7 Signs Your Water Heater Is Failing

07/26/23

You depend on your hot water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing. It’s important to recognize the signs your water heater is failing before it breaks down. We strongly recommend replacing a failing unit before this happens to minimize inconvenience and discomfort.

Planning ahead allows you to thoroughly consider and research your options.

What’s the Estimated Life Span of a Modern Water Heater?

Most water heaters are designed to last around eight to 12 years. This can depend on adherence to maintenance schedules, the quality of the manufacturing, and attention to repairs over the unit’s life.

Water heaters are complex machines susceptible to significant wear and tear over the years. Over time, sediment buildup, corrosion, failing components, and high water pressure can cause your system to fail.

Common Signs Your Water Heater Is About To Fail

Here are some of the most common signs that a water heater is on its last legs. If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to consider your replacement options.

1. Odd noises: Strange noises can be caused by malfunctioning or loose components, or sediment buildup within the tank.
2. Inconsistent hot water capacity: Your water heater should deliver a consistent supply of hot water. When consistency disappears, it means the unit can no longer deliver the reliable hot water you need.
3. Low water pressure: Low water pressure from the water heater is never a good sign. While often caused by sediment buildup, it can also be caused by problems with the flexible pipes within the water heater or malfunctioning shut-off valves.
4. Discolored water: Rust-colored water is a sign of critical alarm. The water from your water heater should be crystal clear. However, when your tank begins to corrode, it can turn the water a dark red color. This usually means the anode rod has failed, and the tank has suffered critical damage that can’t be repaired.
5. Leaks: Water should never leak from your water heater. Leaks are a critical sign that seals, valves, or other vital components have failed. While some issues can be repaired, leaks caused by corrosion and damage typically require water heater replacement.
6. Increasingly frequent repairs: A water heater needing increasingly frequent repairs tells you that the time is quickly approaching when you’ll need to replace it.
7. Mold or odors: The presence of mold or noxious odors indicates a serious problem with your water heater. If the water smells or tastes “off,” you may have a fault in your system that facilitates mold or bacterial growth.

Why Choose Caffi Services?

At Caffi Services, our specialists will help you select the ideal water heater for your needs. Our thorough calculation processes, detailed installation steps, and careful attention to every detail ensure your new water heater delivers superior performance.

Contact Caffi Services to learn more about our water heater replacement and schedule a service in northern Virginia, including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and McLean.

Call us today at (703)836-6775 to get started.