No one wants to wake up to a cold shower or a flooded utility room. Yet for many San Bernardino area homeowners, water heater failure happens without warning. You go to bed with a dry home and wake up to a wet mess. At Ballard Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we believe that with a little knowledge and proactive maintenance, you can avoid emergency repairs and expensive damage by replacing your water heater at the right time. Here are six considerations to help you make this important decision.
1. Age matters: Know your water heater’s lifespan
Most traditional tank water heaters have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. If your unit is over a decade old, it’s time to start paying close attention to how it performs. Even if it’s still producing hot water, internal components like the tank liner and heating element degrade over time. Waiting too long could lead to leaks or complete failure.
Tip: You can usually find your water heater’s expiration date on the label. Look for the first two numbers, which typically tell you the expiration year.
2. Rusty or discolored water
If you notice rusty water or a metallic odor coming from your hot water taps, it might be a sign that the inside of your tank is corroding. Rust inside the tank means it’s only a matter of time before a leak develops. Think of this as a warning sign. You may have a little life left in your water heater, but problems are stewing behind the scenes.
3. Strange noises from the tank
Over time, naturally occurring sediment in the water can build up at the bottom of the hot water tank. When heated, this sediment can harden, trapping the water underneath and causing rumbling, popping or banging noises. These sounds mean your water heater is working harder than it should, reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of damage. Sometimes you can address the problem by flushing the tank and removing the sediment. But if this doesn’t resolve the issue, a new water heater may be the smarter long-term investment.
4. Inconsistent or inadequate hot water
If you’re suddenly running out of hot water faster than usual, or if the water temperature fluctuates unpredictably during your shower, your unit may be on its last legs. A failing heating element or sediment-filled tank can cause these issues. If you find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat or dealing with cold water mid-shower, it might be time to upgrade.
5. Water around the base of the heater
Visible moisture or puddles near the base of the unit could mean the tank is leaking. While condensation or a loose connection might be a fixable cause, cracks in the tank itself are not repairable. Immediate action is essential. Left unchecked, even a small leak can cause significant water damage. Call in the professionals at Ballard Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning now.
6. Higher energy bills
Older water heaters become less efficient over time. We’re all feeling the pinch of inflation, but if your energy or gas bills seem to be inordinately high, your water heater could be the culprit. Newer models, especially ENERGY STAR® certified units, are significantly more efficient and can save you money in the long run. Remember, Ballard Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning offers a variety of payment and financing options.
Don’t wait for a breakdown – Be proactive
At Ballard Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we recommend scheduling annual maintenance to extend the life of your water heater and catch problems early. Our licensed plumbers can assess your current system, flush sediment buildup, inspect critical components, and help you plan for a timely replacement. Remember, if you’re a Ballard Family Plan member, you qualify for a whole home plumbing inspection and water flush for homes with tanked water heaters.
If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan or showing any of these signs, don’t wait for an emergency. Call us today at 909-297-1914 to schedule a water heater inspection or get a quote for a replacement. You can also request an appointment online. We’ll help you choose the right unit for your home’s needs, saving you money, stress, and cold showers down the line.
