metal ions. It also means scheduling annual plumbing maintenance services so that professionals can nip any issues in the bud. At Plumbing by Jake, we’re happy to oblige!
Need a New Hot Water Heater? Turn to Plumbing by Jake
If your hot water heater has bitten the dust, Plumbing by Jake can help. We not only maintain, install, and repair water heaters — we can also help you find the water heater you need based on a thorough examination of your home’s design and plumbing system. Call our office at (928) 377-5910 to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable technicians or book your appointment online via our website.
Nobody likes having to replace a major item like a hot water heater. However, your home will be much better off after Plumbing by Jake gets you the heater you need. Don’t let cold showers become your norm!
