A water heater rarely fails without warning. Most standard tank heaters last 8 to 12 years, and in the last few years they usually show signs of wear. Spotting them early lets you replace the heater on your schedule, instead of after a cold shower or a flooded utility room.
Signs your water heater is wearing out
- Age: the serial number on the label usually encodes the manufacture date. Past 10 years, start planning.
- Rusty or discolored hot water can mean the inside of the tank is corroding.
- Rumbling or popping noises come from sediment that has built up and hardened at the bottom of the tank.
- Water around the base often means a leaking tank, which cannot be repaired.
- Lukewarm water or running out sooner than you used to.
- Rising energy bills as the heater works harder to keep up.
Repair or replace?
A faulty thermostat, heating element, gas valve or anode rod can usually be repaired at a fraction of the cost of a new heater. A leaking tank cannot. As a rule of thumb, if the heater is more than 10 years old and the repair costs more than a third of a replacement, replacing it is usually the better investment.
Flushing your tank once a year removes sediment, keeps the heater efficient and can add years to its life.
Tank or tankless?
Tankless water heaters heat water only when you need it, take up less space and can last 20 years, but cost more up front and may need gas line or venting upgrades. A new high-efficiency tank is often the simplest swap. We will size either option for your household and explain the trade-offs before any work starts.
Get an upfront price
Specialty Plumbing repairs and replaces gas, electric and tankless water heaters across Lake County, with the permit and haul-away included. Request service and we will diagnose your heater and give you a flat-rate price before any work begins.