A steady supply of hot water is crucial for any modern home. From cleaning dishes to luxurious showers, it’s hard to imagine how you’ll handle your daily to-do list without it. Unfortunately, that’s what will happen if you ignore the signs you need a new water heater.
By ignoring the signs you need a new water heater, you are not only putting your hot water supply at risk, but you are risking the health and safety of everyone in your home. But how do you tell if you need a new water heater? The professional Toronto plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Toronto have put together this guide on how to identify the signs your hot water heater needs to be replaced.
The Importance of Your Hot Water Heater
Water coming into your home or business property is not coming in at your performed temperature for baths. It is coming in cold, which, while perfect for drinking, is not so much for washing. That’s where your water heater comes in. It heats your water supply to an optimal temperature, allowing you to draw on it to get your desired water temperature, making it a crucial piece for plumbing for any property.
What Causes Its Lifespan to Shorten or Start Going Bad?
Like the rest of your plumbing system, a water heater isn’t 100% foolproof, and it can experience issues. While regular maintenance can help ensure its optimal function and extend the lifespan of your unit, problems can still pop up that lead to signs you need a new water heater.
Some issues that cause signs your hot water heater needs to be replaced include:
- Sediment build-up
- Rust and corrosion
- Loose fittings
- Too high pressure
- Faulty components
- Improper installation
- Age
The Risks of Ignoring the Signs You Need a New Water Heater
Plumbing issues don’t like to be ignored, and by ignoring signs your hot water heater needs to be replaced, you are putting yourself, your family, and your property at great risk.
By ignoring the signs you need a new water heater, you put yourself at risk of issues like:
- Mildew and mold growth
- Decreased water quality
- Pest infestations
- Electrical shortages and outages
- Water damage
- Blocked valves
- Overheating causing burns
- Fires
Water heaters are expensive parts of your plumbing system, so it may be tempting to try and keep using them as long as you can. But the risks involved with ignoring signs you need a new water heater are not worth the pain these consequences may cause, so if you start noticing a sign or signs your hot water heater needs to be replaced, call our licensed plumbers to schedule water heater services.
How to Tell if You Need a New Hot Water Heater Tank or Tankless Unit
Unlike most components of your plumbing system, your water heater tends to be in a visible or easily accessible spot, making it easy to maintain and monitor it for signs you need a new water heater. If you notice the below signs, give your plumbing company a call for water heater replacement services.
Strange Noises
Unless it is specifically designed to make that noise, your plumbing system in your home shouldn’t really make noise. The sounds of water flowing from a tape, a toilet flushing, or water moving through pipes are normal, but you know what isn’t? Any clunking, popping, knocking, rumbling, or banging sounds coming from your water heater. Loud noises are generally caused by sediment build-up in the bottom of your tank or the sides of the unit, which can cause it to overheat and fail. While your unit may make some noise during operation, loud noises are a clear sign you need a new water heater.
Persistent Issues with Water Temperature
The purpose of your hot water heater is to heat water. While you may experience the frustration of running out of hot water mid-shower if you use too much of your hot water supply—especially for those with traditional tank-based units—if you are experiencing ongoing issues with a lack of hot water supply, even if there are no changes in your consumption, it’s best to contact a professional plumber to look at your unit, as this could be a sign that you need a new water heater.
Low Water Pressure
Issues with water pressure in your home are concerning, as they often indicate a leak or failing part of your plumbing system. If you have good cold water pressure but insufficient hot water pressure, the issues could be caused by sediment build-up in your water heater. Sediment causes many issues with this plumbing appliance and can be prevented with regular tank flushing and maintenance, but if the issue is severe enough, it may be a sign your hot water heater needs to be replaced.
Rusty Water or Discoloured Water
Your drinking water supply should be clean and pure, so if you run a tap and see off-coloured water, you have a major plumbing issue on your hands.
If the water discolouration is coming from your water heater, the cause is likely anode rod failure. The anode rod is responsible for protecting the tank’s interior from rusting, so if it fails, the tank will start to rust. While you may be able to fix it with water heater repair and anode rod replacement if caught early enough, for the most part, it is one of the major signs you need a new water heater.
Unusual Smells
If your hot water smells off, you may have issues with bacteria growth in your unit. Rust and corrosion can cause bacteria growth, and water heater tanks kept below 120 degrees Fahrenheit—or about 49 degrees Celcius—can be the perfect warm, moist environment for bacteria to thrive. You can try having a professional drain the unit and treat the water, fixing any underlying plumbing problems, but should it persist, it’s a clear sign you need a new water heater.
Unit or Hot Water Tank Leaks
Whether it’s a tankless water heater or a conventional unit, plumbing leaks are never a good thing and are a bad sign your hot water heater needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
If you notice signs that your water heater is leaking, turn off the water heater and the water valve that feeds into it, and call a professional plumber to schedule replacement services. Ignoring this major sign you need a new water heater will not only threaten your hot water supply, but it has the potential to cause major damage to your home should the leak get worse.
Needing More Frequent Repairs
Generally speaking, as parts of your plumbing system age, they will require repairs. So if you are noticing your unit needs more frequent or costly repair services, these instances are clear signs you need a new water heater.
If you are unsure how old your unit is, ask one of our plumbers, and they can provide you with expert advice and let you know of any potential signs your hot water heater needs to be replaced.
Higher than Normal Emergency Bills
Appliances are generally more efficient when they’re new, and as sediment buildup within your unit, your gas or electric water heater becomes less efficient, leading to higher emergency bills. If your older water heater is approaching the end of its lifespan, you’ll likely have higher energy costs, making it a clear sign your water heater needs to be replaced.
Age of Water Heater
As mentioned above, whether you have a tankless, hybrid, gas, or electric water heater, it won’t last forever. Issues are more likely to occur with older units, but even if yours appears to be functioning fine, as it approaches its expected lifespan, you should consider it to be one of the signs you need a new water heater and start making plans for its replacement.
Depending on the type of water heater you have, there will be different lifespans associated with it. For example, traditional tank-type units last about 8 to 12 years, with electric versions lasting 10 to 15 years. An electric heat pump unit can last up to 15 years, while a tankless model can last 20 to 30 years with proper care and maintenance before it starts to exhibit signs your hot water heater needs to be replaced.
However, please note that these lifespans are based on numerous factors, such as water quality, usage patterns, level of maintenance, and environmental conditions. For example, the greater Toronto area’s hard water supply can cause more sediment and mineral build-up, which can cause issues and wear out your unit more quickly, causing signs you need a new water heater.
Get Your Old Water Heater Replaced with Mr. Rooter Plumbing
If the signs you need a new water heater start adding up, it may be time to replace a water heater. Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Toronto ON to handle your water heater replacement. Whether you want to upgrade your unit or a similar model, our team will help you find the perfect replacement for your property needs.
Whether you’re in Toronto or the surrounding areas of Beaches or East York, give us a call today to learn more about our plumbing services.
