Have you ever turned on the hot water to take a shower only to be met with freezing cold water? You aren’t alone. Your water heater does more than just provide you with an endless supply of hot showers. It also provides you with hot water to run your dishwasher, clean your clothes, wash your pots and pans in the sink, clean your home and so much more. In fact, your hot water heater doesn’t get enough credit and it’s often taken for granted.
When you stop getting hot water out of your pipes or faucet, it could mean that your water heater has stopped working partially or completely. It’s important to identify the source of the issue – which can be at times difficult.
Running out of Hot Water
This is the MOST common and MOST obvious sign that your water heater isn’t functioning properly. If you have no hot water or only hot water for a few minutes, it might mean it’s time for a new unit. A standard tank storage hot water heater only lasts for about 10 years so depending on the age of your system, it might be well past time for a new one.
Leaking Water Heater
Water leaking from your water heater is NOT normal – do not ignore it. Not fixing the issue now could cost you thousands in water damage if your tank has a full failure. A puddle of water under your tank—or rusty-filled water coming from it—are signs that your water heater could be corroding, or has corroded, from the inside out. Since a rusted tank can’t be repaired, a new water heater tank would absolutely be needed.
Discolored or Smelly Water
Any change in color or smell to your water should be a concern. If your water is sourced from a local water company, check to see if there are any issues in your area, like leaks, repairs, or flushing of water mains. If not and you notice the water has become yellow or discolored in any way, chances are, you have a problem with your water heater. The same applies to water with a strong odor as neither of these signs are normal. The most likely causes are bacteria have accumulated in your water tank or the interior anode rod has deteriorated.
Replacing Your Heater
If you find yourself in need of replacing your water heater now is the time to also explore other options. You can choose to replace your unit with the same exact type or switch to either a hybrid or tankless option. You’ll want to also consider if there have been any changes to the home since the last heater was installed – have you added or removed any bathrooms, do you have more or less appliances that use hot water, are there more or less people in your home. You’ll also need to look at your budget and determine what option works best.
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