Water heaters are essential to maintaining comfortable water temperatures in your home in Silverdale, WA. Water heaters don’t last forever — they wear out over time and require replacement just like other crucial home equipment. With Silverdale’s coastal climate and mineral content, water heaters may need replacement sooner than in drier climates.
There are early indicators you may need a new water heater, such as inconsistent temperatures, unusual noises, rising bills, and leaks. This guide will explore the signs you need a new water heater and discuss how Silverdale homeowners can be prepared.
How Long Water Heaters Typically Last
Wondering about standard lifespans for water heaters? The standard lifespan for a traditional gas water heater is 8 to 12 years. The standard lifespan for a traditional electric water heater is 10 to 15 years.
Maintenance plays a huge role in the lifespan of your water heater. If you have annual maintenance done, you can prolong the life of your unit. If a unit is neglected and left unmaintained, its lifespan will be shorter.
Additionally, Silverdale’s water hardness and sediment tendencies can impact the longevity of water heaters. Mineral or scale buildup can reduce efficiency and lead to corrosion and damage of internal components. Preventing sediment accumulation is key to prolonging your water heater’s life.
Next, let’s take a closer look at the signs you need a new water heater.
Sign 1: Reduced Hot Water or Inconsistent Temperatures
If you notice inconsistent water temperatures or reduced hot water in your home, it may be time to replace your unit. Reduced hot water and inconsistent temperatures can be caused by heating element decline, sediment buildup, or failing thermostats.
Heating element decline: Over time, the heating elements inside your water heater can corrode and lose efficiency. This can cause a lack of enough hot water or temperature inconsistencies.
Sediment buildup: The minerals naturally found in water, especially in areas with hard water, often settle at the bottom of water heater tanks. Temperature fluctuations can occur when this barrier between the heating element and the water thickens.
Failing thermostats: When a thermostat malfunctions, it sends incorrect signals to the heating element, resulting in water that’s too hot or not hot enough.
Sign 2: Rumbling or Popping Noises
Hearing rumbling or popping noises is a red flag for your water heater’s health. These unusual noises are alerting you that there is likely hardened sediment at the bottom of the tank. This sediment is common in homes with moderate mineral content and can cause trapped heat to burst and make popping sounds.
Calcium and magnesium separate and settle at the bottom of a water tank when heating, then harden and form a crusty layer. The heating element then will try to warm the water, but instead heats the hardened sediment first and pops the small steam pockets.
Sign 3: Rusty or Discolored Water
Another sign you should have your water heater inspected is water discoloration. Water discoloration can be due to anode rod exhaustion, meaning the sacrificial component needs replacement. An anode rod attracts corrosive elements to avoid true tank corrosion. Once the anode rod deteriorates, it can no longer protect the tank's walls from corrosion.
Rust-colored water can also indicate true tank corrosion, which is irreversible and means your tank is on its last leg. If rusty water persists after replacing the anode rod, it usually means you have internal tank corrosion and need a full tank replacement.
Sign 4: Visible Leaks or Moisture Around the Tank
If you notice leaks or moisture around the tank, that’s a cause of concern. Pressure issues, seam failure, and tank leaks are all detrimental to your water heater’s health. Most tank leaks can’t be easily repaired and often require a completely new water heater.
When welded seams weaken over time, small amounts of water may seep out. You’ll notice puddles, moisture, or corrosion streaks on the outside of the tank. Once you have a compromised seam, the tank’s structural integrity is put at risk.
Sign 5: Your Water Heater Is More Than 8–12 Years Old
As mentioned, most water heaters (gas or electric) last between 8-15 years. If your tank is older and not running efficiently, consider a replacement unit. By replacing your water heater, you can reduce your utility costs and provide consistent comfort for your family.
Older units’ efficiency often suffers from wear and tear from use over time. If your unit is nearing the end of its life, invest in a modern water heater to save on costs and repairs.
How to Tell if Your Water Heater Is Gas or Electric
If you aren’t sure if you have a gas or electric water heater, look for these key features:
Pilot light or burner access: A gas water heater will have a small access panel located near the bottom of the tank where you’ll be able to see the burner or pilot light. If you can open the panel and see a flame or ignition system, it’s a gas water heater. If you don’t see any flame or pilot light, it’s an electric unit.
Venting system: A gas water heater requires venting for combustion gases. If you see a metal vent pipe on top leading to a chimney or the outdoors, it’s a gas system. If you don’t see a venting system, the unit is electric.
Breaker panel connection: If you see that the unit is hardwired into your home’s electrical panel and see a breaker labeled “water heater”, your unit is electric.
When a Repair Might Still Be Enough
There are some cases where small water heater issues are repairable, and a replacement water heater isn’t required. Repairs can be made for minor valve issues and thermostat issues to restore proper function to your unit.
Minor valve issues: Issues with the temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve or drain valve can cause inconsistent temperatures or performance. A technician can typically tighten or replace these valves to fix the problem.
Thermostat replacements: When you have a malfunctioning thermostat, your water may be too hot or too cold. Replacing a thermostat is a simple and cost-effective solution.
When Replacement Is Usually the Better Long-Term Choice
Replacing your water heater is a big decision, but it is ultimately the right one in certain cases. If your water heater is nearing the end of its life, your tank is corroded, or your energy costs have risen, it might be time to replace your unit. Additionally, severe leaks are another time when replacement is the better long-term choice. With a new water heater, you’ll have better energy efficiency, consistent temperatures, comfortable water, and fewer repairs.
Have Questions About Your Water Heater? We’re Here to Help
Unsure about water heater symptoms? Reach out to Mercurio’s for water heater information and plumbing advice. We offer professional plumbing services in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding areas. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about water heater repair and installation services.
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