When To Replace Your Water Heater
Water heaters are often taken for granted. They work tirelessly 24 hours a day seven days a week. Most people tend to ignore the pops, hisses and small drips that an old or damaged water heater may make as long as they still have hot water. Ignoring or not recognizing the signs of a faulty or poorly working water heater can lead to higher energy cost and a lot of unnecessary stress and inconvenience. Here are a few signs to look for to help you decide if you need a water heater replacement.
List of Contents
Have a look
A visual inspection of the area around your water heater can reveal any problems that may require a replacement. Puddles around your water heater may indicate a severe leak. Also, look for streams of water that lead to a floor drain.
Take a closer look
After inspecting the area around your water heater, take a closer look at valves, fittings, and pipes. A water heater has few moving parts, so any problems can be quickly diagnosed. Some parts can be replaced relatively cheap, but if there is significant corrosion on the tank due to water exposure, then it should be replaced.
Check the age
If you happen to be moving into a new home, find out how old the water heater is before you close the deal. Any water heater over 10 years old should be replaced. A water can last quite a while after its warranty, but its efficiency will be reduced. Also, replacing an older water heater with a newer, more efficient one will save on energy cost.
Measure hot water time
If you discover that you have been running out of hot water a lot faster than you used to, then you may need a new tank.
Metal and water really do not get along well together. After time, minerals in the water will react with the metal and corrosion will occur. Sooner or later you will have to replace your tank even if it appears to be fine on the outside or you still get a decent supply of hot water. The heater could still have damage that reduces efficiency. Don’t wait until a leak occurs or you no longer have hot water to replace your heater, and always seek out a professional for advice and installation. Continue to follow us for more tips and information on how to keep all your heating and cooling systems working perfectly.