Water Heater Repair & Installation: Trust Aqua Care in Fort Myers, Naples & More

How Do I Know if I Need My Water Heater Replaced?

Even if your water heater is still producing hot water, it may be nearing the end of its useful life. What signs can you watch for to know it’s time to start saving for a replacement? 

• The water heater is over 10 years old (for tank models). If your tank water heater is nearly a decade old, it’s time to consider a replacement – or at least start planning for an inevitable breakdown.
• You notice rusty or brown water. Discolored water usually indicates corrosion inside the water heater tank. It can also signal a failing anode rod. Whatever the case, both are signs the heater is breaking down.
• It’s making unusual noises. Hearing suspicious rumbling, popping, or banging sounds from the water heater tank? This is usually due to sediment buildup, and it means your tank is working harder…and thus wearing out faster.
• There are leaks around the base of the unit. Even small leaks are serious, as any amount of water can damage floors, walls, and nearby electrical systems. Leaks mean cracks are present, and usually mean it’s time for an immediate water heater replacement.
• You have inconsistent or insufficient hot water. If your water doesn’t get as hot as it used to, or if the hot water runs out quickly, your water heater should be looked over and a replacement may be in order.
• You’re noticing rising energy bills. Like with any appliance, water heaters lose efficiency over time, which means an aging unit may use more gas or electricity to produce the same amount of hot water – and, as a result, produce higher energy bills.

We’ll always recommend proactive replacements, rather than reactive ones. Staying proactive means replacing the appliance before it fails, and it gives you time to shop around, schedule at your convenience, and avoid further home damage. Waiting until the system fails (a reactive approach) often means paying more for emergency installation and possibly dealing with water damage in your living space.

Are Water Heater Repairs Possible?

Some water heater damage or issues can be repaired, but only if the core tank is still in good shape. Replaceable parts include thermostats, heating elements, pressure relief valves, and anode rods. That said, if the tank itself is leaking, replacement is the usually only option.

Consider this hypothetical… A homeowner in Fort Myers notices hot water running out halfway through their showers. After flushing the tank and checking the heating element (which was still good), they found the tank had developed internal scaling from 12 years of hard water exposure. They upgraded to a tankless model and saw lower energy bills and experienced endless hot water.

In the case above, a replacement was the best course of action. That said, here are some examples of when repairs are a solid route:

• Parts are easily replaced. If you’re a homeowner who found their electric water heater wasn’t producing hot water, you could just need a new lower heating element. Or maybe you saw water dripping from the T&P valve, in which case a new valve will solve your problem.
• Your water is consistently too hot (or not hot enough). If your family is complaining of scalding water all the time, it could just be that your thermostat needs a quick and simple adjustment. 
• You have discolored or smelly hot water. Have you noticed that your hot water smells like sulfur? Replacing the anode rod may solve the odor issue – no tank replacement needed.
• There are strange noises occurring. Loud banging sounds can usually be resolved by flushing out your water heater tank. This should also improve efficiency and extend system longevity.

How Do I Know How Old My Water Heater Is?

Your water heater is acting up, and you want to know if it’s time to invest in a full replacement. One of the first steps is checking how old your current water heater is…but what if you have no idea? Whether you weren’t the one to purchase it, or you simply can’t seem to recall the year you bought it, no worries – there’s a straightforward way to check.

First things first, check the manufacturer’s label or plate. Almost all water heaters have a manufacturer’s label on the side of the unit, typically located near the top. If you’re lucky, the date will be printed clearly as “Manufactured: MM/YYYY” or something similar.

That said, in many cases, the manufacturing date is coded into the serial number, and you’ll need to decipher it. Each water heater manufacturer uses a slightly different method for encoding the manufacture date into the serial number. Here are some examples of how to decode the most common brands:

• AO Smith, State, American, Whirlpool, Kenmore: First two digits = year, next two = week. For example, a serial number of 1405XXXXXXX means it was manufactured in the 5th week of 2014.
• Rheem, Ruud, Richmond, GE (older units): First four digits = month and year For example, a serial number of 0412XXXXXX means it was manufactured in April of 2012.

And some brands, like Bradford White, use letter codes for the month and year. For Bradford White, specifically, the year codes start at 1984, so A = 1984, B = 1985, and so on. The month codes go A = January, B = February, etc., through L = December. For example, a serial number starting with DJ means the unit was manufactured in September of 2013. Bradford White codes repeat every 20 years, so cross-reference with home age or model type if unsure.

If decoding isn’t working or the serial number seems unfamiliar, Google your brand and serial number, or use manufacturer lookup tools. Many brands have online serial number checkers.

How Can I Best Maintain My Water Heater?

Like with most home appliances, the maintenance you put into your water heater will have a direct impact on the system’s lifespan and efficiency, and it can help prevent unexpected breakdowns. Whether you have a traditional tank water heater or a tankless system, regular upkeep goes a long way.

Here’s best practices to follow:

• Flush your water heater tank annually. Over time, sediment (especially in areas with hard water) builds up at the bottom of the tank, reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of damage. Flush the tank once a year for lower energy bills and better hot water pressure.
• Test the temperature and pressure relief valve. This safety valve prevents the tank from over-pressurizing. Test it by lifting the valve lever and letting it snap back. A burst of water should discharge into the drainpipe. If it doesn’t, the valve may need replacing.
• Check the anode rod. The anode rod prevents rust by attracting corrosive minerals. Inspect it every 2-3 years, and if it’s heavily corroded, replace it.
• Set the thermostat to 120°F. Water heater thermostat settings vary based on household preferences, but if you want the safest and most energy-efficient temp, stick around 120°F. 
• Regularly inspect for leaks or rust. Look around the base of the unit for leaks and regularly check all fittings and valves. Even a small drip can indicate pressure or corrosion issues that need professional attention.
• Don’t delay repairs. If you notice strange noises, inconsistent water temperatures, cloudy water, or leaks, don’t wait to call a professional. Catching and addressing minor issues early on can often prevent more expensive damage to your tank or plumbing system.

Maintenance for tankless water heaters can look a little different. You’ll want to descale the system annually with a vinegar solution and flush kit, clean the in-line water filter every 6-12 months, and regularly check the venting system for blockages or damage.

And, of course, hiring a licensed plumber once a year to complete an inspection can catch what DIY maintenance might miss. Our experts will inspect your gas lines, electrical components, heating elements, sediment level, valve performance, and overall system health.

Book Your Next Water Heater Service With Us

When you need fast, honest, and professional water heater services in Fort Myers, Naples, or any nearby areas, Aqua Care is the name to trust. We pride ourselves on transparent pricing, dependable workmanship, and customer-first service. Whether it’s time to upgrade your aging system or you just need a quick fix to get the hot water flowing again, our team is ready to respond. 

Call today to schedule your next water heater repair, service, or installation.