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

Author: Francisca Wunsch  |  Last update: Saturday, May 3, 2025

If your hot water is no longer coming out hot or is only hot some of the time, it may be time to replace the heater. Sometimes the devices and mechanisms inside will wear down or break, causing your heater to stop heating. In some cases, this may require a simple repair.

How do you know when your electric hot water heater is going out?

Water heaters show several signs of going bad, including lack of hot water, temperature fluctuations, decreased water pressure, strange noises, rotten egg smell, visible leaks, rusty or discolored water, and increased energy bills. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.

How do you know if you need a new electric water heater?

You notice a difference in heating capacity

Over the years, that may slowly decrease until you might have a hard time taking a 10-minute shower. If your hot water runs out quickly, then you have a heating capacity problem. You might also find that it takes your water heater longer and longer to heat water up.

When should you replace an electric hot water heater?

The typical lifespan of a water heater is 8 to 12 years, and when it reaches the end of its life you should consider replacing it. You may want to start thinking about replacing it if you notice any signs of corrosion or leaking, or if the water temperature or pressure is decreasing.

What is the life expectancy of an electric hot water heater?

While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Replaced

Can a hot water heater last 20 years?

Water Heater Lifespan

With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years. Check your water heater's warranty for the most accurate timelines.

What is the average cost to replace an electric hot water heater?

The cost for an electric water heater replacement runs between $2,000 and $3,000, depending on the specific model and size you choose. Although you may purchase an electric water heater for a low price, they're typically more expensive to run than gas models.

How to tell when a water heater needs replacing?

Signs a Water Heater is Going Bad
  1. Your Water Heater Makes Strange Noises. ...
  2. Decreased or Varying Water Temperature. ...
  3. Low Water Pressure. ...
  4. Discolored or Rusty Water. ...
  5. Hot Water Shortage. ...
  6. Water Heater Leaks. ...
  7. Frequent Repairs. ...
  8. Age of Hot Water Heater.

How long does it take for a plumber to replace a hot water heater?

Once you decide to (or are forced to) replace your current water heater, there are a few decisions you need to make to get the process started. If there are no issues or complications, a licensed plumber should be able to complete the process in 2-3 hours.

How do I check my electric hot water heater?

In summary, troubleshooting an electric water heater involves several key steps:
  1. Turn off the breaker to the water heater.
  2. Remove the access covers.
  3. Test the elements for open circuits or grounding.
  4. Test the upper and lower thermostats for proper function.

How long does it take to replace a 50 gallon electric water heater?

Tank to Tank Installation: On average, replacing a gas or electric water tank with a similar model takes two to three hours. It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater.

Should I hear my electric water heater?

Crackling and hissing sounds are perfectly normal to hear every once in a while in electric water heaters. If the sound is happening a lot, you may need to drain your tank to see if there is something blocking your heating element.

What happens when an electric hot water heater fails?

1 – Lack of Hot Water

The most common sign of a failing hot water heater is lack of sufficient hot water when you need it. If your shower is giving you lukewarm water or it takes a long time to get hot water coming to your faucets, you have a problem.

How to tell if your anode rod is bad?

Poor water heater performance can sometimes stem from an anode rod that's overdue for replacement. If you notice signs of poor performance, such as discolored or rusty water, sulfuric or rotten egg smells, popping sounds from the tank, or high heating bills, inspect your water rod to determine if it needs replacement.

What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat on a hot water heater?

Signs Your Water Heater Thermostat Is Faulty
  • You have no hot water.
  • You're running out of hot water quickly.
  • The water is too hot.
  • It takes a long time for your water heater to heat the water.
  • You keep having to reset the high-temperature limit switch.

What are signs your water heater is going bad?

A complete lack of hot water is one of the most common warning signs of a hot water heater going out. When your “hot” water is actually freezing cold, no matter how long you let it run to warm up, it's most likely due to a failing system.

When should I replace my electric water heater?

When should I consider replacing my water heater? If you suspect your water heater is more than 10 years old—it is time to consider replacing it before you're left with an emergency decision. To determine the age of your water heater, you'll need to identify the Brand Name and Serial Number for your unit.

What is the life expectancy of an electric water heater?

Therefore, it's important to understand the type of water heater you have so you can estimate its lifespan and plan for its future replacement. Electric water heaters are popular for their simplicity and safety. They generally last between 10 to 15 years.

Does home insurance cover a water heater?

It's important to note that standard homeowners insurance policies typically only cover damage to the structure of your home and personal property. They do not include replacement cost coverage for the heater itself.

What is the downside of an electric water heater?

Electric Water Heaters: Pros and Cons

Electric water heaters confer multiple benefits over gas units, including ease of installation, higher efficiency levels and safer operation. On the flip side, they have their own unique challenges, like slower heating and vulnerability during power outages.

How much will my electric bill go up with an electric water heater?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 18% of your electricity costs are directly tied to your water heating system. If you've noticed a rise in your recent electric bills, don't start taking cold showers just yet.

How do I know if I need a new water heater?

Over time, sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank. When the water is heated, the sediments harden. As a result, you can hear banging or rumbling noises from inside the heater. This is a sign that you need to get a new hot water heater, as its nearing the end of its operational lifespan.

How often should I flush my water heater?

Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.

What shortens the life of a water heater?

Sediment can build up over time in a water heater, shortening its lifespan. To prevent this, you should flush your water heater at least once per year. Flushing will help to remove any sediment that has built up and improve the efficiency of your water heater.

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