Your home’s water heater is an indispensable appliance you use every day. While you might not pay it much mind during your day-to-day life, it is a piece of equipment that will need replacement at some point. Here’s what you should know about water heaters and when to replace them.
Typical Water Heater Lifespan
Water heaters are fairly simple appliances that are durable and long-lasting. With regular water heater service, your water heater may last for decades. However, there are a variety of threats that could lead to earlier replacement.
Corrosion is one of the most serious threats to your water heater. The metal tank can corrode over time. While there are protections in place, such as anode rods that corrode in place of the tank, corrosion is still a potential issue over the lifespan of the tank.
Energy Star recommends considering replacing your water heater if it’s more than ten years old. It’s important to note that you don’t need to wait until your water heater fails completely to replace it. Newer models can provide improved performance, efficiency, and safety. An upgrade could be well worth it, even if your water heater isn’t that old.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Replacement
The actual lifespan of any given water heater can vary widely, so watching for specific signs of trouble is the best way to know when to take action. If you notice any of these signs, reaching out to a plumbing professional can help you with proper repairs or replace your water heater before complete failure.
Inconsistent water temperature is a key sign that something is wrong with your water heater. If you notice that you sometimes get cold water, even if you don’t think you’ve depleted the tank, then repair or replacement may be needed. This is also true if you’ve noticed your hot water capacity going down over the years.
Visible corrosion is something to ask professionals about, but it may not require immediate replacement as it might only affect the surface. Hissing or popping noises from the tank can indicate sedimentation or other issues. Keep an eye out for any leaks or pooling water as well.
Making Your Water Heater Last
Scheduling annual maintenance is a great way to avoid potential issues with your water heater. A professional will inspect key components and can carry out maintenance such as flushing to remove sedimentation or replacing anode rods to prevent corrosion.
Keeping up with maintenance will help your water heater last longer, but also provides immediate benefits. Your water heater will run more reliably and efficiently, providing a consistent hot water supply and keeping your energy costs low.
Professional Water Heater Replacement
Having trouble with your home’s water heater? Don’t wait for the issue to get worse. Instead, reach out to the team at Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We provide professional water heater repair and replacement and can ensure you get the right service for your system. Schedule service today to get the best for your water heater.
