A water heater here in Tucson Arizona area typically lasts about 8-12 years depending on usage, water conditions and if you have a re-circulation pump connected to it.
Some of the signs that may alert you that your water heater may need to be repaired or replaced are:
- warm water (even though its turned up to the highest setting)
- your hot water runs out faster
- the water heater makes a loud rumbling sound when it heats
- you see rust stains on the outside of the tank
- water around the base of the heater
If your water heater is more than 10 years old, leaks around the base of the tank, and / or works erratically or not at all, it probably needs to be replaced. When water heaters spring a leak, repair isn’t an option. In any case, make sure that an electrical problem such as a blown fuse or tripped breaker is not the reason for the unit’s failure.
Unsure if your water heater can be repaired or if you need a new tank? Here are some items to help you troubleshoot your water heater.
- Check for power if there is no hot water. While no hot water can be a sure sign that the water heater has failed, it could also mean the pilot light is out or the circuit breaker tripped.
- Examine the water that comes out of the hot faucet. If it appears rusty, this signals an upcoming failure of your water heater.
- Look for signs of muddy water or increased sediment in the water tank. Attach a hose to the drainage bib on the water heater, turn the unit off and drain it to examine its contents. Muddy water or increased sediment signals a potential failure of your water heater.
- Smell or taste the water. If the hot water has a metallic taste to it, this indicates that the water heater is close to breaking down.
- Pay attention to the noises your water heater makes. While there will be normal sounds as the water heats, loud cracks and pops indicate an interaction between the heating elements inside the heater and the scale and mineral deposits built up on them.
- Take immediate action if you see leaking water around the water heater where none has leaked before. Disconnect the electricity or turn off the gas to the unit and let the water cool down before attempting to remove and replace the water heater. Leaking water indicates an internal failure in the water heater.
Diagnosing Common Water Heater Problems
Hot water is not very hot
This is usually caused by a faulty thermostat or a defective heating element. Here are some basic steps to follow when your water is not hot enough:
Electric water heater
- Make sure that the power is connected. Reset the thermostat.
- Raise the temperature setting on the thermostat.
- Flush the heater to remove sediment from the tank.
- Insulate the hot water pipes.
- Replace the heating element or thermostat.
Gas water heater
- Make sure that the gas is connected and the pilot light is lit.
- Raise the temperature setting on the thermostat.
- Flush the heater to remove sediment from the tank.
- Insulate the hot water pipes.
- Clean the gas burner and replace the thermocoupler (a safety device that shuts off the gas automatically if the pilot flame goes out).
Other common problems and possible solutions:
- Hissing or sizzling noises: Sediment may have collected in the tank. Drain the tank until the water clears. Soak elements in vinegar and scrape collected scale.
- Leaking pressure-relief valve: Replace valve.
- Leaking water supply pipes: Tighten the fittings. If that doesn’t work, shut off the water and replace the fittings.
Of course no one WANTS to spend money on a new water heater but water heaters eventually break. And when they do, Just Water Heaters can save you time and money on your professional Tucson water heater installation.