Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair or Replacement

A reliable water heater is essential for your home, providing hot water for showers, dishes, laundry, and more. But like any appliance, water heaters don’t last forever. Over time, wear and tear can lead to inefficiency, breakdowns, and even complete failure.

At Advanced Plumbing, we specialize in water heater repair, replacement, and installation. If you’re experiencing any of these common water heater problems, it may be time to take action before a minor issue turns into a costly emergency.

1. Inconsistent or No Hot Water

If your showers are suddenly running cold or your water takes too long to heat up, it’s a clear sign something is wrong. Common causes include a faulty thermostat, a broken heating element, or sediment buildup inside the tank.

What You Can Do:

- Check the thermostat settings (120°F is the recommended setting)

- Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup

- If problems persist, a professional repair or replacement may be necessary

2. Water Heater Leaks

A leaking water heater is never a good sign. Even a small drip can lead to significant water damage if left untreated. Leaks can be caused by a damaged tank, loose connections, or excessive pressure buildup inside the heater.

What You Can Do:

- Inspect all plumbing connections for leaks

- Check the pressure relief valve for signs of malfunction

- If the tank itself is leaking, replacement is the only solution

3. Rusty or Discolored Water

If the hot water coming from your faucets has a rusty or brownish tint, it could indicate corrosion inside your water heater tank or rusting pipes. This is a serious issue that can lead to contamination and further damage.

What You Can Do:

- Test whether both hot and cold water are affected (if only hot water is discolored, the water heater is likely the problem)

- Inspect the anode rod—this component helps prevent rust inside the tank and may need replacement

- If rust is widespread, replacing the water heater may be necessary

4. Unusual Noises Coming from the Tank

If you hear rumbling, banging, or popping noises coming from your water heater, it’s likely due to sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. As sediment hardens, it forces the heating element to work harder, reducing efficiency and potentially damaging the tank.

What You Can Do:

- Flush the tank at least once a year to remove sediment

- If noises persist, the heating element may need repair or replacement

- In older units, excessive sediment buildup can lead to cracks in the tank, requiring a full replacement

5. Water Takes Too Long to Heat

If your water heater isn’t producing enough hot water or takes an unusually long time to heat up, it could be due to an aging unit, a failing heating element, or an undersized system for your home’s needs.

What You Can Do:

- Upgrade to a larger capacity water heater if your household demand has increased

- Consider switching to a tankless water heater for on-demand hot water

- Have a professional inspect and replace worn-out heating elements if necessary

6. Increasing Energy Bills

An inefficient water heater can cause your energy bills to rise unexpectedly. If your unit is overworking itself due to sediment buildup, an old heating element, or general wear and tear, it will consume more energy than necessary.

What You Can Do:

- Regularly flush the tank to maintain efficiency

- Insulate the water heater to reduce heat loss

- If the unit is over 10-15 years old, consider upgrading to an energy-efficient model

7. Pilot Light or Burner Problems

Gas water heaters rely on a pilot light or burner to heat the water. If your pilot light keeps going out or the burner isn’t functioning properly, you may be dealing with a gas supply issue, a faulty thermocouple, or a clogged burner.

What You Can Do:

- Check if other gas appliances in your home are functioning correctly

- Clean the burner and pilot assembly to remove dirt and debris

- If the problem persists, call a professional plumber for repairs

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Water Heater

Not sure whether to repair or replace your water heater? Here are some general guidelines:

✅Repair If:

- The issue is minor (such as a faulty thermostat or heating element)

- The unit is less than 10 years old

- The tank is in good condition with no signs of rust or leaks

🚫Replace If:

- The water heater is over 10-15 years old

- There is significant rust or corrosion inside the tank

- You’re constantly needing repairs, and energy bills are rising

Choosing the Right Water Heater for Your Home

If it’s time for a replacement, you’ll need to decide between a traditional tank water heater and a tankless water heater:

- Traditional Water Heaters: Store hot water in a tank, available in different sizes depending on household needs. Best for homes with consistent hot water usage.

- Tankless Water Heaters: Heat water on demand, providing unlimited hot water and improving energy efficiency. Ideal for homes looking to save on utility costs.

Not sure which option is best for you? Advanced Plumbing can help you choose the right water heater based on your budget, home size, and hot water demands.

Schedule Your Water Heater Service Today!

Whether you need a quick repair, a full replacement, or expert advice on upgrading to an energy-efficient water heater, Advanced Plumbing is here to help. Call

(409) 739-4895

today to schedule an appointment and ensure you always have reliable hot water in your home!