There’s nothing worse than waking up to an ice-cold shower on a frigid winter morning. It’s an unwelcome jolt that instantly tells you something is wrong with your hot water heater. Here at MD Sewer & Plumbing, we’ve been serving Pasadena, Annapolis, and the greater Baltimore area for over 35 years. As a family-owned company, we know that a lack of hot water isn’t just an inconvenience; it disrupts your entire household or business.
A faulty water heater can lead to more than just discomfort. It can cause leaks, water damage, and surprisingly high energy bills. That’s why understanding the signs of a failing unit and knowing when to call for a professional water heater repair is so important.
This guide will walk you through the common signs that your water heater is going bad, explore the most frequent problems we encounter, and help you decide whether a repair or replacement is the right choice for your home. With our experience, we want to give you the peace of mind that comes with a reliable hot water supply, especially when you need it most.
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Signs Your Water Heater Is Going Bad
Your water heater will almost always give you warning signs before it fails completely. Being able to spot these signs early can save you from the headache of a sudden breakdown and potentially costly water damage. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to pay attention to your system.
1. Inconsistent Hot Water or No Hot Water at All
This is the most obvious sign. If your showers are turning lukewarm halfway through or you can’t get any hot water at all, there’s a problem. It could be a faulty thermostat, a malfunctioning heating element, or a pilot light issue in a gas unit. For an electric water heater, it might be a tripped circuit breaker, but if resetting it doesn’t work, the issue runs deeper.
2. Strange Noises Coming from the Water Heater Tank
Are you hearing popping, rumbling, or banging sounds from your water heater tank? This is often caused by sediment buildup. Over time, minerals from hard water settle at the bottom of the tank. As the water heats, it boils underneath this layer of sediment, creating those strange noises. This buildup forces your unit to work harder, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. Regular flushing can help, but if the sounds are loud and persistent, it’s a sign of significant wear.
3. Rusty or Murky Water
If you turn on your hot water tap and see discolored, rusty water, it’s a major red flag. This often indicates that the inside of your water heater tank is corroding. The rust can come from the tank itself or from the hot water pipes. A corroded tank will eventually lead to leaks. Anode rod replacement is a key piece of maintenance that can prevent this, but once rust appears in your water, the tank’s integrity may already be compromised.
4. Leaks or Moisture Around the Unit
Any water pooling around the base of your water heater is a serious problem. While it could be a simple issue like a loose connection or a faulty pressure relief valve, it can also signal a crack in the tank itself. A leaking tank is an emergency because it cannot be repaired and will only get worse, leading to significant water damage. If you see any leaks, contact a professional plumber immediately.
Gas tankless water heater with cardboard box, delivery concept. 3D rendering
5. Your Water Heater Is Old (Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater!)
The average lifespan of a conventional tank water heater is between 8 and 12 years. A tankless water heater can last over 20 years. If your unit is approaching or has surpassed this age range, it’s living on borrowed time. Even if it seems to be working fine, an older unit is less efficient and more prone to sudden failure. You can usually find the age of your water heater on the manufacturer’s sticker—look for the serial number, which often includes the manufacture date.
Paying attention to these signs can help you address problems before they become emergencies. Don’t wait for a complete failure; if your water heater is showing any of these symptoms, it’s time to call in the experts.
Is It Worth It to Repair a Hot Water Heater?
When your hot water heater starts acting up, one of the first questions you’ll ask is whether you should repair or replace it. This decision depends on a few key factors: the age of the unit, the cost of the repair, and the frequency of past issues.
As your neighborhood plumbing experts, we believe in providing honest advice to help you make the most cost-effective decision for your home or business. Here’s how we break it down for our customers.
When to Choose Water Heater Repair
Repair is often a great option if:
- Your water heater is relatively new. If your unit is less than 8-10 years old, it likely has a lot of life left. A straightforward repair can be a smart investment.
- The repair cost is low. For issues like a faulty thermostat, a broken heating element, or a failing pressure relief valve, the repair cost is typically a fraction of a full replacement. If the repair is less than half the cost of a new unit, it’s usually the better choice.
- It’s the first major issue. If your water heater has been reliable up to this point, a single repair is often all it needs to get back to running smoothly.
When to Consider Water Heater Replacement
Sometimes, a water heater replacement is the smarter long-term investment. Consider a replacement if:
- Your water heater is over 10 years old. As a water heater ages, its efficiency declines and the risk of failure increases. Investing in a new, more energy-efficient model can save you money on your utility bills.
- Repairs are becoming frequent and costly. If you find yourself calling a plumber every year for another fix, those repair bills can add up. It’s better to put that money toward a new, reliable system.
- The tank is leaking. A leaking water heater tank cannot be safely repaired. This is a clear sign that a full replacement is necessary to prevent a major flood and water damage.
- You want to upgrade for efficiency. Modern water heaters, especially tankless water heater models, are significantly more energy-efficient. Upgrading can lead to substantial long-term savings and provide an endless supply of hot water.
