After a long, hard day, there’s no better feeling than stepping into a nice, hot shower. However, sometimes your water heater may have other plans in mind. Luckily, most water heaters don’t fail all at once. They usually give warning signs long before the hot water runs out for good.
At Hall & Sons Plumbing, we help Jacksonville homeowners spot these early warning signs, allowing them to plan ahead instead of facing an unexpected breakdown (and an ice-cold shower). Here’s how to tell when your water heater is about to fail and whether it’s time to repair or replace.
How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
Your water heater probably isn’t something you think about often. It’s usually tucked away in some dark corner of your garage or in a random closet you never open. Out of sight, out of mind. Despite this, it might be fair to describe your water heater as the unsung hero of your home. Day after day it works quietly in the background, heating water for showers, dishes, laundry, and more.
Because it’s not always top of mind, it’s easy for homeowners to forget about their water heater until there’s a problem. So how long do they actually last? With proper maintenance, many traditional tank water heaters can last up to 15 years. However, here in Northeast Florida, mineral buildup can shorten that lifespan, and some units may start showing issues closer to the 8 to 10 year mark. It’s also important to note that some homeowners insurance companies may require replacement as early as 10 years from the manufacturing date, even if the unit is still working.
A few key factors that shorten the lifespan of a water heater include:
- Sediment buildup
- Faulty thermostats
- Heating element failures
- Hard water
How do you know if your water heater is nearing the end of its life? Most failing water heaters show a few common warning signs.
Warning Signs Your Water Heater is Going to Fail
Many homeowners don’t realize their water heater is struggling until it completely gives out. Here are a few of the key warning signs to look for if your water heater is about to fail:
Rusty or Discolored Water
If you turn on the hot water and notice brown or rust-colored water, that is often a sign corrosion may be happening inside your tank. Most newer water heaters are built with a polymer or glass-lined tank to help reduce corrosion buildup and protect the interior.
In addition, water heaters have a component called an anode rod. Its job is to sacrifice itself by corroding first, helping protect the tank lining. Once that anode rod is depleted, corrosion inside the tank can accelerate. Over time, internal rust can weaken the tank, increasing the risk of leaks or complete failure if it is not addressed.
Popping, Rumbling, or Banging Noises
There’s nothing more disturbing than a random popping or rumbling noise coming from your garage. While you may be hesitant, it’s important to investigate the source of the noise, as it’s probably coming from the water heater. In Jacksonville, the hard water causes mineral deposit buildup on heating elements and inside the tank. Over time, this makes your unit work harder than it should. Flushing the system helps remove scale and restores efficiency.
Water Around the Base of the Heater
Finding a puddle or moisture around the base of the water heater is never a good sign. While it could be something minor like a loose valve or condensation, standing water around your unit should always be checked quickly.
Water Heater Repair vs. Replacement
When deciding between repair and replacement, the cost is usually the biggest factor, but it shouldn’t be the only one. The age of your unit, the type of problem, and how often you’ve needed repairs all play an important role.
If your water heater is more than 10 years old, has leaks around the base of the tank, or operates erratically, it’s probably time to replace it. Those issues often mean the tank itself is failing, and no amount of repairs will make it reliable again.
On the other hand, some problems can be fixed without replacing the entire unit. If you have a faulty thermostat, a worn out anode, a small leak, or minor sediment buildup, it may make sense to have it repaired. But, spending several hundred dollars on a repair for an older tank often doesn’t make sense when a new unit includes a warranty and better efficiency (and a guarantee of hot showers at the end of the day).
Get Water Heater Service in Jacksonville, FL
At Hall & Sons Plumbing, we specialize in water heater services in Jacksonville, FL. If you feel like your water heater is about to fail, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
