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How To Know When It’s Time To Replace Your Water Heater

Thanks to water heaters, we are able to wash dishes, laundry and take warm showers effectively and comfortably. The water heater in our homes is something many homeowners take for granted, at least until that warm water stops coming out of your facets. But unfortunately, water heaters do not last forever. You may run into issues with your water heater from time to time, but when these problems start to add up, replacing your water heater becomes a viable option. 

At ServiceOne, our Dubuque plumbers can help you find the right solution for every plumbing problem you encounter, including your water heater! Here are some ways to know when it’s time to replace your home’s water heater. 

System age

The age of your water heater is the number one thing to look at if you are considering buying a new one. If your system is running into problems, and it is close to or over 20 years old, it’s a smart idea to totally replace it with a new model. 

Your water heater is leaking

Have you noticed that your water heater is leaking? This can be caused by a number of factors and can be serious and require immediate attention. 

There’s rust in your water 

Another sign that may indicate that your water heater should be replaced is if there is rust or reddish discoloration in your water. Water heaters are prone to rusting within the tank, especially if they are older, and in turn, can affect the quality of your home’s water.

Water is not as hot or warm as usual

Have you noticed that your morning showers aren’t as hot as they used to be? This is a sign that there is something wrong with your water heater. Hiring a ServiceOne Dubuque plumber to come and take a look will help you determine the best steps to take next to get your issue resolved. 

Rising heating bills

One way to tell if your water heater is not working efficiently is when you have high heating bills. In this case, you would want to have a professional plumber come out and take a look to try and pinpoint the issue. If you make a repair, and still have high heating bills, replacing your water heater altogether will help you save more money in the long run. 

Too many repairs

Lastly, having to constantly make repairs on any of your home’s systems, devices or appliances can make the bills add up quickly. The same holds true for your water heater. If you find yourself having to make multiple repairs on the same issue or even a lot of repairs on different issues within your water heater, your best bet is just replacing the water heater entirely. Although this may be a higher upfront cost, it will help you save more money in the future. 


Proper maintenance can significantly prolong the life of your water heater, but at the end of the day, there are some signs that may point to a total replacement. If you are experiencing any leaks, rusty or cold water, make sure to call a ServiceOne Dubuque plumber right away. Our plumbers will come out to your home to evaluate your situation and explain the best solutions to get your issues fixed.

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