Water heaters provide the hot water you need for household chores, daily hygiene, and sanitation. As a result, your water heater improves your comfort and ensures cleanliness by eliminating germs and dirt. It even contributes to your home’s energy efficiency, which keeps your utility costs low. A high-quality water heater also enhances your home’s value and marketability. Without a functioning water heater, jobs like washing dishes, showering, and doing laundry become uncomfortable and less effective. This leads to inconvenience and potential health concerns. That’s why you need to be able to recognize when your water heater is about to fail.
Warning Signs Indicating a Water Heater Is About to Fail
Insufficient hot water is one of the most common warning signs indicating that your water heater is about to fail. You might also notice leaks and discolored hot water. If you recognize these issues early, you can avoid a full-blown or costly water heater emergency by replacing it in time.
Performance Issues
If you’re running out of hot water quicker than normal, you may have sediment buildup in your water heater’s tank. This sediment takes up space in the tank, leaving less room for hot water. As a result, the water heater will work harder to heat the same amount of water. This can cause elevated energy bills.
Sudden changes from hot to cold water may indicate a faulty heating element. It can also be a sign that the thermostat is malfunctioning or that there is sediment buildup in the tank.
If the hot water faucets have noticeably lower water pressure than the cold ones, there’s a problem with the water heater. Mineral deposits could be clogging the pipes, or there could be a leak.
Physical Signs
Water leaking or pooling around the base of your water heater is a major red flag. Leaks can be due to corrosion in the tank, deteriorating seals, or a broken valve. This often requires replacement, and you need to address it immediately to prevent significant water damage.
If your hot water is brown, rusty, or yellow, it indicates corrosion in your tank. The tank has an anode rod to prevent rusting, but if it fails, the tank’s interior will rust, leading to the need for replacement.
As sediment builds up and hardens at the tank’s bottom, the water heater may begin making strange noises. This includes rumbling, banging, and popping sounds. That buildup forces your water heater to work harder, which reduces its efficiency. It can potentially cause cracks, too.
If you notice that your hot water smells like rotten eggs, the tank may be harboring bacteria. This can happen if the anode rod is deteriorating or the water temperature is too low.
Other Factors
An aging or struggling water heater loses efficiency over time. If you suddenly have an unexplained increase in your utility bills, your water heater may be working excessively.
A traditional tank-style water heater lasts 8 to 12 years on average. If yours is nearing or past this age, it’s time to seriously consider a replacement. This is especially true if you’re noticing any of the above-mentioned warning signs.
Frequent repairs also indicate the need for replacement. If you’re calling us to fix your water heater regularly, it may be near the end of its lifespan. Continuing repairs may become costlier than investing in a new, efficient model.
Why Recognizing When Your Water Heater Is About to Fail Is Beneficial
Recognizing the signs of a failing water heater helps you avoid bigger problems. Early warning signs can make the process of replacing your water heater less stressful and more affordable.
Avoid Major Water Damage
When a failing water heater develops a leak, you’ll be facing major problems. Those leaks can cause water damage to your floors, walls, and possessions. This potentially leads to mold growth and structural issues. In the worst-case scenario, a severely neglected water heater can burst. This releases a large amount of water into your home all at once.
Save Money
A sudden breakdown often results in expensive emergency repairs. It’s more cost-effective to plan for a replacement before your water heater completely fails. Knowing your water heater is nearing the end also allows you time to research and budget for a new model. In the meantime, that failing water heater can be inefficient and add to your monthly energy costs.
Prevent Safety Hazards
Water heaters have electrical or gas components that can become faulty. This poses a risk of electrical shock and other hazards. Furthermore, a malfunctioning thermostat can cause your hot water to become dangerously hot. This leads to severe burns. In addition, a deteriorating tank can break down, resulting in potentially harmful chemicals or materials in your water.
Ensure Comfort
A failing water heater will provide less hot water, or the hot water may not last as long as it should. Unexpected cold water is a common problem that leaves you with an uncomfortable shower.
Your Water Heater Replacement Options
Your main water heater replacement options are traditional storage tank water heaters and tankless water heaters. The one you choose will depend on your budget, hot water needs, and available space.
Traditional Storage Tank Water Heaters
Traditional storage tank water heaters have a tank that holds and heats a reservoir of hot water. This provides you with a readily available supply of hot water. Their lower initial cost and easy installation make them a popular and affordable option. Since they continually reheat water, they can be less efficient than other types of water heaters. You’ll appreciate a tank water heater most if you prioritize affordability and simplicity.
Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters heat water as you need it. They have no storage tank. The water passes through a heat exchanger. This saves money on bills and provides you with an endless supply of hot water. Some models will have a higher upfront cost, and they may require additional electrical or gas line upgrades. They’re perfect for small spaces, energy-conscious homeowners, and homes with moderate to high hot water demand.
We can help you determine which is best for your home and needs. We’ll assess your fuel availability and cost, estimate your peak hot water demand, and discuss the long-term factors with you.
If your current water heater is malfunctioning, don’t wait for an emergency to call Knockout Plumbing & Repipe Inc.. As your community plumbing expert, we’re here to make your plumbing worries a thing of the past. We’ll assess your water heater and help you decide if it’s time for a replacement. Depending on our findings, we’ll help you with either our professional water heater repair or installation service. This may also be a good time to upgrade to one of our tankless water heaters for energy efficiency and endless hot water.
We provide financing on approved credit, top-quality service, and fast job completion. As a Home Advisor Top Rated company and a Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave, we’re open every day and offer 24/7 emergency service.
Call Knockout Plumbing & Repipe Inc. today to learn more about our water heater services in San Jose.
