How to Tell When It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater

Indoor plumbing is a core convenience of modern living, but without a water heater your shower and sink taps wouldn’t be nearly as useful, especially when outdoor temperatures are still chilly. Few people enjoy taking cold showers unless thermometers soar to well above 90°F, which doesn’t happen often in Knoxville. While most water heaters last at least ten years, they usually don’t fail suddenly overnight, so many homeowners don’t replace theirs as soon as they should. The following signs may indicate that it’s time for you to get a new water heater:

Gradually Decreasing Water Pressure

You may lose water pressure in your home because of pinhole leaks in your plumbing, but low pressure can also be caused by leaks or sediment buildup in your water heater.
To determine what’s causing your low water pressure, go to a faucet or tub, preferably on the ground floor, with separate hot and cold taps. First, turn on the cold tap then the hot tap and see if the pressure is equally low in both. If the cold water pressure is higher, you may have a pinhole leak or excessive sediment buildup in your water heater.

Shorter Shower Duration or Tepid Water

If you can only take a five-minute shower before the water becomes lukewarm, yet you can remember a time just a few years ago when everyone in the house could take ten minute showers while someone else was washing dishes downstairs, then the culprit is certainly an aging water heater. The liner may be corroded, the heating element may be malfunctioning, or there may be a leak in one of the pipes leading away from the appliance. Regardless of the root cause, tepid water and decreased shower times are strong indicators that your water heater is beyond repair.

Increasing Utility Bills

You may have excellent pressure and a reasonable supply of hot water, but your hot water heater may still be nearing the end of its life. Pay close attention to your gas and electric bills, and if you notice a sudden spike in the bill for the type of energy that the water heater uses, call a plumber. Your water heater may be working overtime to provide you with that steady stream of hot water, causing you to spend more than you would if you had a brand-new model.

If you need help deciding between a standard holding tank model and a tankless water heater, you can read plumbing tips from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Knoxville.