Your hot water heater keeps you comfortable and warm. It helps you relax with a soothing hot bath after a long and stressful day. 

So, when something goes wrong with it, we’re sure you notice right away. Lately, it just seems like your hot water heater has constantly been on the fritz. You suspect there’s a problem, even if you still have hot water. Plus, if you wait too long to address the issue, you could end up needing to replace your hot water heater altogether. 

So, how long do water heaters last, and what are the most common signs that you’re in need of water heater repair? 

Additionally, where can you find experienced, trustworthy service professionals that can help you to repair or replace your hot water tank? 

Keep on reading this post to get the answers. 

1. Your Water Isn’t Hot

This is the first — and the most obvious — sign that you’re in desperate need of hot water heater repair. 

If you turn on the faucets and showers in your home, but they never seem to heat up, there’s certainly an issue with the heater. 

But many homeowners don’t realize that constantly fluctuating temperatures can also indicate a problem. If your water is hot one minute and cold the next, or if you never know what temperature you’ll get when you turn on the shower, it’s time to get help. 

In some cases, your heater could have mineral deposits that are blocking the heating element.

2. Your Water Heater Is Leaking

If you’ve got a water heater leaking in your home, your hot water tank is in need of a repair. 

However, you’ll need to do a visual inspection of your tank to check for leaks — or hire a professional to inspect it for you.

If left untreated, these leaks won’t just ruin your tank, but could also cause serious water damage to your home. 

If this happens, you’ll need a water damage restoration service in addition to getting a replacement for your water heater.

3. Water Discoloration

Another sure sign that you need to hire a water heater repair service?

You’ve noticed your water has a kind of brownish, rusty tint to it. It’s not actually an issue with your water supply, as many homeowners incorrectly believe. 

Instead, it means that your hot water heater has started to corrode and rust. This rust then discolors the water. 

Still convinced that the issue is with your water supply? 

Run the cold water tap — if it’s brown and not clear, there is indeed an issue with your water heater.

4. Low Water Pressure

Usually, you get a nice, steady amount of pressure when you take a shower. 

But lately, you’ve noticed that your water pressure keeps getting weaker and weaker. In addition to making it hard for the water heater to warm your water, mineral deposits against the heating elements are responsible for lower water pressure than is normal. 

In some cases, the low water pressure may be the result of a blocked or bent distribution line or even improper installation. 

5. Your Heater Is Making Strange Noises

Lots of appliances in your home may start making odd noises when they need to be repaired or replaced — and though many don’t realize it, your hot water heater is one of them. 

If you’ve heard banging, cracking sounds, or even noises that sound like something is popping, you could have a fairly serious issue on your hands. 

Your hot water heater has somehow gotten overheated — so call a professional right away. 

6. The Water Won’t Drain Through the Drain Valve

In some cases, you should hire hot water heater repair services because sediment and mineral deposits have built up in your drain line. 

Over time, this makes it impossible for your water to drain out through the valve — and it can cause damage that means you’ll need to get a complete hot water heater replacement. 

This is a good argument for why continuous maintenance is such an important part of extending your hot water heater’s life. You need to flush out your hot water heater at least once every year. 

7. It’s Just Time for a Replacement

Finally, the age of your hot water tank could mean that you’re in need of a replacement instead of just a repair. 

In general, you should expect to replace your water heater about once every 8-12 years. So, if you’ve had your water heater for 10 years, you’re likely due for an upgrade. 

There are new, higher-efficiency models on the market today that will help you save energy, do your part to reduce your environmental impact, and, best of all, keep your bills low. 

This guide from the Department of Energy is a great starting point when you’re ready to explore your options. Though of course, a qualified water heater repair service can help you to make the right choice as well. 

In Need of Expert Water Heater Repair or Replacement Services?

At Priority Plumbing, we are licensed and insured to protect your home and make certain that we give you the highest quality of service. We even offer a one year warranty on all our work. We’re also available to assist with emergency services. 

We’re happy to talk you through the project so that we’re sure everyone is on the same page. 

Book an appointment with us today to schedule your water heater repair or replacement, and learn more about the other services we have to offer as well.