Check your water heater's age on the tank label or serial number. The Minnesota Department of Commerce puts the average life expectancy at 10 to 12 years, though some last much longer. If yours is more than 10 years old, it's worth starting to plan. Watch for popping or rumbling noises, rust in your hot water, corrosion, leaks from joints or seams, or less hot water than before. If an older tank shows any of these signs, that's a good reason to have it looked at.
Most water heaters aren't replaced until the tank fails and starts leaking. By then you have cold water, maybe water on the floor, and a decision you have to make in a hurry.
There's a better way. If you look at your water heater now, before winter, you can plan a water heater replacement on your own schedule. That gives you more time to look at your options and pick the right unit for your home.
Here's what to check, whether you're in Buffalo or anywhere in the west metro & Wright County.
How to Find Your Water Heater's Age
Start with the label on the tank. Find the brand name and the serial number.
Sometimes the manufacture date is printed right on the label. If it isn't, you can decode the serial number with the manufacturer's lookup or an industry lookup.
Once you have the date, write it down somewhere you'll find it again. It's handy to have when you call about a water heater replacement in Buffalo, MN or anywhere nearby.
Signs Your Water Heater Is Going Out
Age is only part of it. Here are some signs your water heater may be going out:
- Popping, cracking or rumbling noises. These sounds often point to sediment building up at the bottom of the tank.
- Turning the temperature up. If you've had to turn up the temperature over time to get enough hot water, take note.
- Less hot water than before. Sediment can reduce the tank's capacity, so you may get less hot water than you used to.
- Rust, deposits or corrosion. Look for rust in your hot water. It can come from the tank or from your pipes, so it's worth having checked. Check under the burner for rust or other deposits. Look for corrosion on the unit or around the water lines.
- Leaks. Water leaking from joints, seals or seams is a warning sign.
- Very hard water. If you have very hard water, keep an eye on it. More on that below.
If you're seeing a few of these, or your tank is getting older, it's a good time to start thinking about replacement.
How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
So, how long do water heaters last? The Minnesota Department of Commerce puts the average life expectancy at 10 to 12 years. Some last much longer.
A good rule of thumb: if yours is more than 10 years old, it's worth starting to plan. That's not because it's sure to quit tomorrow. It's because waiting until it fails leaves you making a rushed decision.
When you replace on your own schedule, you can take your time, look at options and get the right fit.
Repair or Replace?
Not every problem means you need a new water heater. We repair leaks, strange noises and inconsistent hot water.
We also do water heater maintenance. That includes flushing the tank, inspecting components and checking for wear.
Flushing is part of taking care of your tank. If you're not sure whether yours is due, read our posts on how to know when to flush your water heater and how often you should flush your water heater.
If your tank is older and showing several of the signs above, we'll talk it through with you: repair, or replace.
Your Options When It's Time to Replace
When it's time for a water heater replacement, you have a few choices:
- Tank water heaters
- Tankless water heaters
- Heat pump water heaters
- High-efficiency models
Whatever type you choose, size matters. If the unit is too small, you run out of hot water mid-shower. If it's too large, you pay to heat water you never use. But tank and tankless units are sized differently.
Tank units. This includes heat pump water heaters, which store hot water in a tank. For these, the first-hour rating, or FHR, matters more than tank size. You'll find it on the EnergyGuide label. ENERGY STAR describes it as an estimate of the most hot water, in gallons, a storage water heater can supply in an hour, starting fully heated. Think about the busiest hour of hot water use in your house. Match the first-hour rating to that hour.
Tankless units. They aren't rated by first-hour rating. They're sized by flow rate, in gallons per minute (GPM). ENERGY STAR describes it as how many gallons of hot water per minute the unit can supply while holding a steady temperature rise, which is how much it warms the incoming water. Size depends on which fixtures you run at the same time and how much the unit has to warm the incoming water.
We help you pick the type and size that fit your home and your hot water use.
Hard Water and Your Water Heater
Very hard water is on the list of warning signs for a reason. Minerals in your water can add to sediment and corrosion inside the tank. Sediment is often behind those popping and rumbling noises, and it can cut down how much hot water you get.
If you're not sure how hard your water is, we offer free water testing. We also offer water softeners.
What to Expect from Riser
Riser Plumbing + Water is locally owned & operated, right here in Montrose. We work with homeowners in Buffalo, Rockford, Maple Plain, Minnetonka and across the west metro & Wright County.
Here's what you can count on:
- Upfront pricing with no hidden fees
- Fully Licensed, Bonded and Insured
- Help picking the right type and size of water heater for your home
Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do water heaters last?
The Minnesota Department of Commerce puts the average life expectancy of a water heater at 10 to 12 years, though some last much longer. Age alone doesn't mean it will fail. But if yours is more than 10 years old, it's a good time to start thinking about replacement.
How do I find out how old my water heater is?
Check the label on the tank for the brand name and serial number. Sometimes the manufacture date is printed on the label. If not, you can decode the serial number with the manufacturer's lookup or an industry lookup.
What does it mean when my water heater makes popping noises?
Popping, cracking or rumbling noises often point to sediment building up at the bottom of the tank. Sediment can also reduce how much hot water you get. If your water heater is making these sounds, it's worth having it checked.
Should I get a tank, tankless or heat pump water heater?
It depends on your home and how your household uses hot water. No one type is right for every house. Tank and heat pump water heaters are sized by first-hour rating, matched to your busiest hour of hot water use. Tankless units are sized by flow rate in gallons per minute, based on the fixtures you run at the same time and how much the water needs to be warmed. We help you pick the type and size.
Ready to Plan Ahead?
Don't wait for a cold shower to make the call. Schedule a water heater check or call (952) 649-3049. We're serving Buffalo, Montrose and the west metro & Wright County.