Signs Your Water Heater Is Going Bad or Failure
The water heater in your home is vital, ensuring a steady supply of hot water for tasks such as bathing, doing laundry, and washing dishes. Despite their complexity, the significance of water heaters in our daily lives cannot be overstated. Therefore, it’s crucial to be vigilant and act if you suspect your water heater is going bad.
One might assume that the simple absence of hot water is the only indication of a malfunctioning water heater. However, the reality is considerably more complex. A failing water heater can manifest through various signs. Some of these indicators might be noticeable, but others can be more subtle and less discernible.
In the following sections, we will delve into a list of indicators that may suggest your water heater requires either repair or complete replacement. But before we dive into the details of water heater failure, let’s take a moment to understand the mechanics of a water heater and how it works.
How Does A Water Heater Work?
A water heater is designed to heat and store water, then delivered to various outlets in your home when needed. The majority of residential homes use either a tank or tankless water heater.
What is the Lifespan of a Water Heater?
The lifespan of water heaters generally ranges between 8 and 12 years. However, tankless water heating systems may serve you for more years than typical ones. If your water heater has been in use for eight years, consider looking for its successor. Keep in mind the actual lifespan of a water heater can vary, influenced by a few critical factors:
- The specific model of the water heater
- The overall quality and reliability of the unit
- The regularity and quality of maintenance procedures conducted
Read Also: How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
What Causes a Hot Water Heater to Stop Working?
Several factors beyond age can determine if your water heater requires replacement. Conditions that can impede the functioning of your hot water heater include the following:
- Accumulation of Sediment: Over time, sediment can build up in your water heater tank, affecting its heating efficiency.
- Rust and Corrosion: These can degrade the tank and other components, leading to leaks or failure.
- Loose Fittings: If fittings are not properly secured, they can cause leaks and reduce the water heater’s effectiveness.
- Excessive Pressure: Too high a pressure can stress the water heater components, leading to potential damage and reduced lifespan.
Read: When to Replace Your Water Heater?
Signs a Water Heater is Going Bad or Dying
1. Discolored or Rusty Water
The first sign that the water heater tank is beginning to fail is when you notice dirty, rusty water coming out of the taps. The metal parts inside your tank are starting to corrode. This discoloration occurs because of the anode rod failure, which is responsible for protecting the interior of the water tank from corrosion. As a result, the rust flakes and sediments mix with your hot water supply. The tank will inevitably begin to rust as time goes by.
2. Hot Water Smells Odd
At times, you might detect a peculiar odour or taste in your hot water, which could vary from a metallic tang to a “rotten egg” smell. These sensory deviations stem from different root causes and may necessitate further investigation. The metallic flavor could be attributed to iron pipes, which may be infusing the water with metal, a common occurrence in older plumbing systems. Conversely, the sulfur or rotten egg-like smell might emanate from within the water heater itself, caused by the interaction between anaerobic bacteria in the water and the water heater’s anode rod.
3. The water tank is leaking
Leaks in your water heater can occur due to various reasons, including faults with the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve or the surrounding pipes. Over time, these components can loosen, leading to water droplets or puddling near the tank. However, such issues typically require low-cost repairs. However, if the water heater leak is a result of severe corrosion, the tank must be replaced.
4. Strange Sounds
A water heater making strange noises could be a sign that the unit is beginning to fail. While it is normal to hear noises coming from your water heater during operation, certain sounds should alert you to potential problems. These sounds may include popping, banging, or even rumbling. If your water heater is filled with excessive sediment, it can hinder the heater’s efficiency.
In a gas-fueled model, the sediment layer sits between the water and the heating element, potentially causing popping or crackling noises as the water heats up. If you have an electric water heater with internal heating elements, you may notice it struggling to heat water effectively due to the sediment barrier. These signs could indicate impending water heater failure.
5. Water Not Hot Enough
As water heaters age, they become less efficient. Scaling and sediment build-up can negatively impact the unit’s performance, leading to a decline in heating capacity over time. If you notice that your showers are becoming colder or that it takes longer for hot water to reach your tap, this could be a sign of a failing water heater.
6. No Hot Water At All
If you find yourself in a situation where hot water fails to flow when you turn on the faucet, your initial step should be to check if your water heater is operational. A malfunctioning circuit breaker could disrupt the power supply to the system, thereby inhibiting its ability to heat water. Should you verify that the circuits are functioning correctly and the water heater is powered on? Yet, the problem persists; the issue might lie with a defective heating element or thermostat in your water heater.
The operation of your water heater hinges on the function of the heating element, whether it’s powered by electricity or fueled by gas. This element is responsible for heating the water in your system. Alongside this, the thermostat is essential in triggering the heating element, directing it to activate at the right time. If the thermostat fails to gauge the temperature accurately, it may not signal the heating element to switch on—despite its being in working order. As such, you could find yourself without hot water.
7. Running out of hot water quickly
Regular flushing of your water heater is crucial for its optimal functioning. If overlooked, a substantial volume of sediment could accumulate within the tank. This build-up reduces the tank’s capacity for hot water, causing it to run out rapidly, and indicates a deteriorating water heater. Prolonged neglect of this issue may render the sediment impossible to flush out.
8. Lower water pressure
If you notice strong water pressure when using your cold water taps, but the pressure substantially decreases when hot water is utilized, this could indicate a sediment accumulation in your water heater. With time, sediment can collect at the bottom of the tank, leading to many problems.
9. Frequent Repairs
If you constantly call a water heater maintenance technician, it may be time to consider replacing the unit. Repeated repairs can add up quickly, and if the water heater is already reaching its lifespan, a replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run.
10. Age of Water Heater
While some water heaters can last for decades, most have an average lifespan of around 10-15 years. If your water heater is nearing this age range, it may be time to start monitoring for signs of failure. It’s always better to replace the unit before a catastrophic failure occurs and leads to potential damage and inconvenience.
11. Increased Energy Consumption
A failing water heater will struggle to function efficiently, resulting in an increase in energy consumption. If you notice a sudden rise in your utility bills without any changes in usage, this could be a sign that your water heater is on its last legs and may need replacing soon.
Is It Wise to Replace My Water Heater Before It Fails?
Deciding whether to replace your water heater before it fails can be a matter of personal preference. If consistent access to hot water is vital for you, it may be wise to replace the unit at the first signs of malfunction. Waiting until complete failure could mean going without hot water for several days. Proactive replacement not only saves you from the inconvenience but also from potential extra costs.
Furthermore, it helps protect your property from potential damage; a sudden rupture of the water heater could result in a significant amount of water flooding your home or garage. Lastly, making a calm, well-thought-out decision will ensure you don’t regret having hasty choices made under the pressure of an emergency.
Read: When to replace your water heater?
Preventing Hot Water Heater Failure with Fixwell
We at Fixwell know of the inconvenience and discomfort caused by insufficient hot water, water heater issues, or the complete absence of hot water. Our skilled team of plumbing experts provides preventative maintenance for water heaters to stave off potential failures. Furthermore, we also execute water heater repairs in Dubai as necessary. Schedule a maintenance request to avoid extra costs and fewer repairs for your water heating system before it goes bad: We are just a phone call away. Call 055 5244076
