Water heaters give off multiple signs before they end up breaking. As a homeowner, you’ll want to ensure that you won’t be without a water heater, especially because purchasing a new one is a costly endeavor. That said, seven signs can help you notice if your water heater is nearing its end.

Age of Unit

The average water heater is designed to last anywhere from 8 to 15 years, depending on the type. A gas water heater has an average lifespan of 8–12 years, while an electric one can last up to 10–15 years. To determine how old your water heater is, you need to check the manufacturer’s label and/or the serial number.

Discoloration

Another common sign that can help you tell if your water heater is about to give out is water discoloration. This usually indicates that there is a faulty anode rod or the tank is corroded. Either way, sediment builds up in the tank due to this and ends up causing the unit to fail over time. However, an electric tankless water heater may be more difficult to detect due to the lack of corrosion.

Strange Noises

Strange noises such as gurgling or popping can indicate that there are internal issues with a tankless hot water heater. If the noises persist even after repairs, then it’s likely the unit will give out. 

Rust

One way to determine the unit’s corroding is by the taste or color of the water. Water that is murky or discolored can be a telltale sign that your unit is not doing well. In addition, rusty water indicates that the unit is corroding from the inside. 

Repairs

A sign of a water heater on its last leg needs constant repairs. This can either indicate that the unit is breaking down internally or that it just needs to be replaced. Sometimes repairs are more expensive than replacing the unit. Newer units are also designed to be better, so making the switch might be necessary.

Water Temperature Issues

Another common sign of a tankless gas water heater that’s about to break down is the temperature of the water. If you can’t get any hot or warm water, then that’s a sign that there is a big issue. Failing to heat water is a sign that the unit is worn down internally.

Energy Bill Spikes

As an electric tankless water heater breaks down, there will be spikes in your energy bill. That is because the unit will need more energy to power the device. If you’ve noticed a consistent spike in your energy bill, and no other changes have been made, then checking your tankless water heater is necessary.

Contact AJM Mechanical HVAC today!

Water heaters are designed to last a relatively long time, but units do end up failing. If you don’t want to be stuck with having to replace at one last minute, then it’s best to be able to deduce signs before it happens. 

Whatever the issue may be, our team is on hand and ready to help. Contact us today to schedule your water heater maintenance or repair!