7 Signs You Have to Replace Your Water Heater

Knowing whether to repair or replace your broken water heater can be difficult. You want to get the most out of your appliance, but you don’t want to spend money to fix it if it’s not going to last much longer anyway.

Water heater issues almost always pop up for homeowners at some point, and once the problems start, it’s usually best to think about scheduling a replacement.

Here are seven signs it might be time to replace your water heater:

1. It’s Old

Water heaters only last 10 to 15 years. If you don’t even remember when you got yours, it’s probably time to have it replaced. Don’t wait until it gives out and leaves you cold and shivering in the shower.

2. The Bathtub Fills with Yellow, Rusty Water

You’re finally ready to draw your bath for your Friday night relaxation ritual, but rusty, yellow water comes out of the tap. When the tank is rusting on the inside, you can tell from the color of the water. It’s a sign the tank will leak soon or is already leaking, since the inner seal is rusting away.

3. Your “Hot” Shower Lasts 20 Seconds

When you get a full 20 seconds of hot water before it turns frigid, the tank’s heating element is starting to fade. This is bad news, because that means your dishwasher and washing machine can’t clean effectively either. Plus, you’re tired of cold showers!

4. Your Water Is Warm, Not Hot

Your “hot” water never seems to get really hot. If you crank up the temperature on the tank and still only have lukewarm water, it’s a heating element issue.

5. You Jump When You Hear it Crackle or Pop

You venture down into the basement or garage (or wherever your water heater is located) and you hear a sudden loud pop. Excessive crackling or rumbling can be scary, and it’s a sign of too much built-up sediment at the bottom of the tank.

6. You’ve Paid for Too Many Repairs

Your water heater isn’t getting any younger! It might not sprout gray hair, but when it’s forced you to pay for too many minor repairs, it’s probably better to just invest in a new one.

7. You Step in a Puddle

When you try to adjust the heat settings on the tank, you notice water on the floor. Quick! Call a plumber right away. This is a tank leak, and it’s time to get a replacement.

At Connectionz Plumbing Heating & Air, we replace your water heater before it’s too late, ensuring uninterrupted hot water flow for all your future morning showers. Don’t wait until it fails — call us today so we can diagnose, repair or replace this appliance as needed.