Signs it’s Time to Replace My Water Heater

And what do all of these require? A functional hot water heater.

Thing is hot water heaters have a shelf life and must be replaced after several years. They also have components inside them that can malfunction. A trained plumber can easily replace/correct any of these aspects. But, as a homeowner, you should at least be aware of the basics of hot water heaters. This will help you avoid possible problems – especially those that arise if your water heater were to burst.

So, just in case you’re looking for signs it’s time to replace my water heater, here’s a crash course.

Signs your water heater needs to be replaced

First off, water heaters generally give off hints that they are about to fail. And, if ignored, they can fail spectacularly – and by that we mean by spewing gallons of water all over the floor. So, let’s get those out of the way first.

If you see any of these signs around your hot water heater, you should call a plumber immediately:

Rust – Look for signs of rust either on the tank itself or in the water coming out of your faucet (specifically when you turn on the hot water).

Noise – When a hot water heater is about to die, it will begin to emit rumbling noises as it heats water.

Leaks – If you see any water on the floor around the tank, a major leak could be about to open and drench the floor of the room where it sits.

There is another sign that could mean you either need a repair or adjustment – or perhaps replacement.

Failure to heat water – This does not necessarily mean you need to replace the heater, as it could stem from two factors that are easily adjusted or repaired. However, it could also mean that your hot water heater is too small for your household needs.

Keep your eyes and ears open, and you will be able to stay in front of any significant issues. However, there is other knowledge you can use to know when it is time to replace your hot water heater – specifically the age of the unit.

Most water heaters have a working life of 8-10 years. However, gas water heaters have a shorter lifespan, lasting 6-8 years. So, make sure you know the type of system you have – electric or gas. And then determine the age of the heater to know when to replace it – or when to be on the lookout for the signals discussed above.

If you did not install the last heater in your home, there is a way to determine the age of the unit. Each water heater comes with a serial number, listed on the manufacturer’s sticker, that reveals the date it was manufactured. However, each serial number is written in a sort of code that the average homeowner would not understand. Don’t worry, it’s not that hard to figure out.

The serial number actually starts with a letter and will look something like A221069367. The reason for this is that letter is code for the month of the year in which it was manufactured. The two numbers that follow the letter then reveal the year in which it was manufactured. So, the serial number A221069367 reveals that the water heater in question was produced in January 2022.

Therefore, if you have a gas-powered hot water heater produced 6-8 years ago or an electric one produced 8-10 years ago, be aware. In fact, you might even want to go ahead and schedule a replacement. And if you have one that is about this age and also shows any of the other signs discussed above you should call a plumber immediately.

Other things to be aware of in your hot water heater

Remember above, where we said that loss of hot water did not necessarily mean you needed to replace the hot water heater? Well, here’s why.

A loss of heat could be down to a misadjusted thermostat or a broken heating element. If the problem is a misadjusted thermostat, all you need to do is locate the thermostat on your hot water heater and make sure that it is set between 120-140 degrees.

If that is not the issue, it could be down to a broken heating element – which a plumber can fix easily enough.

Contact a pro that’s ready to help

If you do find yourself battling hot water issues, know that the professionals at Conditioned Air Systems are here to help. That may seem unusual from a company that has built a four-decade reputation on supplying the best in HVAC – but it’s really not that different. In fact, beginning in 2022, Conditioned Air brought on board plumbing master John Payne, founder of Payne Plumbing, to lead and develop our plumbing division. His work and expertise allow us to offer the same full range of expertise, customer service, and flexibility that you have come to expect from Conditioned Air’s HVAC services.

Payne, a north Georgia native, grew up in the plumbing industry and obtained his unrestricted master plumbing license over 25 years ago. He founded Payne Plumbing shortly thereafter. Thanks to John’s guidance, we will happily tackle any job, no matter the size or situation. And you can expect our plumbers to:

• Arrive on time
• Install it or repair it right, the first time
• Give you a fixed price with no hidden surprises
• Be friendly and professional

Just like our HVAC services, we offer 24/7 and emergency plumbing services to attend to your every need.

That most certainly includes hot water heater repair and replacement. So, if you’re in need of hot water now, please contact us right away at 770-536-7509 and let us get you appreciating the comforts of home again.