Homeowner’s Water Heater Guide

Your water heater is one of those appliances you probably don’t think about until you step into a cold shower and take an unintended cold plunge. The good news? Wacker Plumbing can help when this happens. Water heaters don’t last forever but are essential to your quality of life. Here’s a simple information guide every homeowner can use to be better informed on water heaters and their operation.

How do I know if I have a water heater issue?

There are several indications that your water heater isn’t working as intended:

• No hot water throughout the house (vs just one or two fixtures)

• Hot water throughout the house isn’t lasting as long

• Water is not as hot as it used to be

  
  

👉 Pro tip: If your water heater is over 10 years old, it’s smart to start watching closely for signs of trouble.

What are the common fixes to expect?

Not every issue means you need a new tank. Here are some common, more affordable repairs:

• Changing the thermostat or heating elements (electric models only) – elements and thermostats fail over time and must be replaced.

• Replacing the gas control valve (gas models only) – gas controls may fail prematurely and can be replaced to bring the water heater back on line.

• Replacing the temperature & pressure relief valve (T&P valve) – A safety feature that can wear out over time.

• Replacing the expansion tank – The thermal expansion tank absorbs excess pressure from the hot water in the tank. This may fail and become waterlogged resulting in water pressure issues.

What are the warning signs that it may be time for a replacement?

A failing water heater usually gives you warning signs before it quits. Watch out for:

• Water not staying hot (or running out too fast).

• Rusty or discolored water from your faucets.

• Leaks or puddles around the base of the tank.

• Old age – If your tank is 10+ years old, replacement may be cheaper than frequent repairs.

How Long Does a Tank Water Heater Last?

On average, a tank water heater will last 8–12 years. A few things factor into the overall lifespan of your heater including the hardness of the water, build quality, and use.

👉 Pro tip: Don’t wait until it fails. Planning a replacement early avoids emergency cold showers and rushed decisions.

What is my water heater’s age?

The data plate on the side of the water heater has all the information pertaining to the heater including the capacity, voltage (if electric), BTUs (if gas), and the serial number. The serial number is coded by the manufacturer in a way that determines the manufactured date. Enter your serial number at http://www.waterheaterparts.com/lookup to determine the manufactured date associated with your tank.

Should I repair my water heater or replace it?

Most water heaters can be repaired without the need for full replacement. The one exception is if the internal tank is leaking. You may also want to consider replacement if you have an aging water heater. You may not want to put money into an old heater that may fail completely soon. 

Is my water heater under warranty?

The warranty of your water heater is set by the manufacturer and determined by the model. Common durations for warranties are 6, 8, and 10 years and are normally calculated from the date of installation. Check with your water heater manufacturer for both duration and what is covered.

What should I do if my water heater is leaking?

Turn off the inlet valve right away and give us a call. Most of the time, the catch pan under the water heater will have an overflow pipe to a drain. If it doesn't, you can hook up a garden hose to the drain valve and direct the water to a safe area.

👉 Pro tip: Place a water detection device in your catch pan to immediately know if it’s leaking. An automatic shutoff device, such as a Moen Flo, is a smart investment that can help protect your home and prevent unnecessary damage.

Final Thoughts

Your water heater won't last forever (unfortunately). But by checking the age and watching for signs of trouble you can get ahead of major issues.