Don’t Wait For a Leak: 5 Signs Your Jersey Shore Water Heater Is Failing

Let’s face it, thinking about hot tap water is not on your daily to-do list. You likely take hot water for granted in your Galloway, home, because it has always been available for your household.

It’s there when you need a shower, hot enough to sanitize your dishes, laundry, and floors. Because it has always been available, you probably wouldn’t notice anything amiss with your water heater—the unsung hero of your home’s comfort—until it breaks down and forces you to notice.

At Comfort Now by Bob McAllister, we know that waiting for a total system failure is never the best strategy for dealing with an aging water heater, especially since a catastrophic leak can damage your South Jersey home, drain your wallet, and wreak havoc on your comfort unexpectedly.

Although your system may seem to age silently, it gives off lots of clues while on its journey to either chaotic breakdown or orderly retirement. Recognizing those signs can empower you to be proactive and replace your heater before it stops working.

Here are five signs to take seriously. Your water heater is telling you to pay attention.

1. It’s Past Its Prime (Age)

If your tank water heater is over 10 years old, it is past its prime. Tank water heaters typically last about eight to 12 years, and tankless models can function for 20 years or more, but neither enjoys a long lifespan without maintenance.

Depending on the repair cost, your tank-style heater might be worth repairing if it is a few years old, and you plan to maintain it. The same goes for a tankless unit. Consider the unit’s age when deciding whether to repair or replace it.

2. Water Pooling (Leaks)

Leaks are an in-your-face red flag. If water is pooling around your unit, it may indicate that your tank water heater is cracked or corroded, or that the pressure relief valve is failing. A replacement is the only solution if the metal tank lining rusts through. Leaks in tankless heaters are less common but can indicate a damaged connection or seals.

Replacing your leaking water heater can prevent a small leak from becoming an uncontrollable cascade of water that damages your Cape May County home.

3. Smelly or Rusty Water

Rusty-looking water might indicate an issue with the tank’s interior lining or anode rod. The rod corrodes and deteriorates over time while protecting the heater’s interior from rust. Once the rod is gone, the corrosive elements in the water, such as minerals, begin to attack the tank lining. Maintenance, which includes replacing the corroded anode rod, is crucial for protecting your heater from leaks and extending its service life.

Hot water that smells like rotten eggs may indicate bacterial growth inside the tank. Flushing the tank and replacing the anode rod might help temporarily. However, odd smells and water discoloration often suggest that a water heater replacement will be needed sooner rather than later.

4. Strange Noises (Pops, Rumbles, Clicks)

If your water heater emits rattles, pops, and rumbles, it is likely full of sediment. That alone does not mean you need a new water heater. The tank may simply need a flush. However, if you ignore the noises and maintenance, the sediment will continue to settle and harden, forcing the heating element to work harder. Bubbles that burst after being trapped under the sediment create the odd sounds. Left unaddressed, this issue reduces efficiency and can damage the tank.

Tankless heaters typically are quieter than tank-style heaters. However, a loud clanking or hissing might indicate water flow restriction or overheating due to hard water limescale. Clicking or whining noises point to clogged or worn components.

5. Cold Snaps & Fluctuation

Sediment could be the culprit if your tank-style heater runs out of hot water faster than it used to or fluctuates between icy cold and scalding hot. A failing thermostat or sediment buildup can cause temperature fluctuations.

Sediment can displace water, reducing the number of gallons your heater typically holds. It also prevents the heating element from coming into contact with the water in the tank, leading to uneven heating. A flush might rectify the issue, but a new water heater might be a better option.

A tankless heater delivers hot water on demand. If it runs out of hot water and can’t keep up with demand, it could be undersized for your needs. Its heating elements could also be faulty. Fluctuating temps can mean the unit is struggling to regulate the flow rate or that mineral buildup is restricting water flow through the heating coil.

Upgrading Your Water Heater

An outdated water heater quickly becomes an energy hog. An old, inefficient water heater contributes to increased utility costs. As sediment builds up inside the tank, your heater runs longer and harder trying to achieve the desired water temperature. As it struggles, it consumes more energy.

Your system no longer meets your needs if you constantly have to adjust your water use or time showers around dishwashing and laundry.

Investing in a water heater is a big decision but a new unit offers numerous benefits. You will save money in the long run because newer units drastically reduce energy waste. Tankless models, for example, only heat water when a hot tap is turned on, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption.

A new unit ensures consistent and dependable performance, providing hot water faster and more reliably. You also gain modern features and can choose a unit with smart technology. Many new units can connect to your home Wi-Fi, enabling you to control your water heater with your smartphone. Some have built-in leak detection and track energy use.

A heat pump water heater with the ENERGY STAR® label uses about one-quarter of the energy of a standard model water heater, saving you hundreds of dollars annually on energy costs.

Our Comfort Now by Bob McAllister professionals can help you choose the best style of water heater for your home, whether tank-style, tankless, or even a highly efficient heat pump water heater.

Upgrade Your Water Heater Today!

At Comfort Now by Bob McAllister, we specialize in expert water heater installation throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties. You can rely on us to select the best energy-efficient model for your Galloway, NJ, home. Our technicians will evaluate your current system, recommend replacement options, and expertly install the new unit. Call us at 609-241-9736 or request-service-online.