Your hot water heater is probably the most important appliance in your home, especially in winter, so when it starts to go, it’s a big deal. Hot water heaters 
should last between 10-15 years, which is good, because they’re not cheap.
To keep your hot water heater working longer, regular maintenance should be performed on it at least once a year by a Plumb-Pro journeyman plumber. You can also try flushing your hot water heater yourself on a regular basis, every six months or so, but sometimes you just need a new one. Here are some signs that will help you decide when your hot water heater needs replacing.
- The tank leaks. If you notice any standing water around your tank, call Red Deer Plumb-Pro right away to avoid flooding or other damage to your home. The hot water heater will need to be turned off, cooled, and drained before it can be repaired or replaced.
- Temperature issues. This could mean any number of things, from needing to replace the elements or the entire heater, to the pilot light being out or having a tripped circuit breaker. If your hot water heater no longer produces hot water, or if the hot water doesn’t last as long as it used to, Plumb-Pro’s journeyman plumbers will be able to diagnose your unit and help you replace it or get it fixed.
- Water is brown or tastes metallic. This can be an indicator that your hot water heater is on its last legs and will probably fail soon. Trying to fix this yourself can cause injury and damage. Give Plumb-Pro a call instead as soon as you notice a change in your water quality so you’re not left hanging.
- Funny noises. Cracks and pops are normal if annoying, and flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup can fix the problem. If you’ve tried flushing your hot water heater, or the cracks and pops have escalated to banging and knocking, call a Plumb-Pro plumber to replace the heating element.
- Pieces of white plastic coming out of your faucets. The plastic is likely from a deteriorating tube in your tank, and can indicate other deteriorating components in your hot water heater. This problem is often accompanied by a shorter duration of hot water, but our journeyman plumbers can assess your hot water heater and get you a new one if needed.
- Gas pilot won’t stay lit or you smell gas near the unit. We have licensed gas fitters to help replace your gas valve, but keep in mind that if your hot water heater is getting on in years, it’s probably better to replace it.
- You’ve tried draining your tank, but nothing comes out. This means there is a buildup of sediment, and will probably mean you need to replace your hot water heater. Call Red Deer Plumb-Pro at 403.588.2619.
If any of the above issues occur within 2 years of expiration of warranty, call Red Deer Plumb-Pro to have your hot water heater replaced rather than repaired.