Signs You Need a New Hot Water Heater

It’s easy to forget how much we rely on certain things until we don’t have them anymore; A working car, a smartphone or a refrigerator come to mind. When these things break down, your entire life seems to get upended.

If you’ve ever had a hot water heater fail, you know it’s one of the more catastrophic things to break down in your household. Your ability to take a shower, do laundry or dishes suddenly becomes near impossible, at least comfortably.

There are several tell tale signs that your hot water heater is about to fail. We list them below in our latest blog.

Age of the Water Heater

While this is not a definitive measurement, it’s safe to say that most hot water heater systems last about 10-12 years with proper maintenance and with decent water conditions. If you are beyond this timeframe, you’re likely pushing your luck, especially if your water heater has not been properly services or if you have hard water, etc. Pay close attention to the other signs listed below if you are using an older system.

Red Staining From Your Hot Water

If you notice red staining from your hot water faucets, there may be an issue with your hot water heater. Red staining could be a symptom of your hot water heater rusting from the inside out. This is irreparable damage to your tank, and it should be replaced right away. Beyond water tank damage, shards of rusted metal can travel through your systems, clog your faucets, and damage other appliances, such as washing machines and dish washers.

Leaks

Any leaking from a water tank is unacceptable and a sign that the unit is breaking down. If you are regularly dealing with water damage, cleanup or repairs, it’s time to get a new hot water heater. Additionally, if your hot water heater is on the same level or above living space (eg., a finished basement, kitchen, etc.,) the risk of flooding is simply not worth it.

Reduced Hot Water Volume

If you hot water heater can’t keep up with demand, it’s a sign that your unit is not working efficiently. The elements can be worn out or the tank could be choked up with calcium deposits from hard water.

Higher Energy Bills

Water tanks require a lot of energy. If they are not working efficiently, it will hurt your wallet every time you pay your electric bill. If you are noticing spikes in your bill, it could be that your hot water heater is beginning to fail.

McMackin Mechanical has years of experience providing expert installation and maintenance of hot water heaters. If you are not getting the experience you expect out of your hot water heater or suspect that your unit is beginning to fail, give our office a call right away. As supply chain issues continue to affect our industry, sourcing hot water heaters can be difficult at times. Don’t leave your home comfort to chance.