If we were to ask you what your most important home system is, what would you say? We’ll guess that the first thing that springs to mind is your air conditioning system and that’s probably exactly what your Arizona neighbors would say as well.
Almost as important is your home’s water heater. Think about how many times in a day you rely on hot, running water to complete a task. Whether it’s starting the day off with a hot shower and a pot of coffee, to making dinner at night, a well-functioning hot water heater isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
When it’s time to replace your water heater in Phoenix, AZ, it’ll give you some signs that its performance is suffering. Let’s look at 4 of the most obvious ones.
1. Why Your Water Heater Isn’t Producing Hot Water
With our desert climate, we don’t take as many hot showers as in other parts of the country. But that doesn’t mean you want a nice, hot shower to turn cold halfway through. Not having enough hot water to complete daily tasks is one of the top reasons to replace an outdated water heater.
You may notice your laundry isn’t getting as clean as it should if your washing machine doesn’t have enough hot water to complete a cycle. Or maybe your dishes aren’t getting as clean.
2. How to Tell If Your Water Heater Is Too Old
How old is your water heater? The average tank water heater lasts for 10-15 years. The average tankless water heater can last for a little longer. If yours is in this age range, it’s time to start thinking about a replacement.
You might think, if it’s not broke, why fix it–with the “fix” being a replacement. Well, it’s when a water heater enters this age range that it can really start to have problems. It’ll be costlier to run and you might notice your costs associated with running it have gone up. You’re better off replacing it before it gives out completely.
3. Identifying Rust and Corrosion in Your Water Heater
When your water looks discolored, reddish, or rusty, it could be a sign that your water heater is corroding. This is more common in older water heaters. Corrosion and rust in a water heater spell an early death. It’s just not possible to halt the corrosion process in its tracks once it starts.
Once corrosion starts, rust can build up quickly. This is what’s causing the discolored, murky, rust-colored water you’re seeing from your taps. Although it’s not harmful to use for certain activities, rust can damage your appliances. Besides, who really wants to drink or cook with water that’s faintly tinged by rust?
4. Water Heater Leaks: Warning Signs and What to Do
A leaking water heater is one that needs replacement. Even if the leak seems like a small one, you don’t want it to become a major one that ends up causing serious water damage in your home. It’s much more cost-effective to replace a leaking water heater now than to have to pay for water damage remediation later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the main signs it’s time to replace a water heater?
Answer: Common signs include lack of hot water, rusty or discolored water, visible corrosion or rust, and water leaks around the unit. These indicate that the heater’s performance is suffering and may soon fail.
Question: How does the age of a water heater affect replacement timing?
Answer: Most traditional tank water heaters last about 10–15 years. If your unit is in or past this range, it’s wise to start planning for a replacement before it breaks down completely.
Question: Can corrosion inside the water heater tank signal it needs replacing?
Answer: Yes. Rust or corrosion inside the tank or rusty water coming from taps typically means the internal components are deteriorating, and replacement is often more cost-effective than repairs.
Question: Why is replacing a leaking water heater important?
Answer: Even small leaks can quickly lead to major water damage in your home. Replacing a leaking unit early is generally more cost-effective than repairing water damage later.
Question: What happens if you ignore water heater failure signs?
Answer: Ignoring warning signs can lead to sudden breakdowns, inefficient heating, higher energy bills, and potentially water damage from leaks or corrosion. Proactive replacement helps ensure consistent comfort and avoids emergency issues.
Contact the team at AZ Perfect Comfort for water heater services in Phoenix, AZ and Feel the Comfort You’ve Been Missing.