Running out of hot water is an inconvenience, to say the least—but avoiding an unexpected water heater emergency with your water heater is as easy as knowing what signs to look for. While not having any or enough hot water is the most obvious sign your water heater is on its way out, we’ll go over five other signs to look out for before your water heater stops working entirely. If your gas or electric water heater isn’t working or is in need of replacement, the team at Pippin Brothers can help you choose a new, efficient model that will help lower your water heating costs and increase your home comfort.
1. Your Hot Water is Rusty
If your hot water is orange or rust colored, that means there is rust somewhere in your plumbing system. However, rust doesn’t always come from your hot water heater, sometimes it can come from your pipes or a water main break as well. The best way to tell where the rusty water is coming is to check your cold water. If it’s normal, your water heater is most likely to blame.
2. Your Hot Water Heater is Old
In general, if your water heater is a decade old or more it’s time to consider replacing it. Water heaters should last around 9 years, though they can have a much shorter lifespan without regular maintenance. Flushing your water tank to clear it of sediment and regular checks on your water heater’s thermostat and pressure relief valve are all crucial to how long water heaters last. Note that valves are very fragile, so just look to see if it’s leaking and don’t touch it.
3. The Tank is Leaking
Leaks happen in your water heater from the heat creating cracks and holes in its pipes. Small leaks can quickly turn into a big problem—especially if rust or calcium deposits have deteriorated your water heater’s tank or base. If you’ve noticed standing water under your water heater, call the experts at Pippin Brothers to help you determine if it’s time for a replacement or if a repair will do.
4. Rumbling Sounds
Your water heater will accumulate sediment from time to time which will settle at the bottom of the tank. This will create large bubbles of air and if your water heater isn’t flushed regularly, these bubbles will create a rumbling sound as they pass through the sediment. When sediment settles in your tank it prevents the heating element from reaching the water and will eventually cause a breakdown that requires water heater replacement. A water heater flush at this point can still help, but there are no guarantees.
5. Your Water Heater Needs Frequent Repairs
Occasional repairs are normal for a water heater, but if you’ve needed them more and more recently—like twice in one year—it may be time for a replacement. Sometimes the cost to replace your water heater will end up being cheaper than having to repeatedly pay for water heater repair. The team of experts at Pippin Brothers can evaluate the performance of your water heater and help you decide if a replacement is the most cost effective solution for you.
Hard water can be to blame for the need for repairs on a fairly new water heater. Hard water can be very hard on a water heater—along with any other appliances that use hot water. If the hard water goes untreated, even a new water heater might need the elements replaced.
Types of Water Heater Replacements
If any of these signs sound familiar, call Pippin Brothers for a water heater replacement. We carry a wide range of both traditional and tankless water heaters and can help you find the best one for your Lawton, Duncan, or Fort Sill home. Newer and energy-efficient models can even help you save on your utility bills, provide more control over your water temperature, and reduce your carbon footprint.
Traditional Tank Water Heater
Tank water heaters usually store about 40-50 gallons of water at a time, keeping it hot 24/7. They can provide hot water for your home even in the event of a power outage and are generally cheaper than tankless water heaters. However, tank storage water heaters usually cost more to operate than tankless options because they are constantly working to keep your water hot. When it comes to energy efficiency, traditional tank water heaters tend to be susceptible to heat loss, but many newer high-efficiency models are available.
Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand and can be up to 34% more energy efficient than tank storage water heaters for homes with normal water usage. While they are a more expensive water heater option, tankless water heaters have a longer life span (of about 20 years) and a lower operating cost. The units themselves are small and they come in a variety of sizes to fit the water needs of any home. Since tankless water heaters run on electricity, they will not work in a power outage.
Pippin Brothers: Your Water Heater Experts
Regardless if you are having problems with a gas water heater not working or an electric one, the team at Pippin Brothers can help with all of your plumbing and water needs. We can diagnose your water heater issues and guide you through the process of finding a replacement if it’s needed.