There are many factors to consider when determining if your water heater no longer meets your needs or if it’s due for replacement. If you’ve noticed a drop in hot water flow or if the water is not as hot as it used to be, it’s time to consider a new water heater. There are several signs that your water heater may be on its last leg. Depending on the age of your unit and usage patterns, it may be time to replace your water heater to avoid any major issues in the future. Water heaters have an average lifespan of about 20 years, but they can last up to 30 years if they’re properly maintained. Here are some indicators that your water heater is in need of replacement:

Reduced hot water flow

If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may start to produce less hot water than it used to. The average water heater lasts about 10 - 12 years before needing replacement, but some models only last up to 8 years. If you’re not seeing as much flow from your water heater, it may be time to replace it. If your water pressure at the faucet drops when you turn the faucet on, this may be an indicator that your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan. If your water heater is older than 10 years, it’s recommended to have it pressure-tested to make sure it isn’t leaking. If the pressure test results come back positive, it’s time to replace it.

Hot water is not hot enough

If you’ve noticed that your hot water isn’t as hot as it used to be, it could be a few things causing the issue. If you’ve recently replaced your hot water heater, this may not be an immediate sign that it’s broken. It may take a few weeks for the water to warm up again, but it’s a sure sign that something is wrong with your water heater. If you’re having issues with an older water heater, water leaks in your home may be the cause. A leaking water tank can cause the temperature to drop, as well as cause other problems with your water system. If you’ve seen a drop in hot water flow or if your water isn’t as hot as it used to be, it could be an indication that your water heater is broken. If you’re having issues with an older water heater, water leaks in your home may be the cause. A leaking water tank can cause the temperature to drop, as well as cause other problems with your water system. If you’re having problems with an older water heater, water leaks in your home may be the cause. A leaking water tank can cause the temperature to drop, as well as cause other problems with your water system.

There’s a ticking sound when the water flows through the hose

This may be an indication that the water heater is on its last leg. It’s important to have your water heater serviced once a year to make sure it’s working properly. If it hasn’t been serviced in a long time and there’s a ticking sound when the water flows through the hose, it may be time for a new water heater. When your water heater is on its last leg, it may not be able to produce the amount of hot water that you need. If you’re having issues with a ticking sound when the water flows through the hose, it may be time for a new water heater. When your water heater is on its last leg, it may not be able to produce the amount of hot water that you need. If you’re having issues with a ticking sound when the water flows through the hose, it may be time for a new water heater.

There’s a burning smell when the faucet is on

This may be an indication that your water heater is on its last leg. If you’re having issues with a burning smell when the faucet is on, it could mean that your water pressure is too low. When your water pressure is too low, it can cause a burning smell in your home. If your water pressure is low, it may be an indication that your water heater is leaking. If you’ve seen a drop in hot water flow or if the water isn’t as hot as it used to be, it may be time for a new water heater. If the smell is coming from the shower, it may be an indication that your water heater is leaking. If you’ve seen a drop in hot water flow or if the water is not as hot as it used to be, it may be time for a new water heater. If the smell is coming from the shower, it may be an indication that your water heater is leaking. If you’ve seen a drop in hot water flow or if the water is not as hot as it used to be, it may be time for a new water heater.

Conclusion

A water heater is an essential part of any home, but it does have an average lifespan of about 20 years. If you’ve noticed a drop in hot water flow, the water isn’t as hot as it used to be, or if there’s a burning smell when the faucet is on, it may be time for a new water heater. It’s important to monitor your water heater to make sure it’s in good condition before it breaks. If you notice a drop in hot water flow, the water isn’t as hot as it used to be, or if there’s a burning smell when the water is on, it may be time for a new water heater.

Frequently Asked Question

While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Regular water heater maintenance will always extend its lifespan.
  • You're overusing hot water.
  • The water heater tank size is too small for your household.
  • Your hot water heater is tankless.
  • Sediment or minerals have built up in your water heating system.
Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.