Water heaters are necessary for daily life for most people; we use hot water to wash our hands, take showers, clean dishes, and do laundry. A failing water heater can be a nuisance and can get in the way of taking care of household tasks. And no one wants to start the day with a cold shower!

When you don’t have hot water, it’s obvious that something has gone wrong with your water heater. But there are other signs of a failing water heater that you may have missed.

Keep reading to learn about the most common water heater warning signs. If you notice that your water heater is showing any of the signs below, give us a call. We can help you decide if you need repairs or a full replacement.

What if I don’t have hot water or if my hot water runs out quickly?

As mentioned above, a total lack of hot water makes it obvious that your water heater is having issues. However, your hot water running out more quickly than usual can also be a sign of problems. Of course, your hot water may run out if multiple people take a shower and you’re using your dishwasher and washing machine. But if you’re the first to shower in the morning and your hot water runs out before you’re done, take note.

The problem may be due to a thermostat that needs to be adjusted or replaced, or there may be an issue with the pilot light. But if those aren’t the source of the issue, you’ll want to call a professional for repairs.

What if I see rusty water in my sink or bathtub, or my water smells or tastes metallic?

Rusty water can be a sign that your water heater has become corroded. If you notice rust in your water, which can cause your water to smell or taste bad, you should take immediate action. Rusty water is unsafe to drink and bathe in.

Repairs usually won’t fix a tank that has started to corrode. If your water heater has started to rust, it may be time for full replacement.

What if my water heater keeps needing repairs?

An honest plumber will usually try to repair your water heater if that’s feasible. However, repeated repairs can signal that it’s time for a full replacement. If you continually need to call a plumber for water heater repairs, replacement might make more fiscal sense.

What if my water heater is over 15 years old?

While electric water heaters tend to last a little longer than gas water heaters, you can’t expect either to last more than 15 years. If your water heater is old enough to drive, you should consider replacing it. And if you schedule replacement when it suits you, you won’t have to worry about losing all your hot water and having to wait for an appointment.

What if my water heater becomes overheated?

Your water heater is meant to heat water, of course, but the tank itself shouldn’t be overheating. A too-hot water heater is a sign a certain amount of sediment has built up in the tank, causing it to overheat. Fortunately, catching this problem early gets you halfway to a solution: flushing out the tank can solve the issue and prevent the need for more extensive repairs or a replacement.

How do I know if my water heater needs to be repaired or replaced?

The best way to figure out if your water heater needs repairs or replacement is to call the team at RedFin Plumbing Co. We can thoroughly assess your water heater and supply a list of our findings. After identifying the problem, we can let you know if repairs will do the trick or if replacement would make more sense.

RedFin Plumbing Co. is the plumber to turn to when you have water heater issues at your residential or commercial property. Proudly serving Houston, TX and the surrounding areas, we are fully trained to handle all your plumbing woes.

Call us today to schedule an appointment!