Water heaters rarely fail all at once. They usually give warnings first. Catch them early and you can plan a replacement instead of finding a flooded garage.
1. It's getting old
The U.S. Department of Energy says most tank water heaters last 10 to 15 years, and hard water like ours in the Valley can shorten that. Not sure how old yours is? The manufacture date is usually coded into the serial number on the label. If it's near or past that range and showing any sign below, start planning.
2. Rusty or discolored hot water
Rust-colored water from the hot taps only can mean the inside of the tank is corroding. (If the cold water is rusty too, the problem is more likely the pipes.)
3. Rumbling, popping or banging
Minerals settle at the bottom of the tank as sediment. The burner heats water trapped under it, and you hear popping or rumbling. A flush can help if it's caught early. If it's been years, the sediment may be hard-packed and the tank may be working much harder than it should.
4. Water around the base
A leak from the tank body means it has rusted through, and a tank can't be repaired. Leaks from fittings or valves often can. See water heater leaking? where it comes from and what to do.
5. Running out of hot water sooner
Less hot water than you used to get can mean sediment is taking up space in the tank, a heating element has failed (electric), or the heater is simply too small for your household now.
6. Temperature that swings
Water that goes from hot to lukewarm and back can be a failing thermostat, element or gas valve. Sometimes a repair; on an old heater, often a sign to replace.
7. Repairs that keep coming
If you've paid for repairs in the last year or two and it's acting up again, put that money toward a new one instead.
Repair, flush or replace?
- Flush or repair when the heater is fairly young and the problem is sediment, a valve, a thermostat, an element or a fitting.
- Replace when the tank leaks, the water is rusty from the tank, or it's old and needs another repair.
Replacing anyway? It's a good time to compare a new tank with tankless, and to check whether your home needs an expansion tank.
OX Plumbing repairs and replaces tank and tankless water heaters, gas and electric. See water heater service or call us 24/7.