Knowing When to Replace Your Water Heater
As a homeowner, whether you own a newer build or an older home, replacing major appliances or tackling renovations can turn into a big job. Recognizing when it’s time to replace items such as your water heater can help you plan ahead and feel more prepared for the work.
When a replacement comes as a surprise, it often causes disruption and other issues. If your water heater isn’t working like it used to or if you just aren’t getting enough hot water in the sinks and shower, it may be time for a replacement. While trying to repair the problem might be your first step because of the lower cost, there are signs to know when it’s time to replace a water heater.
How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
Unless you’ve built your home, you may not know exactly how old your water heater is. Water heaters have a relatively long lifespan—about eight to ten years, depending on the use and other factors.
During the home-buying process, you should always ask about the age of the major appliances in the home, including the water heater. Because replacing these appliances can be a costly unexpected expense and knowing in advance about when to expect them can be a huge help.
Age is an important sign in deciding whether you need to replace your water heater, but it isn’t the only one.
7 Signs When to Replace Your Water Heater
Many homeowners don’t recognize the warning signs that they need to replace their water heater until the heater completely breaks down. Learning these will greatly help you prevent an emergency plumbing situation in your home.
Keep an eye and ear out for these indicators:
1. Age
The average life expectancy of a hot water heater, for a family of four, is seven to 10 years. While water heaters may last longer than 10 years, it is not recommended to use water heaters past the 10-year mark. The more you use your water heater, the more wear and tear it causes on the system, which shortens its life span.
If you’re not sure of the age of your water heater, you can check the serial number that should be listed on the manufacturer’s sticker. This sticker should include the year the unit was manufactured or the first two numbers in the serial number are the same as the year the water heater was manufactured.
If your water heater is above the 10-year mark, it could be a sign that it’s time to replace your water heater. You should at least begin considering getting a new hot water heater installed so you can increase the efficiency of your heating and decrease your utility bills.
2. Water Consistency
You might find that your water is only hot some of the time or your water no longer comes out hot. If you’re experiencing inconsistent hot water or if you’re unable to maintain a constant temperature, your hot water heater is likely nearing the end of its life. An ideal temperature for hot water is between 120 and 140 degrees, and the water should consistently be hot. If you do have inconsistent water temperatures, it is a major sign that it is time to buy a new water heater.
If you have a relatively new hot water heater that has inconsistent water temperatures, it is also possible that your water heater only needs a simple repair to get back into working shape.
Another sign is that your hot water does not last as long as it used to. If you begin to notice that your hot water turns cold much faster than it did before, that could be a clear sign that there is a problem with your water heater. It may be old and less efficient, or it could be another problem like a water leak.
3. Leaks
A leaking water heater is also a major sign that something is wrong with your hot water heater. Examine the area around your hot water heater for any moisture or pools of water. It’s not uncommon for aging units to experience slow leaks that worsen over time. And these leaks can cause damage to your home if they aren’t fixed.
Through years of use and changes in water temperatures, the metal of water heaters expands and contracts. After years of use, the expansion of the metal can lead to small cracks that can worsen over time and lead to more severe water heater leaks. Large amounts of water are a sure sign your unit has expired and you need a replacement water heater as soon as possible.
4. Strange Noises
If you hear banging or other loud noises coming from your water heater, this can also be a sign that your water heater may need to be replaced. As water heaters age, sediment builds up on the inside and eventually hardens. That hardened sediment can damage the heater and make the entire system less efficient.
As the water heats up, you will hear rumbling or banging, which can cause cracks in the metal of your water heater. When you start to hear noise, keep an eye out for small leaks and call a technician to determine where the sound is coming from.
5. Water Color
If the color of your hot water changes and remains so for a period of time, this could mean your system is rusting from the inside. You can check this by carefully draining water directly from your unit. Rusty water generally has a red tint, so check if your water has a slight red tint or a generally rusty color.
If you find that your water has a rust-colored tint, there’s likely rust in your water. The metal inside of your water heater can rust over time, leeching into your water. In this case, the water is unsafe and you should replace your water heater tank as soon as possible.
However, rusty water isn’t always a sign of issues with your water heater — the pipes may be the culprit. So have a professional come out to check and see what the issue is.
6. Repair Costs
Having constant water heater repairs can be a sign that it’s time for a replacement. Each repair attempt introduces the possibility of new issues or worsening old ones, leading to increased costs and potential additional problems.
Opting for a water heater upgrade can be a wise financial decision. A new, energy-efficient model can significantly reduce your utility bills over time, offsetting the initial investment and providing long-term savings.
7. Low Efficiency
Water heaters, like any appliance, deteriorate over time. One noticeable sign of this decline is a decrease in heat retention. Your water heater may not hold heat as efficiently as it once did, leading to increased energy consumption.
You can often catch this issue by monitoring your utility bills. If your energy costs are unexpectedly high, especially without a clear explanation like changes in usage or weather, it could indicate that your water heater is struggling. Investing in a new water heater can potentially save you money on utility bills by improving energy efficiency.
Working with Ranck
A sudden water heater failure can disrupt your daily routine and cause unnecessary stress. At Ranck, we understand the inconvenience this can bring. Our commitment to exceptional customer service ensures you’re not facing this challenge alone.
We specialize in water heater replacement and are dedicated to finding the perfect solution for your home. By carefully considering your budget and specific needs, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting and installing the ideal water heater system. We also offer maintenance plans to help protect your system.
Have more questions about when to replace a water heater? Contact our staff today for a free quote!
Note: This blog was originally published on June 5, 2020. Updated on September 5, 2024.