Winter is here, and that means no matter how many blankets or layers you put on your bed or layers you put on, you’re still cold! At this time of year, one of the only things that can provide relief is a steaming hot shower. Your water heater is one of the most essential appliances in your home, but it is often something your family takes for granted until it stops working. At this time of year, especially, we must look for the warning signs of a failing water heater to ensure our water stays hot and clear. Here are five signs that your water heater may be approaching the end of its life cycle:
- It’s Almost a Teenager
When your water heater’s age approaches 8-12 years, most traditional tank-style water heaters are nearing the end of their lifespan. Check the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker. The first few letters and numbers often contain the year and month of manufacture. To be proactive, if your water heater is approaching 10 years, start budgeting for a replacement. - Leaking or Pooling Water Around the Tank Base
Water heaters take a beating. They are under constant pressure. If the tank is leaking, it means the metal has fractured or is rusted through due to factors such as hard water or a faulty anode rod that is not protecting the unit. Any visible water at the base, especially if it returns after you wipe it, is reason to call us to take a look immediately. - Discolored or Rusty Water
When you turn on your hot water faucet, does the water appear murky or rusty? Two factors could be at play, and a professional plumber should diagnose either: rust in your home’s pipes or rust inside the water heater tank itself. Recently, we had a client who was experiencing a bad smell and cloudy water. We sent one of our plumbers to inspect the anode rod. Why? Because your anode rod's primary function is to protect the water heater from corrosion. It turns out that our client's was rotted entirely away! That little rod protects the integrity of the tank and protects the steel walls of your heater from rusting. If your hot water from multiple fixtures is murky or rusty, it's a clear sign that the issue lies with your water heater. If your cold water is clear, but your hot water is rusty and discolored, the culprit is almost always the heater. - Strange Sounds or Popping
Persistent or loud rumbling or popping noises when the heater is running are signs that sediment has built up at the bottom of the tank. Water heaters, in general, are pretty quiet appliances. The hard water minerals that make up the sediment settle and harden at the bottom. When the heater turns on and heats the layer of sediment, it creates a rumbling or popping sound. The sounds mean that the buildup is weakening your tank and causing materials to overheat inside it. - Inconsistent or Low Amounts of Hot Water
If you notice a significant change in performance or in the amount of hot water, or if it runs out faster than usual, it means the heating element (found in electric heaters) or the burner/dip tube (found in gas heaters) is malfunctioning. It could also mean the tank is too clogged with hard water minerals to hold the proper volume of hot water it used to. If your shower goes cold quickly or stays lukewarm when it should be hot, it’s a sign a replacement is in order.
Ensuring you notice the signs of a water heater on its last legs is crucial to your home's comfort, especially during this time of year. Call American Rooter Plumbing to schedule an inspection of your water heater. We do repairs, replacements, new installations, and tankless water heaters. We can be reached at (402) 298-5414, or via our online contact form.