When you return home from a nice day at Whitewater Creek Park in Macon County, the last thing you want to deal with is a broken water heater. Just like other home appliances, water heaters have a specific lifespan and are eventually prone to failure. As a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of certain water heater problems and how to tell whether your water heater is about to fail. Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling offers insights into the lifespan of water heaters, common issues to look out for, and when to contact us for water heater replacement or repair.
How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
The average lifespan of a standard tank-style water heater is between 8 and 12 years, while tankless water heaters may last 20 years or more. Several factors determine how long a water heater will last:
- Water quality: Hard and soft water can impact your water heater, resulting in corrosion and reduced performance that can shorten its lifespan.
- Household usage: Individuals who use hot water frequently or those in larger households with higher water usage put more strain on the water heater’s tank and heating elements, leading to potential failure.
- Maintenance: Scheduling routine maintenance, including flushing the tank, will help to extend the lifespan of your water heater, while little to no maintenance will shorten it.
- Water heater style: Most tankless water heaters last longer than gas or electric tank-style water heaters because they don’t need to store water, making them immune to issues like tank corrosion.
Common Water Heater Problems To Watch For
Keep an eye on these common water heater issues to try to catch minor problems before they turn into major water damage or costly repairs. The sooner you identify a problem with your water heater, the sooner you can have it repaired (or replaced) by a trained, licensed plumber, like the experienced team at Ricky Heath.
Not enough hot water
Experiencing cold or lukewarm showers and not getting enough hot water (or no hot water at all) is a common water heater problem. This may be caused by something as simple as a tripped circuit breaker if you have an electric water heater, or a faulty gas valve if you have a gas water heater. In some cases, insufficient or no hot water may be due to a broken thermostat.
Leaks
Water pooling around your water heater is a major red flag. Leaks may be due to a corroded water storage tank, a failing anode rod, or a malfunctioning pressure relief valve. It could also occur if your water heater’s fittings are loose. Any water leaks should be addressed immediately to prevent more severe and more costly damage to your home.
Strange noises
Unusual popping, rattling, or hissing sounds coming from your water heater are a sign that something is wrong. These odd noises may be due to excess sediment buildup at the bottom of your tank. Over time, the sediment heats and steams, causing loud banging or popping noises. Whatever the cause, you should call Ricky Heath to investigate the reason for the noises so the issue can be repaired.
Water quality issues
If your water is pink, gray, or rusty-colored, it may be due to corrosion inside the tank. Water with a rotten egg smell may indicate bacterial growth, which should be addressed promptly to prevent health risks. If your water smells like a sewer, it might be because you have a failing anode rod, too much sediment buildup, or aging plumbing that should be replaced.
Signs Your Water Heater Is Going Out
While most minor water heater problems can be repaired, other issues may indicate that your water heater needs replacement. Look for these signs that your water heater is going out so you’re prepared to purchase an upgrade:
- Age: Standard tank-style water heaters that are around 10 years old or older are nearing the end of their lifespan and should probably be replaced when you encounter a problem.
- Frequent issues: Your water heater may be nearing its end if you're experiencing frequent, recurring problems that aren't being resolved permanently.
- High water bills: If your monthly water bills begin to increase significantly without any change in usage, it is typically a sign of reduced efficiency, which often indicates that your water heater needs to be replaced.
- Major leaks: Small leaks due to condensation are normal, but major water leaks are a clear sign that your water heater may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Changes in water temperature: If your water suddenly goes from scalding hot to lukewarm to cold and back again, there’s a good chance that your water heater should be replaced.
When To Repair vs. Replace Your Water Heater
So, how do you know when to repair your water heater or when to replace it? Here’s what you need to know when deciding between a repair and a replacement.
When to repair
Consider these factors if you’re planning to repair your water heater:
- Minor issues like replacing a heating element are usually fine to repair since they don’t cost much and should rectify the problem.
- If your water heater is around or younger than six to eight years old, it’s usually better to fix it rather than replace it.
- When the cost of repairing your water heater is less than half the price of a new one, it’s often a better idea to have it repaired.
- Issues related to sediment buildup can typically be corrected with a water heater flush and refill rather than a replacement.
When to replace
Remember these tips to help you determine if it’s best to replace your water heater:
- If you’ve experienced recurring problems with your water heater and it’s going to cost more than half the price of a new unit, it’s time for a replacement.
- Older water heaters that are around 10 to 15 years old should be replaced to prevent future issues.
- If your water heater is experiencing significant performance issues or energy efficiency problems, it may be time to replace it to save money and gain peace of mind.
- Major or recurring leaks are a common sign that your water heater is on the verge of failure, and it may be worth paying for a replacement.
Call Ricky Heath Today!
Not every problem you encounter means that your water heater is about to fail. However, every homeowner in the Macon, GA area should look out for certain red flags that could indicate their water heater is about to fail. If you’re not sure whether your water heater should be repaired or replaced, call the experts at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling for reliable, professional water heater services.
We provide local homeowners with exceptional plumbing and HVAC services that are always done with care, speed, and quality. If you would like to learn more about us or if you’re ready to schedule an expert water heater service with Ricky Heath, contact us today!