At MD Sewer & Plumbing, we provide free estimates. Our licensed technicians can inspect your system, diagnose the problem, and give you a clear, upfront price for both repair and replacement options. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons so you can make a decision that fits your budget and gives you peace of mind.
Common Water Heater Problems and How We Fix Them
With over three decades of experience, we’ve seen just about every water heater problem imaginable. Most issues fall into a few common categories. Here are the most frequent problems we encounter and how our professional plumbers address them.
No Hot Water
This is the most common call we get. The cause depends on whether you have an electric or gas unit.
- For an electric water heater: The problem is often a faulty heating element or thermostat. Our technicians will test these components and replace them if necessary. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a tripped circuit breaker, but if it keeps tripping, there’s an underlying electrical issue that needs professional attention.
- For a gas water heater: A lack of hot water is frequently caused by a pilot light that has gone out. We can safely relight it and check the thermocouple, a safety device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. If the thermocouple is faulty, we’ll replace it.
Sediment Buildup in the Tank
The rumbling and popping noises you hear are a direct result of sediment accumulation. This layer of mineral deposits at the bottom of the water heater tank insulates the water from the heating element, forcing the unit to work harder and longer. This reduces efficiency and can cause the tank to overheat and crack.
- Our solution: We perform a professional tank flush to remove the sediment. Regular maintenance, including an annual flush, can prevent this issue and extend the lifespan of your unit.
Leaking Pressure Relief Valve
The temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is a critical safety feature that releases water if the pressure or temperature inside the tank gets too high. If you see it leaking, it could mean the valve is faulty or that there’s excessive pressure in the tank.
- Our solution: Our technicians will test the valve and determine the cause. We can replace a defective valve or address the underlying pressure issue to ensure your system is operating safely.
Faulty Anode Rod
The anode rod is a metal rod that sits inside your tank and protects it from rust and corrosion. It’s designed to corrode so your tank doesn’t. Over time, this rod will be completely eaten away. If it isn’t replaced, the tank itself will start to rust from the inside out.
- Our solution: We recommend inspecting the anode rod every few years and performing an anode rod replacement when necessary. This simple piece of maintenance can double the life of your water heater tank.
Bad Thermostat
The thermostat controls the temperature of the water inside the tank. If it malfunctions, you might get water that’s too hot or not hot enough.
- Our solution: We can test the thermostat and, if it’s faulty, replace it with a new one. This is a quick and affordable heater repair that restores proper temperature control.
Our team of licensed, skilled technicians uses advanced tools to accurately diagnose and fix any water heater issue. We arrive with fully stocked trucks, so we can often complete repairs in a single visit.
Helpful Resources and Links
Taking care of your water heater is essential to ensure it remains efficient and functional for years to come. To help you stay informed and confident in maintaining or repairing your water heater, we’ve compiled a list of valuable resources. These trusted guides and tools provide expert advice, comparisons, and step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re tackling a minor issue or exploring replacement options, these links will point you in the right direction.
- This Old House – Water Heater Troubleshooting
Find detailed insights into diagnosing and addressing common water heater problems. Whether it’s a lack of hot water or unusual noises, this guide offers expert solutions to restore your system to working order. - Consumer Reports – Water Heater Ratings and Reviews
Compare various water heater models, including tank and tankless options. Discover high-performing units that meet your home’s needs, backed by trusted consumer reviews and ratings. - Energy.gov – Water Heater Maintenance Tips
Enhance the performance and efficiency of your water heater with practical maintenance tips. Learn simple steps to reduce energy consumption and extend the lifespan of your system. - Home Depot – Water Heater Buying Guide
Explore the differences between water heater types, including gas, electric, tank, and tankless models. This guide provides essential information to make a well-informed purchasing decision that suits your household’s needs. - Angi – How to Fix a Leaking Water Heater Leaking From The Top
Leaky water heaters can cause significant damage if left unchecked. This resource provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help you efficiently address and resolve common leaks.
Feel free to explore these helpful links to understand more about water heater care and repair. From proactive maintenance to troubleshooting problems, these resources offer essential knowledge to keep your water heater in top condition. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals for guidance and support!
Your Trusted Partner for Water Heater Repair
At MD Sewer & Plumbing, we’re more than just a plumbing company; we’re your neighbors. We’ve been a family-owned business since 1989, and we’re committed to providing our community with honest, reliable, and affordable service. We understand that plumbing problems are stressful, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency services. When you call us, you can trust that a licensed, experienced technician will be there to help, day or night.
Don’t let a faulty water heater disrupt your life. Whether you need a simple repair, need to request maintenance, or a full water heater replacement, we’re here to help.
Call Now — Technicians Available to Provide Service 24/7. Or, if it’s not an emergency, schedule your service online with one of our local service providers directly in minutes. Let an authorized service provider provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home’s plumbing is in expert hands.
