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1. Strange Noises:
If your hot water heater goes bump in the night (or morning…or afternoon…or evening), you could be due for a replacement. Just like humans, water heaters begin making all manner of noises as they age. The water that you use in your home has thousands of tiny, microscopic minerals and particles in it that settle at the bottom of the tank and become what is known as “sediment”. You can hear the hardened sediment buildup in the form of banging, rumbling, or hissing noises from inside the heater.
2. Discolored Tap Water:
A surefire sign of a water heater on the fritz is the presence of rusty water flowing from your tap. Water plus internal corrosion in the tank, equals rust. Pro tip: If you have just purchased a new water heater or it is still early in the life of your appliance, request that a professional install a new zinc anode rod in the water heater. This addition will help with corrosion, the sulfur smell, and the overall life of your unit. The same rule applies if you notice rust around your valve/inlet. If you see rust in this area, it is likely that rust has corroded the inside of the tank as well.
Is it the Pipes or the Heater?
There is a surefire way to discern whether the rust is a water heater issue or a pipe issue. You will need a bucket to collect about three buckets of hot water from the tank. If the water is still rusty after three buckets, it is a tank issue and not a pipe issue. Steel may be the strongest metal, but it is still vulnerable to rust and corrosion.
3. Shorter Shower Times
Is the hot water not quite making it to the end of the hair wash cycle? Insufficient hot water is another indicator that you need to replace your water heater. You can troubleshoot this issue by checking and readjusting your thermostat between 120 and 140 degrees, or by checking the heating element for malfunctions.
A faulty heating element is an issue that you can easily identify. If your water remains cold in spite of running for a few minutes, you probably have a heating element problem. If neither of these are the problem, then the malfunction is likely from a tank that is too small for the size house you have.
At times, this issue is due to the heater’s inability to adequately heat the water through the sediment build-up on the tank bottom. If your hot water issue is more about supply, you may want to replace the system with a tankless water heater.
4. You Spring A Leak
Leaks are never a good sign, and your water heater is no exception to the rule. Over time, the consistent heating and cooling of the liquid and the expansion and contraction of the tank causes the metal to become brittle. Consequently, this can cause fractures within the tank itself.
When the tank is idle, leaks are less likely to be noticed. However, when a tank is actively heating, small amounts of water can leak through the fractures. Leaks are a warning sign of an impending tank burst, and you need to seek advice from a qualified professional.
5. Your Tank Is Old
Finally, you may need to replace your water heater if the tank is ten years or older. As your tank ages, it starts to fail you. Before you have damage, change out the water heater.
