We’ve all been there. You’re ready to start your day and turn on the water for the shower — but it just doesn’t get hot. Or you walk into the utility room to discover water cascading onto the floor or pooling around the base of the water heater. These are the two most common reasons we get calls to replace water heaters — but there are other indicators to watch for that may prevent a complete loss of hot water and save you the cost of an emergency service call after hours.
1. Age
One sign that your water heater needs replacement is simply age. Traditional tank-style water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years — which can be affected by use, water quality, maintenance, installation, and manufacturer. Tankless water heaters are estimated to last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. Deciding to replace a water heater is never easy when it’s still sending hot water where it needs to go. But considering the unit’s lifespan is essential when deciding whether to repair or replace.
2. Odd Odors
Another sign of a failing water heater is odd odors — either from the unit itself or in the water. There may also be a bad taste in the hot water. If you smell burning plastic or a burning electrical smell, call a plumber immediately. A professional should look at any issue with the electricity, thermostat, or heating components. A weird smell or taste in the hot water often indicates mineral build-up inside the tank.
3. Slow Recovery
Waiting. And waiting and still waiting. If it seems like it takes an unusually long time for the water heater to catch up and refill itself with hot water — when you never used to notice it before — that’s a sure sign of a problem. On a gas-fueled unit it can also mean the gas supply is having problems. On either gas or electric, it could be the thermostat, sediment build-up in the tank, or a failing heating element. Have you recently added an appliance that uses more hot water? Your demand may have outgrown the tank’s capacity — the heater is trying to catch up but isn’t sized for the new usage levels.
4. Banging, Rumbling, or Popping Noises
Banging, rumbling, and popping noises in the garage when the water heater cycles aren’t normal. Typically those odd noises mean scale or minerals have built up on the heating elements, or sediments have built up in the bottom of the tank. It’s perfectly normal to hear some sounds — light ticking of metal expanding and contracting, gentle shooshing of water flowing, the purr of the gas element firing — but if it sounds like an over-excited popcorn maker, it’s time to call a plumber.
5. Rusty Leaks
Small puddles on top of or around the water heater? Rusty rivulets running down the side of the tank? Rust spots appearing on top of the tank or around the base of the expansion tank? Different leaks in different areas signal it’s time to either repair or replace the unit. Water eventually corrodes a water heater — it finds its way through tiny cracks and fissures that develop over the years. Manufacturers do their best to protect storage tanks, but constant expansion and contraction plus minute amounts of minerals in the water itself eventually contribute to tank erosion and failure. Calling a fully licensed plumber to inspect and evaluate leaks before they become serious can save you from getting stuck in a hot-water pinch.
Ready to Replace?
Stollwerck Plumbing & Sewer is ready to help service your traditional tank-type water heater, newer tankless water heater, heat pump, or commercial water heater. Visit our water heater services page or give us a call at (425) 374-3909.