Water heaters are often located in basements, closets, or garages, so most homeowners don't think about them very often. But since the cost to buy a new water heater and have it installed can range from
$700 to $1,300, it is a good idea to know the signs of a failing water heater so you can budget to buy a new one. Some of the most commons signs that a water heater is near the end of its lifespan include the following.
On average, water heaters tend to last for 8 to 12 years. Like any other appliance, a water heater can fail prematurely or last much longer than average. But if your water heater is more than 12 years old, you should be prepared for it to eventually fail and need to be replaced. Homeowners who live in a house that has an old water heater may want to hire a plumber to do an inspection to get a better idea of what condition the water heater is in.
One major contributing factor to a failing water heater is the buildup of sediment and minerals inside the water heater tank. As a water heater ages and the sediment and minerals build up, you may notice odd sounds, such as popping, gurgling, or bubbling. These sounds are in essence caused by the sediment and minerals heating up.
A good way to check your water heater for the presence of odd sounds is to stand next to it and observe it working before you use any hot water. Then take a shower or do a load of laundry. Check again after the water heater has been operating for a while to see whether you hear any odd sounds.
No one wants to turn on a faucet or shower to discover water that is muddy looking or rust colored. Your first reaction may be to assume that there is a problem with the water coming into your home, but in most cases the issue is actually your water heater. When a water heater is not regularly maintained, the tank can rust and begin to flake off, and the presence of particles of substances such as rust can change the appearance of the water.
If you have water that is muddy looking or rust colored, try running both hot water and cold water. If the problem occurs only when hot water runs, it is most likely that your water heater is failing. Once a water heater tank becomes completely rusted, you will need to replace it.
A full-size water heater that is in good condition should be able to supply ample hot water for everyday activities like showers, laundry, and dishwashing. When you notice a lack of hot water, the issue may be due to the fact that the heating element inside the water heater is failing, limiting the amount of hot water that the system can produce.
A water heater is a closed unit, so leaks or rust around the exterior fittings is a bad sign. As a homeowner, you should visually check your water heater on a regular basis, since its appearance can tell you a lot about how long you can expect it to last. Leaks typically mean that the water heater is failing, and rust around the fittings of the tank usually mean that the water heater is no longer structurally sound.
A plumber may be able to fix the issue, but the repair will most likely be a bandage until the water heater fails completely.
If you have problems with your water heater, contact East Coast Plumbing Co. Inc. today.
