It may be time for a tank water heater to be replaced if it is older than 10 years.

A tank water heater tank can last between six and twelve years if it is maintained properly. A tankless water heater may last up to 20 years.

For the best timeline, make sure to check your water heater warranty.

Care and Maintenance History

Water heaters last a long time without proper maintenance. You may need to replace or repair your water heater sooner if you don't maintain it regularly.

The tank should be emptied, flushed, and cleaned at a minimum once per year to keep it in good condition. Consider having your water heater serviced at least every six months if you live in an area that has hard water.

Tankless water heaters are less expensive to maintain than tanks. To prevent lime and mineral deposits from building up, hot water heaters should be flushed every year. A tankless water heater can then be turned off and flushed for 60 minutes with water and vinegar.

Signs of Wear

Higher utility bills are a sign that your water heater may be having problems. It's time for you to look into your water heater if it is using more energy to heat the same amount of water.

What to Look For:

• Leaks: Your water heater should be replaced immediately if it is leaking. Pressure buildup in the tank is usually what causes leaks. It happens when the tank's water pressure or temperature rises too much or if the relief valve fails to function properly. A tank explosion can result from a failure to address a leak. Leakage can be identified by moisture around your water heater's base or water corrosion on your tank. These warning signs should be reported immediately to a professional.
• Knocking Sounds: These are signs of sediment buildup. When sediment hardens, it can cause gurgling, knocking, and rumbling sounds. Regularly flush your water heater to get rid of any sediment buildup. This will help you keep your water heater in good condition and protect it from unnecessary wear.
• Rusty water: A sign that your unit is not performing well is when the water color turns rusty. There are two things that can indicate rusty water: water with a metallic smell or water with a dark color. The sacrificial rod must be replaced, or the tank itself may begin to rust. This is often due to corrosion in its steel lining. It is important to replace a corroded tank as soon as possible.
• Cloudy Water: If you notice cloudy water, you may have a sediment buildup inside your water heater.
• Cold Water: A heating element could be damaged if your water is still cold after turning on the hot water tap.

Repairs are possible

Sometimes water heaters can be repaired by changing a few key components. You can replace the following parts:

• Burner assembly
• Heating elements
• Valves
• Thermostats
• Thermocouples
• Igniters
• Motors

If:

• This unit is less than 10 years old
• Failure to replace a part is a failure

If:

• This unit is over 10 years old
• It was not properly maintained
• It shows the above-mentioned signs of wear

The Sunrise Purchase Protection Plan

You can still repair or replace your unit if you aren't sure. Send us your information or call us at (941) 875-2309. The team will review your requirements, set up a consultation, and confirm the cost of the diagnostic fee.

We will conduct an in-home inspection to determine the root cause. If necessary, we will provide a quote and can repair the problem on-site.