9 Signs It Is Time For A Water Heater Replacement | Myrtle Beach, SC

9/4/2021

Photo By juanmagarcia at istock

You rely on the water heater in Myrtle Beach, SC, to perform many essential daily tasks, such as bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Without hot water, you can’t even wash your hands properly.

Like every appliance in your home, your water heater won’t last forever. The average water heater has an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years. When your water heater reaches its maximum lifespan, a water heater replacement is inevitable.

The average cost of a water heater is around $1,176. Because this is a considerable investment, it is best to recognize the signs that you need to replace your water heater. If you can recognize the signs early, you can start getting your finances in order and start preparing to have your water heater replaced.

Below are signs that it is time for a water heater replacement.

#1 Your Water Heater Is Over 10 Years Old

If it has been 10 years since your last water heater purchase, it is time to start thinking about having it replaced. If you moved into your home less than 10 years ago and aren’t sure when the previous owner installed the existing water heater, check the manufacturer’s label on the side of the water heater, as it should contain that date of installation.

If the label is missing, the serial number will help you determine the age of the water heater. The installation date is embedded in the serial number.

If you determine your water heater is over 10 years old, you should schedule an appointment for a replacement.

#2 Your Water Heater Needs Frequent Repairs

If you need to call a plumber frequently to repair your water heater, the repair bills will start to add up. If your water heater keeps having issues or breaking down, it is a sign that more problems are on the way. Frequent water repairs can be costly; therefore, a water heater replacement is more cost-effective than to continue having the unit repaired.

#3 Thermostat Issues

It is recommended that you keep your water heater’s thermostat set to 120 to 140 degrees. If it is set any lower, the water coming from the taps in your home will come out lukewarm rather than hot.

If your thermostat is set correctly and the water is still coming out lukewarm, it may be time to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. Lukewarm water often signifies that the heating element has failed, and there is no guarantee that it can be repaired. In many cases, it is best to schedule an appointment for a replacement. Replacing your water heater will ensure the water coming from the faucets and showerheads in your home is always hot.

#4 No Hot Water

If you turn the water on in your home and it comes out cold, it may be time for a water heater replacement. Before making the call, make sure that the pilot lights are lit, a circuit hasn’t tripped, and you have oil and propane in your tank. If your water heater relies on city-supplied gas, make sure you have paid your bill.

If everything checks out, your water heater has likely reached the end of its life, and a replacement is necessary for you to have access to hot water.

#5 Discolored Hot Water

If the water coming from the taps in your Myrtle Beach, SC home has a brown tint, it is likely contaminated with rust. If the hot and cold water is discolored, the pipes are likely corroded and need to be replaced.

If only the hot water is discolored, the issue lies with your water heater. As your water heater ages, sediment builds up in the tank. When the sediment breaks apart, it will come out in the hot water, causing the brown tint. It is not safe to use contaminated water; therefore, it may be time for a water heater replacement. If the issue isn’t too serious, a plumber may be able to drain the water and remove the sediment; however, if the sediment is contaminating the water, it may be too late for the plumber to do anything, and a replacement will be necessary.

#6 Foul-Smelling Water

The water coming from the taps in your home should be odorless. If the hot water has a foul smell, it may be time for a water heater replacement. If the water smells like rotten eggs, it is likely because sulfate bacteria has built up in the water heater. This is a serious issue that often requires a replacement.

If the hot water has a metallic smell, it is a sign that the water heater is breaking down, and the grit and flakes from inside the tank are combining with the hot water supply. It is not safe to use contaminated water, and you should schedule an appointment for a water heater replacement right away.

#7 You Run Out Of Hot Water Frequently

Running out of hot water in the middle of a shower is a terrible way to start the day. If you frequently run out of hot water, you should consider your hot water demand. If there is a new member of your household, your hot water demand will increase. The same is true if you recently installed an appliance that relies on hot water. If this is the case, your existing water heater may not be large enough to handle your hot water demand, and you should schedule an appointment for a water heater replacement to have a larger water heater installed. You can also go with a tankless water heater that provides hot water on demand.

If nothing has changed in your home, there is likely sediment built up in the bottom of the tank, resulting in limited space for hot water storage. This issue cannot be repaired, and a water heater replacement will be necessary.

#8 Strange Sounds

If the water heater in your Myrtle Beach, SC home is making strange noises, you have a problem. A cracking or popping sound indicates sediment build-up on the heating element, and a replacement will be necessary.

If you hear a banging sound, large pieces of sediment have built up in the tank and are banging against the sides. If you don’t replace your water heater right away, the sediment can create a crack in the tank, which can flood your home.

#9 Leaks

Water pooling around the unit is the most obvious sign that it is time for a water heater replacement. This is a sign that the inner tank has reached the end of its lifespan. It may be just a slow drip now; however, the leak will escalate quickly, and the entire contents of the water heater will flood your home.

Why Choose Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach?

If your home is due for a water heater replacement, schedule an appointment with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach. We have been serving customers in the area for years and have an excellent reputation. We are a full-service plumbing company, and our plumbers are highly trained, licensed, and insured.

To schedule an appointment for a new water heater or any other plumbing service, give us a call today.