Your hot water heater is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, but like any system, it won’t last forever. Knowing when it’s time to replace your water heater can help you avoid unexpected cold showers, costly water damage, and high energy bills.
At Capital Plumbing, we help homeowners across the North Texas Area make informed decisions about their plumbing systems. Here's how to tell when it's time to replace your hot water tank.
1. It’s More Than 10 Years Old
Most traditional tank-style water heaters last about 8–12 years. If yours is a decade old or more, it's wise to start planning for a replacement, even if it's still working. Older units become less efficient over time and are more likely to fail unexpectedly.
Pro Tip: Look for the serial number on your unit—it usually includes the manufacture date.
2. You’re Running Out of Hot Water Too Quickly
If your hot water isn’t lasting through your usual shower or household routines, your tank may be losing its efficiency or capacity. Sediment buildup inside the tank is a common cause and can lead to inconsistent water temperatures.
A new unit can restore your home’s hot water reliability... and even improve energy efficiency!
3. Rusty Water or Metallic Odors
If your hot water looks rusty or smells metallic, that could be a sign of internal corrosion in your tank. Eventually, that rust can eat through the tank and cause a leak.
Discolored or foul-smelling water should be checked by a professional right away. In many cases, replacement is the safest option.
4. Strange Noises from the Tank
Do you hear rumbling, popping, or banging noises from your water heater? That’s usually a sign of mineral buildup at the bottom of the tank. These hardened deposits cause the heater to work harder, which leads to overheating and damage over time.
Persistent noise often signals that your tank is nearing the end of its life.
5. Leaks Around the Water Heater
Any moisture or puddling around your water heater is a red flag. Leaks can stem from pressure issues, tank corrosion, or faulty valves, but regardless of the cause, water damage can be expensive and hazardous.
Don’t wait on this one: Call us right away if you notice a leak!
6. Your Energy Bills Are Creeping Up
As water heaters age, they become less efficient and use more energy to deliver the same results. If you’ve noticed a spike in your utility bill without any big changes in usage, your water heater could be the culprit.
Replacing an outdated unit with a newer, high-efficiency model can lead to significant savings over time.
Trust Capital Plumbing for Expert Water Heater Services
If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, don’t ignore them. At Capital Plumbing, we provide honest assessments, professional installation, and reliable water heater services across the North Texas Area.
We’ll help you choose the right system, whether it’s a traditional tank unit or an energy-efficient tankless water heater, and ensure it’s installed correctly the first time.
Call us today at 940-440-1100