Do I Need a New Water Heater?

Posted: August 16, 2021

You probably take your water heater for granted – until you get shocked by seeing a pool of water forming at the bottom of your tank. That usually means your water heater has corroded from the inside out and needs to be replaced.

If you wait until you have water leaking out of your failed water heater, you’ll have fewer options, terrible inconvenience, and it will be more costly to replace.

That’s why you should be aware of these signs that can indicate trouble with your water heater.

5 Signs That It’s Time for a New Water Heater

1. Age of unit. The life expectancy of an average tank water heater ranges from 7 to 13 years. If your water heater is 10 years old or older, don’t wait until it breaks. Start researching your replacement options now.
2. Higher bills. If your bills keep getting higher even though not much has changed in your household, your water heater is probably overworking to do its job – and suffering from inefficiency as a result.
3. Rusty water. If the water is clear from your cold water tap but looks rusty when it comes out of the hot water tap, it usually means your old water heater is corroding. If you start to see rust form on the outside of the tank, there’s not much time left.
4. Water stains. White stains on your utensils and glassware are common signs of hard (mineral-containing) water. Dry, itchy skin and dull, scratchy clothing are others. Your water supply could be hard to begin with, or the problem could be the result of a long-term build-up of lime in your tank; either way, those minerals will reduce efficiency and shorten the lifespan of your water heater.
5. Unusual noises. Growling or gurgling noises coming from your storage tank are usually a sure sign of sediment build-up – a problem that eventually leads to costly water heater repairs or a premature replacement if it is not addressed with proper maintenance service.

If you think the time has come to replace your water heater, contact us today. We’ll help walk you through some of the things you’ll need to consider to pick the best water heater for your space, lifestyle, and budget. Read more about water heaters.