Estimates show the water heater market growing to reach over $4 million by 2026. That’s a CAGR growth of around 4.89%.

Water heaters don’t last forever. Sometimes a failing water heater can be little more than the tank still heating water after too many back-to-back hot showers. Other times, you may find yourself in need of either a water heater repair or water heater replacement.

Let’s take a look at five signs that it’s time to seek out a water heater service:

1. It’s More Than 10 Years Old

An old water heater doesn’t mean it’s a bad water heater. However, that does increase its chances of failing.

As time passes, sediment builds up in the hot water heater. This makes it harder for it to add heat to the water. After a while, the sediment can end up eating away at the tank and cause various heating parts to cease functioning altogether. 

2. Taps or Knocking Noises

If you notice sounds like knocks or taps coming from the water heater, then it might be a sign you need a new water heater. These noises can be an indication that sediment has built up, leading to corrosion and small tears in the metal.

3. Water Leaking

Once corrosion has set in, water can start to leak out of the water heater. If you see water dripping from the tank or pipes or pooling beneath the unit, then you have a failing water heater on your hands.

Before you panic, check and make sure that the valves are fully closed and that you don’t have any loose connections. Sometimes, these components are in need of a simple tightening.

Whatever you do, be sure to take care of the leak soon. If the leak isn’t caught soon enough and left unchecked, you could be left with massive water damage to your home. In fact, home water damage averages around $6,965.

If, however, the tank itself is leaking, you’ll be left with no other recourse than to replace it.

4. Not Enough Hot Water

A classic symptom of a failing water heater is a lack of hot water in your home. Sediment build-up in the tank and on the heating elements means it takes more energy to create hot water. 

This leads to longer wait times for hot water production. It also means that hot water gets used up faster.

You can help prevent sediment from building up in your water heater tank by allowing Sewell Electric Company to handle your appliance repair.

5. Foul-Smelled or Cloudy Water

If you notice that the hot water in your home has a cloudy appearance or a foul odor to it, it could be due to rust and bacteria. When this happens, that means that the built-in anode rod has ceased functioning.

Before you call a professional, make sure that the poor water quality is due to the water heater and not the water supply to your home. You can do a quick test by filling a glass with cold water. If the cold water from the tap is clear, then you have a water supply problem. If the hot water has a murky look, then it’s a water heater issue.

Let a Pro Fix Your Failing Water Heater

A failing water heater doesn’t have to mean your entire weekend is ruined. If you live in or near Franklin and Williamson County in Tennessee, Sewell Electric can help.

Contact Sewell Electric today to have your water heater issues resolved fast.