3 Signs You May Need a New Water Heater

Water heaters need to work well to get your water to the desired temperature. Existing home sales jumped by over 20% in 2020 compared to 2019! With existing homes, there may also be existing problems. 

Have you started wondering, “Is my water heater broken?” If so, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for three signs you may need a new water heater. 

1. New Water Heater Feels Cold

Your new water heater may not be as current as you think. When you buy a house, the water heater could be as old as the home. Depending on how old your home is, it could be time to get a new water heater. 

One of the signs of a broken water heater is hot water that doesn’t last long. Have you found that your shower gets cool before you want to turn off the water? Less hot water could mean your water heater problems are because of a unit that needs replacing. 

New water heaters can last for long periods before you lose warm temperatures. As a unit ages, it gets sediment buildup and loses heating capability. 

2. Water Heater Noises

You may start hearing strange noises coming from your water heater. You should not hear popping or banging noises near your water heater. Those sounds mean something is wrong. 

Water heaters have rods attached that attract minerals to them. These attachments prevent corrosion. When the minerals build up in the tank, they take up space and cause less hot water. 

A screeching sound could mean problems with water pressure. These can get dangerous. With Zipf-Air HVAC, you get professional service when you need it fast.

As the sediment continues building, you may hear noises increase with intensity. That may mean the heating coils no longer work well.

In some cases, you can get the rods replaced. Much of the time you will need a new water heater.

3. Water Leaks

If your tank springs a leak, you may need a new water heater. You should never see puddles of water close to your unit. That is a sign of a broken water heater, and it will need to get replaced. 

Leaks could mean fractures in the water tank. Having fractures could cause the water heater to burst.

The water inside the tank can get to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. That water can cause severe burns if contacting the skin.  

A leak will get worse over time. You may have to replace the floor underneath, which could cost more than the new water heater. 

Watch for Signs

When it is time for a new water heater, you will see the signs appear. Watch for these, and don’t ignore them when you first see them. Prolonging the problem will make it worse and pose potential safety issues. 

These three signs mean your water heater is on the brink and will need immediate attention. Now you know what to look for and can fix the problem fast! Check out the rest of our site for more homeowner tips like these.