9 Signs You Need A New Water Heater

A water heater is a necessary addition to your home. It can save you from cold, hypothermia, and a lot worse. While you cannot stop showering, washing your hands, doing the dishes, or simply going to the bathroom in the cold months, the water heater guarantees warm water at all times. If you already have one installed in your home, make sure to get it checked before the cold season begins!

Watch out for the following signs to determine if it is time to get a new water heater.

1. Service Life is Near Its End

Try to recall the exact date or year that your current water heater was installed. If you do not remember, check the water heater label to see the manufacturing date printed. If your water heater is over a decade old, it is time for a replacement. 

2. Presence of Rust

If rusty colored water comes out of your tap every time you are using the water heater, but the water is clear when you use cold water, then your water heater has rusted.

3. Sediment Build-up in the Tank

Water with a strange smell or taste, or mud or sand mixed in it, especially when water is about to run out of the tank, is a clear indicator that sediment has built up at the bottom of the tank. Drain the tank and get it cleaned to solve this issue. However, if the sediments are the flakes and grit of the inner tank, the hot water will have a metallic taste and smell.

4. Fluctuating Water Temperatures

If there are constant water temperature changes despite it being on a fixed setting, then your water heater is at the end of its service life.

5. A Rise in Energy Costs

An aging water heater burns through a lot of extra energy. If your energy bills are higher than usual and you cannot figure out why, your water heater may be the cause. Old burners use more gas than usual to heat water. The same thing happens with an electric water heater; a dying heating element struggles to burn more energy trying to heat water.

6. Reduced Hot Water Capacity

If you are running out of water much quicker than usual, the cause is your old water heater. Reduced capacity may be due to sediment build-up, extensive wear and tear, or a dying thermostat or heating element, or both.

7. Odd Noises

If your water heater is making cracks, pops, and other noises, this is an indication that there is a mineral build-up inside the heater and heating elements.

8. Frequent Need for Repairs

If there is a frequent and increased need for repairs, it is probably time for a water heater replacement. While water heater repair is a cheaper alternative to replacement, if problems with your heater start piling up, then a repair might end up costing you more.

9. Emergence of Leaks

Leaks are an indicator that the inner tank is at the end of its service life. Therefore, before small leaks and drips escalate to the entire tank breaking, get a new water heater!

Get your free estimate for water heater replacement in Wilmette or contact us for more information about the services we offer at Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc.

Posted in Bill's Plumbing & Sewer Blog | No Comments »