5 Leadings Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Replaced

No homeowner wants to run into the issue where they go to hop in the shower only to find out that the water comes out ice cold. The matter is only made worse if they try to turn the handle to hot only for nothing to happen. A failed water heater is a nuisance that can frustrate anybody, which is why learning everything there is to know about the signs that a water heater has gone bad is so important.

What Does a Water Heater Do?

In short, a water heater is responsible for doing exactly what it sounds like. Any water that runs through the pipes in your home that needs to be heated will go through this machine. Whether it’s water to be used for washing dishes, clothes, or just a person’s hands, the water heater is responsible for it. Without a working water heater, a home will not have any warm water whatsoever.

How Much Does Water Heater Replacement Cost?

Naturally, a person may hesitate to reach out to professional services for water heater replacement when they learn what the cost is. On average, it can cost somewhere between $1,300 to $5,000 to replace a water heater, depending on the model and type of water heater that is in a home.

5 Signs a Water Heater Has Failed

By learning the most common signs that a water heater is failing, a person can take action to get it fixed quicker so that they don’t need to deal with not having warm water. To that end, keep an eye out for one of the following signs:

1.   No hot water comes from the pipes

Perhaps the most common sign that a water heater is in need of replacement is if no hot water is coming from a faucet. Do keep in mind that there can be other causes for this, however, so check multiple faucets to see if the problem is only affecting one.

2.   The water pressure has changed

A water heater that has gone bad can also cause a change in water pressure, typically in a negative way, so take notice of any major changes to the water pressure in your overall home.

3.   Discolored or rusty water

Water heaters are efficient at cleaning themselves over time to reduce the amount of sediment buildup that exists, but a failing water heater will be less efficient at this. This can quickly lead to issues with the water consistency.

4.   Strange noises coming from the water heater

When a water heater isn’t working as it should be, it’s not abnormal to hear odd sounds coming from the heater as a result. Keep an eye out for any knocking or screeching noises that seem to come from your water heaters location.

5.   Inconsistent water temperature

An instantaneous water heater is a highly efficient home appliance, meaning inconsistent water temperature should also be one of the first signs that the tank is having an issue of some type. Watch for water temperatures that do not remain warm or have a hard time heating up.

The Bottom Line

Nobody should ever have the deal with the inconvenience of a water heater that doesn’t work properly, which can lead to a myriad of issues. Instead, take the time to spot the signs that a water heater has failed so that you can contact a professional replacement serve as soon as possible.