5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater

Unfortunately, water heaters were not made to last forever, and they need to be replaced more often than we would like. From rust in your water to a higher monthly electric bill, a water heater that needs to be replaced is going to do nothing but cause problems.

Here are 5 common signs it is time to replace your water heater. If your water heater is showing one or more of these signs, call an HVAC contractor for an inspection as soon as possible.

1. The Age of the Water Heater

The average lifespan of a tank water heater is 8 to 12 years. Tankless water heaters (also called “on demand” units or an instant hot water heater) have an average lifespan of 20 years. With little to no maintenance, it is unlikely these water heaters will meet their life expectancies. If your water heater is nearing this lifespan and you notice any of the other signs below, there is a good chance it needs to be replaced.

2. Less Hot Water Than Usual

If you notice your hot water is not lasting as long–for example, in the morning when showers are happening back-to-back–this is a sign your hot water heater may need to be replaced. This could also be a sign of sediment build-up in the tank which is taking the place of hot water. An HVAC contractor can take care of this by flushing your water heater.

3. Rising Electrical Bill

If you have a gas furnace, your water heater typically makes up most of the electrical bill during the winter and comes in second to central air conditioning during the summer. If you notice your electric bill is rising, always have an HVAC contractor inspect the possible culprits. If your water heater needs to be replaced, it will run inefficiently and make you pay for it.

4. Rusty Hot Water

If the water coming from your hot water heater is rusty but the water coming from the cold side is clean and crisp, your water heater is likely rusting and will need to be replaced. This corrosion will eat through your hot water tank or pipes, leading to a water leak. Rust in the water could also mean rusty pipes, which can be determined by draining several buckets of hot water from the tank. If the water continues to come out rusty by the third bucket, it is the tank, not the pipes.

5. Continuous Repairs

Just like any appliance, more and more repairs mean your water heater may need to be replaced. If your water heater needs repairing more than twice every year, there is a good chance this will continue until you get it replaced.

If you see one of more of these signs from your water heater, we strongly recommend calling for a water heater inspection. Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides water heater replacement and repair services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Give us a call or contact us online today!