Serving Round Lake & 
A major aspect of keeping a safe and comfortable home is understanding when and how to repair or replace home amenities. Your water heater, which operates quietly in the background, is no exception. Here are five common signs that indicate your water heater has reached the end of its useful life and needs replacement.
1. Discolored Water
Discolored water flowing from your hot water taps shouldn’t be a reason to panic, but it certainly warrants concern. There are several reasons why this occurs. The first is the buildup of sediment and minerals. Sediment is a collection of solid particles made up of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and other impurities, which accumulate at the bottom of the water heater tank over time. This buildup can dislodge and mix with the water, resulting in discoloration.
The usual solution to sediment and mineral buildup is a flush out. However, when the buildup is excessive, it can be difficult to remove. Eventually, it will start restricting water flow and reducing the heater’s efficiency. The second reason for discoloration is rust and corrosion in the pipes.
All metallic pipes rust. It’s simply a matter of time. Water sometimes contains dissolved gases, minerals, salts, sulfates, and other impurities that can corrode the pipes under normal circumstances. Increase the temperature, and this process can accelerate even further.
As the pipes corrode, rust particles frequently flake off and mix with water, resulting in a reddish or brownish tint. At this stage, it is advisable to replace the pipes, as the level of damage is too extensive for a functioning and efficient water heater.
2. Weird Noise
A water heater is a mechanical device that heats cold water. When operating, it makes sounds like humming, sizzling, and ticking. You should be concerned when you hear popping, whistling, vibrations, and crackling. Popping sounds often indicate sediment buildup. Steam bubbles typically form beneath the sediment, bursting as the water becomes hotter.
This bursting through the layers of sediment creates popping sounds. If this keeps happening, the sediment buildup could be too extensive to repair. Replacement would be the best solution. Water under pressure causes whistling or high-pitched screeching sounds. The valve may be partially closed or faulty, or mineral buildup within the tank could be restricting water flow.
Vibrations may also indicate sediment buildup in the system. Finally, continuous crackling sounds, particularly from electric heaters, could suggest that the heating elements are obstructed.
3. Leaking
Leaks can occur due to cracked or corroded pipes or tanks, damaged or malfunctioning pressure relief valves, loose fittings, worn-out anode rods, or defective drain valves. If your water heater tank or pipes are corroded to the extent that they leak, your system has nearly reached the end of its lifespan. You might be able to patch a small crack to extend its life for another week, but this is merely a temporary solution. It will ultimately fail without warning.
Also, anode rod corrosion warrants replacing the whole system. The anode rod attracts and removes corrosive minerals from the water tank. If those same minerals degrade, the tank becomes more vulnerable to damage, eventually cracking and leaking.
4. No Hot Water
Experiencing a lack of hot water is a common issue with water heaters. Before you jump to conclusions, check if your thermostat is set to at least 120℉ (a lower setting may encourage bacteria growth if you have a tank-style water heater) or if your circuit breaker has tripped. If the thermostat is responsible for the lack of hot water, either fix it or replace it. Conversely, if the circuit breaker has tripped, reset it but look into what caused the trip. Your water heater may be drawing more power than it should, which usually indicates an underlying issue that needs attention.
The more serious causes of lack of hot water include faulty heating elements, mineral buildup, and under-sizing. Mineral buildup often coats the heating elements and other important components, preventing the heater from transferring heat to the water. An undersized water heater will not provide consistent hot water because it cannot keep up with household demand. The older your system gets, the worse this issue becomes. The only viable solution is to get a properly sized water heater.
5. Age
With regular maintenance, draining, and flushing, a hot water heater can last between 8 to 15 years. If yours is at least six years old, it’s a good idea to start looking for a replacement. Keep in mind that this lifespan isn’t universal. Factors such as how often it’s used, the quality of your home’s water, installation, and the type and model of the heater all significantly affect its longevity.
One system may break down after five years, while another can last 12 years. Consult a professional to assess the condition of your water heater and recommend the best replacement.
Factors To Consider When Replacing a Hot Water Heater
Start with type. You can install a tank or tankless water heater. Tank water heaters come with a storage cylinder that provides quick, steady hot water. They can use natural gas or electricity for fuel. However, natural gas tank water heaters use almost 50% less energy than their electric counterparts.
Tank water heaters are suitable for homes with more than three members. They are cost-effective and simple to install. However, the downside is their shorter lifespan.
Tankless water heaters have longer lifespans, can be installed anywhere in the home, and provide instantaneous hot water. They are also more energy efficient because they don’t need to keep a tank full of water hot even when not in use. Unfortunately, they are not ideal for large households and tend to be more expensive upfront.
Next, consider energy efficiency. The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is a metric used to measure water heater energy efficiency. It evaluates the amount of hot water produced per unit of fuel consumed. The values often range from 0.63 to 4.1. The higher the number, the better.
Lastly, think about the size of the water heater. If you have a large household with high hot water needs, choose a unit with a larger capacity. On the other hand, if your household has lower hot water requirements, a smaller, simpler unit will do. Always consult a professional when determining the right size and capacity for your home.
Contact Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling for More Information
Contact Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling before replacing your water heater. Our experts can assess your system to determine whether repairs are feasible or if a replacement is necessary. Your water heater may still have some life left. However, if its time is up, our plumbers will assist you in choosing the right type, model, size, and features that best suit your household needs and budget. You can also call us for additional plumbing services, such as sewer and drain repairs, heating and cooling maintenance, repairs, and installation, and indoor air quality solutions.
Call Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling today for water heater installation in Round Lake, IL, and surrounding areas.
