How To Tell When Your Water Heater Needs Replacing

The new year is here, and there are plenty of reasons to celebrate! For some homeowners, it's a simple fact that their clunky old water heater miraculously survived another year. Others may not even realize that their water heater is approaching its demise if they don't know what the warning signs look like.

Losing hot water in the middle of winter is no fun at all, so it's better to be proactive rather than simply waiting for the inevitable breakdown to come. Here are some common indicators that it's time to make room in the new year's budget for water heater installation.

Water Heater Showing Its Age?

Traditional water heaters last about 10 to 15 years if they're installed correctly and receive regular maintenance. Tankless water heaters are a little more resilient and generally make it to 20 years. Regardless of the type, an aging water heater will develop issues with more and more frequency; a failing thermostat, a faulty gas valve, a fried thermocouple, etc.

If the unit begins to experience problem after problem, requiring constant repairs and replacement parts, it's worth checking the installation date. If it was installed more than a decade ago, the water heater won't survive much longer.

Water Is Cloudy or Rust-Colored

Reddish-brown or murky hot water indicates that the water heater's anode rod has been depleted. An anode rod is a long, thin cylinder inside the water tank, typically made of aluminum or magnesium, that acts as a magnet for minerals and other substances that can cause corrosion. This helps prevent these substances from damaging the tank, but eventually, the rod itself will become corroded and disintegrate.

Sediment buildup in the bottom of the water tank can also lead to discolored water and even give the water an unpleasant odor. In either case, the damage to the water tank, valves, and pipes may necessitate replacing the entire water heater. However, if turning on only the cold water produces the same rusty or stinky water, the problem may not be limited to the water heater; the supply pipes may themselves be corroded.

Water Tank Is Leaking

A water heater can spring a leak for multiple reasons. In most cases, the problem is a relatively easy fix - a loose pipe fitting or a discharge from the temperature & pressure relief valve, for instance. But when the water storage tank starts leaking, there is, unfortunately, no way to repair it.

Storage tank leaks are most often caused by corrosion (if the anode rod has perished) or sediment buildup. The latter can cause overheating and overpressurization and crack the tank's glass inner coating, exposing the steel tank shell to corrosion. Rust can also eat through the tank's exterior surface or pipe fittings.

Homeowners can help protect their water heaters with regular professional maintenance visits that include a thorough inspection, flushing the tank, and anode replacement (if needed). If the water heater is ready to quit, a pro can also recommend replacing the unit with an upgraded model.

About Snappy Electric, Plumbing, Heating, & Air

Snappy has been proudly handling all of Marietta, Georgia's home service needs for over 15 years. They are a 5-star rated local business with a focus on customer education and community involvement. Snappy offers 24/7 emergency service, upfront pricing, flexible payment options, and a highly rewarding club membership. Call now for water heating services!