Your water heater is in use throughout the day, from morning showers to dishwashing. However, like any appliance, it doesn’t last forever. The key to averting disaster is knowing the early warning signs of failure and saving yourself from that cold shower and emergency replacement cost.
At Flowrite Plumbing, we work with Sacramento homeowners to identify the warning signs before it’s too late. Here’s what to look for and what you can do if your water heater’s giving up.
Inconsistent or Lukewarm Water
If you find that your hot water doesn’t stay hot for as long as it used to or maybe never gets hot, it’s generally your water heater that is at fault. Likely due to the tank having accumulated sediment, the heating elements failing, or a broken thermostat.
What to do: Have a plumber diagnose the problem. A flush by a professional may restore efficiency, but if it is an older system, it may be time for it to be replaced.
Strange Noises
Popping, banging, or rumbling sounds are a sign that sediment has hardened at the bottom of the tank. Making the unit work harder to heat water, and, therefore, shortens its lifespan
What to do: Call in a professional to help clean or flush the tank; if it’s badly corroded, you may have no other choice but to replace it.
Leaks Around the Tank
Even the smallest leaks can cause serious water damage. Often, when a water heater leaks, it means that the tank has cracked or is corroded, which generally cannot be fixed.
What to do: Shut off the water supply and call a licensed plumber immediately. Most of the time, it’s a replacement that’s needed.
Rusty or Discolored Water
Rusty or cloudy water indicates that there is some corrosion going on inside the water heater tank or the pipes. This usually means the tank has already been weakened by rust and is failing.
What to do: Call a plumber for an inspection. In some cases, replacing the anode rod may stop any more damage from occurring.
Age of the Unit
Most water heaters tend to last 8 to 12 years. So, if yours is approaching that age, or older, you should probably start planning to replace it, even if it hasn’t gone kaput yet.
What to do: Schedule a maintenance check. An expert plumber can better clarify whether the unit is safe to use or if it needs to be upgraded.
When to Repair vs. Replace
- Repair may be possible if: The issue is minor (flawed thermostat or heating element) and the appliance is relatively new.
- Replacement is the smarter choice if: There are problems, such as the tank is leaking, the appliance is older than 10 years, or repair costs exceed half the price of a new appliance.
Learn more on our Water Heater Services page for details about repair and replacement options.
Trust Flowrite Plumbing for Water Heater Solutions in Sacramento
If your water heater needs repair, regular maintenance, or full replacement, Flowrite Plumbing is here for you. Our licensed and experienced plumbers offer efficient service, clear communication, and practical solutions to keep your water heater flowing.
Contact Flowrite Plumbing for a Free No-Obligation Estimate.