Recurring water heater problems can be inconvenient and expensive to fix. They can result in disruptions to hot water service and affect water quality. Your water bill may also increase, depending on the problem, so you might wonder whether to repair or replace your water heater.
Addressing recurring issues promptly can save you a lot of money and increase the life of your water heater. It can also avoid frequent hot water system repairs. However, a plumber may suggest replacing an aging system if problems keep recurring.
Common Recurring Water Heater Problems
Should I replace my water heater? This is a good question if you have an aging system. A gas-supplied system can last 12 years, while an electric unit can last 15 years. No matter how old your water heater is, it’s important to address recurring issues such as:
- Inadequate Hot Water Supply: If the water temperature is lower than it used to be, without any changes in usage, or keeps fluctuating, it may be time to replace your water heater. You should also not suddenly start running out of hot water.
- Strange Noises from the Water Heater: Rumbling, popping, and banging sounds are often indicative of the beginning of water heater failure. Noise is often caused by sediment buildup, which can damage the tank and overheat the unit, especially if the problem is recurring.
- Leaks and Water Pooling Around the Unit: A water heater is a sealed, airtight structure. If it’s leaking, and the cause is larger than a faulty valve or pipe connection, the unit is likely damaged enough to justify replacement.
- Rusty or Discolored Water: If your hot water supply turns brown, black, yellow, or any other rusty color, the anode rod may be failing. But if the tank itself is rusting, as determined by a professional evaluation, the water heater has reached the end of its life.
- The Water Doesn’t Smell Right: A pungent smell from your hot water usually means the tank is infected with bacteria. These microorganisms thrive in warm water, especially if you keep the setting below 120℉. A professional can drain or treat your water heater to eliminate bacteria, but corrosion and rust can contribute to the problem.
Don’t Ignore High Energy Bills
High energy bills not only waste money. They’re often an indication of your water heater’s health. An appliance works less efficiently if there’s sediment buildup in the tank. As this sediment hardens, it becomes more difficult for the system to transfer heat evenly. Professionals recommend draining water heaters every six months. Otherwise, sediment can cause recurring problems that can shorten your water heater’s lifespan.
Consequences of Ignoring Recurring Issues
Aside from increased energy bills and straining your budget, ignoring recurring issues with your water heater can have various unintended consequences, such as:
- Potential Water Damage to Property: A water leak, no matter how big or small, can cause significant damage to your home. Water can ruin flooring, furnishings, and insulation, not to mention cause wood framing to rot. It can also allow mold to grow throughout your home.
- Risk of Complete System Failure: Recurring issues can cause your water heater to repeatedly overheat, clog, and overwork itself. Over time, a small problem can cause vital components to break down, leading to a system failure that requires water heater replacement.
- Impact on Daily Routines and Comfort: You follow through with your daily routine, which likely includes showering, cleaning, cooking, and other tasks requiring hot water, without thinking about it. Persistent water heater issues can disrupt your routine and reduce your comfort level.
- Electrical Problems In Your Home: If your electrical water has recurring problems, the heating element can short-circuit and trip the breaker. Issues can also cause surges that lead to power outages throughout your home.
- Pest Infestations: Small animals love warmth and sources of water. They may nest near the unit, especially an older water heater located outdoors or in a space that has access to the outside. Critters such as mice and rats can chew on wires and insulation (creating a fire hazard), leave behind waste and debris, and spread diseases.
Benefits of Water Heater Replacement
Replacing your old water heater will eliminate recurring water heater problems and the aggravating issues already mentioned. Investing in a new system can enable you to benefit from:
Energy-Efficient Models
Innovations in recent years have improved water heater efficiency. The latest models can provide the same amount or more hot water while using less power. From storage tanks with improved insulation to on-demand tankless water heaters, which eliminate standby heat loss, there are plenty of options to achieve improved efficiency.
Improved Performance and Reliability
An aging water heater may be unable to meet your hot water needs. A newer unit will perform better, not only because it hasn’t been affected by age, but because water heaters are now designed to meet stricter standards. They’re built to be more reliable, so there are fewer issues to contend with.
Long-Term Cost Savings
Replacing your old water heater can avoid paying for multiple repair visits. With the cost of parts, labor, and materials, needing two or more repairs in a year may result in spending as much as replacing the system. Once a new water heater is installed, it’s unlikely to need repairs and you’ll save on your utility bills.
Enhanced Safety Features
Water heaters now have safety features such as:
- Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves: Excess pressure and hot water can be released as water expands, preventing tank damage.
- Durable Tank Liners: Modern water heater tanks are often lined with glass or enameled material to protect the tank from corrosion.
- Anode Rods: An anode rod creates a low-resistance electrical current, which resists corrosion via cathodic protection.
- Cut-Off Switch: If the water temperature goes out of a predetermined range, a safety switch will turn the system off.
- Venting: A gas water heater must be connected to a vent system to evacuate hazardous and toxic gases from your home.
Environmental Considerations
An older model declining in performance will likely release more emissions into the air. All newer water heaters are more efficient. However, an electric heat pump water heater produces minimal emissions, while tankless water heaters are beneficial because they only run when you need hot water. Some water heaters rely on solar energy to heat water, so the potential for protecting the environment is greater than ever.
Investing in an energy-efficient water heater may qualify you for incentives such as manufacturer or utility rebates or state or federal tax credits.
Avoid Frequent Hot Water System Repairs. Schedule Replacement Today
If you have recurring water heater problems, it’s time to consider water heater replacement. At Jay’s Heating, Air & Plumbing, we’re trusted for water heater installation, repair, and maintenance in and around Mount Airy, NC. Our experienced technicians can help you decide between water heater repair or replacement. They can install any make or model and find the best-sized, most efficient one for your home. Contact us online or call (336) 814-9652 for more information.
Buy