5 Signs Your Water Heater Is Going Out

Is your water heater 20 years old? Are weird rattling sounds coming from your water heater? Does your water go from blazing hot to freezing cold while you’re in the shower? These are all signs that it may be time for a new water heater. Your home’s water heater is the most important and costly component in the plumbing system. Before winter comes, it’s important to make sure your water heater is running properly and efficiently to keep your family warm and comfortable. These are the most common signs your water heater is going out and needs to be replaced.

1. Rumbling and Noises

Loud rumbling, pops, or crackling usually means your heating components are failing. Once you begin to hear sounds, you should have your heating elements inspected. Generally, such noises indicate something isn’t working properly and going bad.

One of the common reasons a water heater begins to go bad is when a layer of hard sediment builds up at the bottom of the heater. This means that your water heater will have to use more electricity or gas and the more energy can mean less efficiency and more damage. If you hear noises, check for leaks – another indicator that your water heater is going out.

2. Leaking Water

This is the most obvious indicator that your water heater needs to be replaced. This can range from a small puddle of water to a full-blown leak. Leaks can occur for a variety of reasons, some can be caused from not taking care of these other signs. When it comes to a heater failing, this is the worst sign because if the leak isn’t located near a drain it can flood whichever room it’s in (usually in the basement) and possibly others. When flooding occurs, an even bigger problem and more expenses than fixing/replacing a water heater can occur. If you find leaks, it’s time for a new water heater.

3. Age of Your Heater

Depending on how long you have had your water heater, the age may indicate if it needs to be replaced. A water heater can go out anywhere between 6-12 years, most plumbers say the 10-year mark is when they fail.

To find out how old your water heater is, look for the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker on the upper portion of the water heater. Different manufacturers use a different kind of system to display the year it was made in the serial number. You’ll need to research what manufacturer you have to understand how to read the date.

4. Hot Water is Inconsistent

If your water varies between hot and cold throughout your shower this is also a good sign your water heater is failing. If hot water is not lasting the entire day this is a good sign your water heater is failing. If you’re constantly getting little hot water, mixed, or none this is a good sign your water heater is failing.

The first place to check if you don’t have hot water is the pilot light. For some reason, it may have gone out. Under the water heater, there is usually a space that you can look into and see a flame. That is the pilot light. If you can’t see a flame, the pilot light has gone out and that is what could be giving you hot and cold water. Relight it, and your water should be back to normal.

If the pilot light is on and you’re still not getting any hot water, your water heater might be going it. It’s best to get it checked to see what exactly is wrong with it.

5. Rusty Water

Is rusty water coming out of the water heater on the hot side piping in your home? This is a sign your water heater could be rusting from the inside. As the water is going through the pipes, the rust is shedding into the water. Once the inside rusts away it can cause the water heater to leak. If the color of the water is odd, it’s definitely time to get your water heater checked.

Is Your Water Heater in Need of an Upgrade?

Unfortunately over time water heaters do wear out. Shamrock Plumbing offers water heating installation for homes and businesses throughout the area. Learn how our energy-efficient water heating systems can reduce your home’s energy costs! Call us to set up an appointment for a free estimate and consultation (801) 505-9505.