At 72 Degrees, we understand how confusing the choice between repair and replacement can be. Here are some symptoms that your water heater is about to go caput:
- Rusty Water: If your water is ever an ugly, rusty red color, that’s a sign your unit may need replacement. Typically, this will be noticeable when you first turn the water on, but it can also come as burst as the water runs. This happens when sediment builds up in improperly cleaned units and can signal both tank degradation and bacteria growth.
- Odd Smells or Tastes: If your water has a metallic or acidic taste or smell, it could be a sign that your water heater’s tank is breaking down and impacting the quality of your water.
- Odd Noises: Loud cracks and popping noises coming from your water heater are caused by sediment build-up interfering with the heating elements. While this can sometimes be solved with a maintenance service and cleaning, it can also be a sign that sediment has built up in your unit.
- Too Hot. Too Cold: If you’re having trouble keeping the temperature of your water consistent, it could be a sign your heating element is burning out. Set your water heater’s thermostat to at least 120°F (49°C). If that doesn’t help, reach out to us for prompt service.
- Not Enough or No Hot Water: Having no hot water when you turn on the shower or constantly running out of hot water is a sign that your water heater has a problem. A water heater should be able to support 3-4 showers back-to-back without a problem. If you are running out on the first or second shower, it’s time to give us a call.
- Frequent Repairs: With regular maintenance, your water heater should run problem free for 10-15 years. If you are having reoccurring issues, it could be a sign that your water heater’s major components are breaking down. In cases like this, installing a new unit is often more cost-effective than continue to repair a dying one.
- Leaks: Leaks should never be ignored. If water is puddling around your unit, it’s a sign that the seals on the tank have failed.
- Rust on the Bottom of the Unit: This is a sign that the integrity of your tank is breaking down and should never be ignored. That 40-60 gallons of water stored in the tank are a huge leak liability, and a major leak could cost your thousands in water damage repair
- Your Unit is Over Ten Years Old: Most tank style water heaters last between 10-15 years. However, the life span will be shortened if you have very hard water. If your water heater is over 10 years old, replacing it is often more economical than repairing it.
