7 Signs You Might Need a New Water Heater And What to do Next…

One Saturday morning, as my wife and I were finishing breakfast, our son called. It’s a little unusual for him to call during the morning, but I didn’t think anything of it until he spoke.

“I think our water heater is broken. What do I do?” our son said.

“What’s going on?” I asked him.

“Um, there’s water coming out and I can’t figure out how to turn it off,” he replied.

I tried giving him directions over the phone, but I quickly realized that his water heater was done. So I ran to Home Depot, picked up a new water heater, and drove the 74 miles to his house.

Sure enough, water was leaking out, and the water heater needed to be replaced. 

I realized that newer homeowners, homeowners who have experienced problems like water heaters giving out, should know the signs of a water heater going bad before they run out of hot water. 

So here are 7 signs that a water heater is about to go bad:

1. Insufficient Hot Water: If your hot water supply is dwindling or taking longer to heat up, it could be a sign of a failing heating element, sediment buildup, or other issues within the tank.

2. Age of the Unit: Water heaters typically last between 8 to 12 years. If your unit is nearing or exceeding this age, it's more prone to failure and might be a good time to consider a replacement.

3. Inconsistent Water Temperature: Fluctuations in water temperature, where hot water turns lukewarm or cold unexpectedly, can also point to a problem with the heating element or thermostat.

4. High Energy Bills: A sudden spike in your energy bill could be a sign that your water heater is working harder to heat water due to sediment buildup or other problems.

5. Strange Noises: Popping, banging, or rumbling sounds coming from the water heater are often associated with sediment buildup or other internal issues.

6. Leaks: Water pooling around the base of the water heater is a serious issue that requires immediate attention, as it can lead to water damage.

7. Rusty or Discolored Water: Rust or a brownish tint in your hot water indicates corrosion inside the tank, potentially caused by a dissolving anode rod or other internal components.

You might be tempted to ignore a few signs, like inconsistent water temperature or higher-than-normal energy bills, but I recommend rethinking that. If your water heater is older than 12 years, there’s a good chance it’s going to fail and need replacement. 

My wife and I had one that failed one night, and the next morning–a work morning–we had to take cold showers. Of course, it was January when our water heater died. Cold showers in January, we learned, really weren’t for us.

By not replacing your water at the first signs it’s failing, you could run into some costly problems:

• Avoids unexpected disruptions: A sudden failure can leave you without hot water, which can be a major inconvenience, especially if you have a family, rental property, or business that relies on hot water. Or it’s winter. 

• Reduces risk of water damage: A corroded or failing water heater can leak or burst, causing significant water damage to your home and potentially leading to mold or mildew growth. 

• Saves money in the long run: While it might seem counterintuitive to spend money on a new water heater when the old one is still working, proactive replacement can save you from the high costs of emergency repairs or even water damage caused by a burst tank.

• If you develop mold or mildew from a leaky water heater, it will be costly to remove it. 

• Potentially cheaper than emergency replacement: Emergency replacements often come with higher service fees and may not allow for thorough research and comparison of options.

• Allows for informed decision-making: You can research different models, compare energy efficiency, and choose the best option for your needs when you have time to plan

If you notice any of the above signs with your water heater, it’s best to start planning for a new one. Go to your preferred home improvement retailer and look at water heaters. There are a few options, including gallon-size and tankless. Make decisions that will benefit your home. Either install it yourself or call someone to do it for you. 

As for my son, it took us a couple of hours to put in his new water heater. Our struggles had more to do with where the water heater is located, getting the old one out, and putting in the new one. But we got it done, and his household is now able to have warm water and the security of knowing they have a new water heater.