What to Do When Your Water Heater is Rusted on Its Base

Your water heater does best with consistent maintenance from a professional plumber. This annual service gives you the chance to notice quickly and resolve likely problems. One such issue is a rusty bottom on tank water heaters.

Rust can appear in several places on your water heater and may be the result of leaky connections. But rust on the bottom of your water heater’s tank could be signs of a more complex problem. We suggest contacting a professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to discover if the tank’s interior liner has corroded. This appears after the anode rod fails. When operating like it’s supposed to, the anode rod filters impurities from the water.

When your tank has rusted, it’s time to schedule water heater replacement. Otherwise, you risk having your home flooded with gallons of water when the tank breaks.

Here are some other signs that your water heater is on its way out.

4 Signs You Need Water Heater Replacement

While your water heater can’t inform you exactly when it’s going to shut down, these are frequent signs that it’s about to happen.

1. Age

A quality water heater usually lives for about 10 years. If yours is close to this age or older, it’s a wise idea to look into replacing it even if it’s still running. That way, you can avoid not having hot water or a mess if the tank leaks.

2. Rusty Water

This is evidence that your water heater’s tank is corroding. Your water might taste unpleasant or stain your clothes when you wash them. While rust isn’t always harmful, it affects your water quality and could also stain your bathroom fixtures.

3. Less Hot Water

Your water heater should produce enough hot water, even if you’re showering and washing clothes at the same time. If you learn yours is struggling even with less use, it’s time to get a replacement.

4. Odd Sounds

When your water heater’s anode rod breaks, sediment appears in the tank. As a result, your water heater must work more intensely to heat water. This can result in clanging or knocking sounds, as well as higher energy bills.

Tankless Water Heaters vs. Tank? What’s Right for My House?

Our well-trained plumbers will share what’s best for your specific needs and your home. When looking into hot water heater replacement, they’ll help you decide between tankless water heaters and tank models. Here are a number of the key differences.

Tank Water Heaters

Tank water heaters are the most common type. They have a dedicated supply of hot water, which is useful for heavy or frequent use. While these water heaters are the most affordable, they have some downsides. They are big and constantly heating water, which is less energy efficient. And with a life span of about 12 years, they must be replaced much sooner than a tankless model.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are used for their energy efficiency since they heat water on demand. Because they lack a tank, they can be hidden in cozy spaces, like under your sink or in a closet. As another bonus, they frequently last twice as long as a tank model. However, it’s good to note they’re often more expensive than tank models. But this cost can be balanced with rebates since several models are ENERGY STAR® rated.

Trust Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Outstanding Water Heater Replacement

Hot water heater replacement cost isn’t cheap. In fact, connecting a new heater can cost several thousand dollars, in particular if you want a tankless model.

That’s why we offer an Advantage Program™ for your water heater. For one single monthly cost, you’ll receive a brand new one installed at no added cost. There’s no down payment or large initial expense, and you’ll get to subtract any applicable rebates.

As a valued member, you’ll have access to 24/7 emergency service at no charge. Diagnostic, parts and labor fees are waived as well.* You’ll even have the ability to adjust your water heater tank size or style based on your family’s growing needs.**

To learn more about our process for water heater replacement in the U.S., give us a call at today. Our Experts are willing to help however we can.


*See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. **New monthly rate will apply.

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