Is it normal for a water heater to run constantly?

Author: Prof. Raheem Stroman DVM  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

If your water heater is older, it's likely that its functionality has diminished over time. The age of a water heater is one of the most common reasons for it to constantly run. At this point, repairs are unlikely to correct the issue and it is best to replace the system.

Why is my water heater continuously running?

If your water heater is constantly running the first thing you should do is check the unit and the pipes immediately around it for leaks. Your water heater might have insufficient insulation – If the water heater is not properly insulated, it will be unable to maintain the water temperature.

Should my hot water heater be running all the time?

There's no reason not to leave it on all day. It isn't burning gas all day. If it's an indirect hot water cylinder then as water is used it is automatically replaced by cold entering the bottom of the cylinder. The hot water you get from the tank never goes through the boiler.

Is it OK to keep water heater on all the time?

It's better to leave the hot water heater on all the time, rather than turning it on and off. This is a very common energy saving myth. But in fact, you really don't need to be heating your water all the time. Your immersion heater or boiler will heat up hot water which is stored in a tank.

Do water heaters stay lit all the time?

A pilot light is a small flame commonly seen in furnaces, fireplaces, and water heaters. This flame is responsible for igniting gas coming from the gas valve and main burner. The pilot light always remains burning.

My Water Heater is Constantly Running!

What happens if you leave a water heater on all day?

prolonged usage may cause the geyser's heating element to overheat, potentially damaging the appliance. This was the main reason why the appliance burst. Other things that can happen are: Continuous operation results in unnecessary energy consumption, contributing to higher utility bills.

Is the water heater flame supposed to stay on?

Your water heater needs a proper air supply for the pilot light to stay lit. If there is not enough air, the pilot light will go out.

Is it better to have hot water on timer or constant?

Although it takes longer and requires more fuel to heat cold water, the energy required to maintain this constant temperature is much more expensive than the few times it is heated when necessary on occasion, due to its non-use, this water is also wasted, as a result, running a boiler continuously consumes more fuel ...

What is the normal life expectancy of a 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.

Is it okay to turn off the water heater when not in use?

Many homeowners ask us if they should turn off their water heater between uses to save money. Our professional answer after crunching the numbers? No, unless you're going on vacation for a month or longer, you shouldn't turn off your water heater.

Should you hear your hot water heater running?

It's not uncommon for your water heater to make a certain amount of noise while it's running. This is especially true at this time of the year, since your water heater has to work harder in winter to provide you with the warm water your house needs.

How long should a water heater be on?

Only heat the hot water twice a day

Try heating the water for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. Start the water heating about an hour before you need it. For example, if you shower at 08:30, start heating the water at 07:30. If you wash up in the evening at 19:30, then start the water heating at 18:30.

Can you overuse a hot water heater?

Old water heaters are often overused. A heater typically lasts for 8-12 years. After that, you could be putting excessive demands on it which results in frequent repairs.

Should a hot water heater run all the time?

If your water heater is older, it's likely that its functionality has diminished over time. The age of a water heater is one of the most common reasons for it to constantly run. At this point, repairs are unlikely to correct the issue and it is best to replace the system.

Why is my water heater not shutting off?

Why Won't The Water Heater Turn Off? There are many reasons for the water heating system not getting turn off: Poor Thermostat: You can always repair a damaged thermostat. Also, damaged wiring, a broken heating sensor, or other parts can be repaired depending on the issue of the water heater.

Why does my hot water heater sound like its constantly running?

A water heater making noise like water running could simply be the water entering the tank. However, If the sound continues, it could indicate a leak or a broken pipe.

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.

How do I know when my water heater needs replacing?

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.

Why is my hot water tank always on?

If you keep your water at a high temperature all the time, you will lose more heat to the environment even if the cylinder is well insulated. Your water heating costs will increase in direct proportion to the average temperature of the cylinder over the day. You will end up paying for more energy as a result.

How much does hot water cost per month?

Typically, a hot water heater that uses a tank will run for 3 to 5 hours per day. So, a 4,000-watt heater used for 3 hours a day at 10¢ per kWh will cost $1.20 per day, about $36.50 per month, or $438 per year.

Can I leave my hot water on all the time?

It's probably safe to switch your boiler off when you're going away, but as long as the thermostat is low and you set the timer to switch off heating water, you can leave it on and only use a small amount of power.

What are the signs of water heater going bad?

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.

Is a water heater supposed to stay lit?

As gas flows through the valve, the pilot light will stay lit and ensure you have a sufficient supply of hot water. You can manually turn off the pilot light to stop the gas supply by flipping a switch on your water heater. However, many homeowners find that the pilot light goes out at inconvenient times.

What color should water heater flame be?

A water heater flame should ideally be blue and steady. This color means that the gas is burning efficiently and completely. Blue flames indicate that the ratio of gas to air is optimal, meaning the gas is combusting fully without releasing harmful byproducts.

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