7 Signs It Is Time For A Water Heater Replacement | Normal, IL

In a perfect world, every appliance in your Normal, IL home will last forever. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world, and every appliance in your home has a maximum lifespan. When an appliance is ready to reach its maximum lifespan, it will often stop functioning at peak performance and will require frequent repairs, and your water heater is not an exception. On average and with proper maintenance, your water heater should last from 10 to 15 years; however, if your water heater is over 10-years-old, it is on borrowed time. When your water heater reaches the end of its lifespan, it can break down completely, and you won’t have hot water until you have the unit replaced.

It is best to recognize the early signs that you need a water heater replacement. If you can recognize the signs early, you can have the unit replaced before it breaks down completely.

If your water heater is experiencing any of the following issues, you should schedule an appointment for a replacement.

#1 The Water Heater Is Over a Decade Old

Although water heaters can last up to 15 years, it is around the 10-year mark that issues begin to arise, and you may want to start thinking about a water heater replacement. If your hot water came with your home when you bought it, and you aren’t sure how old it is, you can find it on the tag placed by the plumber who installed the unit or in the serial number.

A water heater can be expensive; therefore, it is best to start planning financially when the water heater in your home is over a decade old.

#2 Rust-Colored Hot Water

When you turn on the hot water in your Normal, IL home, it should come out clear. If the water is rust-colored, it may be time for a replacement.

Over time sediment can build up in the tank. When pieces of the sediment break up, it can contaminate the water. In some cases, a plumber can drain the tank and remove the sediment contaminating the water. If the sediment cannot be removed, you may need to replace your water heater.

The issue could also be that the inside of the tank is breaking down. When this happens, small pieces of metal from the inside of the tank will contaminate the water. This issue cannot be repaired, and a water heater replacement is your only option.

#3 Foul-Smelling Water

The hot water coming from the taps in your home should be odorless. If you smell rotten eggs when the hot water is running, there is a chance that your water heater needs to be replaced.

This smell is often caused by sulfate bacteria that have built up inside the water tank. This type of bacteria often forms in stagnant water.

If your water heater is relatively old and the hot water smells like rotten eggs, it is more cost-effective to pay for a water heater replacement rather than paying for a plumber to drain and clean the tank if your water heater is ready to reach its maximum lifespan, and will soon need to be replaced.

#4 Poor Hot Water Pressure

Poor water pressure makes simple tasks take longer than they should. In addition, without adequate water pressure, your washing machine and dishwasher won’t function properly.

Poor hot water is often caused by sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank and is clogging the water lines.

If a plumber cannot clear the water lines, a water heater replacement will be necessary. The same is true if the plumber cannot remove the bulk of the sediment. If they can’t, it is only a matter of time before the water lines become clogged again, and the water pressure will again be inadequate.

#5 You Are Running Out Of Hot Water Frequently

Running out of hot water in the middle of a shower is a terrible way to start the day. If this happens to you frequently, it could be time for a water heater replacement.

If someone new moved into your home, or if you recently installed a washing machine or dishwasher, your hot water demand will increase. If your water tank isn’t large enough to meet your family’s hot water demand, you will need to replace it with a unit with a larger tank. You can also install a tankless water heater that heats the water when you need it, providing all the hot water your family needs.

There could also be a large amount of sediment in the bottom of the tank, and there isn’t as much space for hot water storage. This is a serious issue that often cannot be repaired, and you may need to replace your water heater.

#6 Strange Sounds

The water heater in your Normal, IL home should be quiet when it is running. If you hear strange sounds, it may be time for a water heater replacement.

Popping sounds often signify that there is water below the sediment that has built up in the tank. When this happens, the water underneath will start to boil, and bubbles of hot steam escape, causing the popping sound. This issue typically cannot be repaired, and a water heater replacement may be necessary.

A banging sound is often due to large pieces of sediment floating around in the water and banging against the sides of the water tank. If you ignore the issue and don’t have your water heater replaced, it is only a matter of time before the sediment cracks the water tank, resulting in a major flood.

#7 Moisture Around the Water Heater

The area around your water heater should be dry. If there is moisture or water pooling around the unit, you have a problem.

The issue could be a loose or broken hose, which can easily be repaired. However, if there is water pooling around the unit, there could be a crack in the water tank that is leaking water. If this is the case, it is only a matter of time before the water stored in the water heater floods your home.

Why Choose Covenant Plumbing?

If you are due for a water heater replacement, contact Covenant Plumbing. We are a full-service plumbing company that has been serving customers in the area since 2006.

We understand that some plumbing issues require immediate assistance, which is why we offer emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To schedule an appointment for a water heater replacement or any other plumbing issues, give us a call today.