You use your water heater for essential tasks such as doing laundry, cooking, and showering. As with any appliance in your home in North Metro MN, your water heater can experience wear and tear, damage, and malfunctions. Spotting the signs of a failing water heater allows you to effectively plan for the purchase and installation of a new unit. When you need installation services, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® can help.

Aging Hot Water Heater

You can expect your tank water heater to last approximately 8 to 12 years before needing to be replaced. If your unit is approaching this time frame or has surpassed it, it’s time to plan and budget for a replacement. If you’re unsure what the age of your heater is, there should be a manufacturer's date label on your tank that can clarify.

Water Temperature Issues

A reliable and properly functioning water heater should provide consistently warm water anytime you turn on your faucet. If you’re experiencing fluctuations between cold and hot water, you may have a failing heating element. There could also be an issue with the pilot light or thermostat. These issues can often be repaired, but several problems occurring frequently may warrant water heater replacement.

Discolored Water

Water from your hot water tank can be discolored for several reasons, including corrosion or sediment buildup in your tank. There may also be backflow and disturbances in your municipal water system. It’s important to have this issue checked as soon as possible to ensure you have a safe water supply in your home. There is an anode rod inside your hot water tank that functions as a sacrificial part. It collects minerals and sediments to protect the rest of your unit and its components. The anode rod requires replacement approximately once every three to five years. A professional can inspect the condition of your anode rod as well as the overall condition of your water tank to determine if it needs complete replacement. Here in the Minneapolis-St. Paul North Metro area, hard water is a fact of life. This can lead to premature aging of your hot water heater. You can protect your heater, appliances, and pipes by investing in a water softener. This will remove hard minerals, circulating softer water through your home so that built-up doesn’t clog water lines, pipes, and other parts of your home plumbing system.

Abnormal Noises

A water heater should function very quietly. If your unit is in your basement or tucked away in a utility closet, you shouldn’t hear it running at all. If there's a problem with your appliance or sediment buildup is present, this can lead to noises like banging or rumbling from within your tank. These noises can also indicate there's a high level of pressure building up in your tank, which is a major safety concern. There is a pressure relief valve on your unit that can address pressure concerns. However, that can malfunction just like any other part.

A Leaking Water Heater

Periodically check your water heater for pooling water, condensation, or other signs of leaks. Even a small leak can indicate that there's an internal failure. Ignoring a leak can lead to bigger problems and substantial damage to your home. A professional can determine if the leak is something that can be repaired with the replacement of a part or if the tank itself is beyond its useful life. You can invest in affordable water alarms that will alert you if water is sensed nearby. You can place an alarm near your water heater for peace of mind. Also, smart water alarms are available. You will receive an alert on your paired smart device that allows you to take prompt action if your water heater is leaking.

Reduction in Capacity

A residential hot water tank is usually between 40 and 80 gallons. Depending on the temperature, you should expect to have hot water for approximately 20 to 30 minutes for a 40-gallon tank. If this time frame seems to shorten over time, this is likely due to sediment buildup or mineral deposits reducing tank capacity. Having your tank drained and flushed may fix the issue. If internal corrosion or other substantial damage is to blame, a replacement may be necessary.

Spike in Energy Consumption

When your water heater begins to fail, it uses more energy to heat water. You may see your energy consumption and utility bills slowly increase over time. If a component unexpectedly fails, a sudden spike may occur. You can compare the information on your monthly energy bill to previous months or years to see if there’s been a noticeable change. There are smart devices that can help you monitor the amount of energy your water heater is using when it runs. There are even smart water heaters that connect to an app on your phone to provide you with key data to help you track performance, usage, and other important details. You can have it send you notifications when something malfunctions or it’s time to schedule routine maintenance. In general, older hot water heaters will use more energy even if there isn’t anything wrong with them. If you’re feeling burdened by the cost of your hot water production, consider upgrading to a new model with energy-efficient features. A tankless water heater uses much less energy and costs less to run because you don’t have to maintain a certain temperature of water stored in a tank. Hot water is produced when you need it. These units are available in both gas and electric versions.

Considering Repairs

It’s very common to need repairs for issues like loose connections, worn-out fittings, and broken gaskets. As mentioned, some parts will wear out faster than your heater’s overall condition. Scheduling timely repairs can ensure that more catastrophic issues don’t occur. A major issue can lead to your tank failing completely, or cause a flood if there’s a leak in the tank. If you notice something is wrong, it’s best to schedule an appointment right away. If your water heater is less than eight years old and doesn’t appear to be experiencing any major problems, repairs are usually the best option. Any issues that compromise the safety or integrity of your water heater or home usually require replacement. Also, some repairs may be so extensive that they become very costly. It may be more cost-effective to invest in a brand-new water heater, especially if you find yourself scheduling frequent repair appointments. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® is available to help you with hot water heater repair and replacement services. We can help you choose a new tank, ensuring you have a unit that is appropriately sized and efficient. Our knowledgeable team completes the installation process according to local codes. There may also be discounts or incentives available if you upgrade to a more efficient hot water heater, and we can help you understand your options. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® to schedule an appointment today.