When is it Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

Water heaters are one of the parts of your house that you never think about. You never think about it, until something goes wrong, that is. Then once you have to think about your water heater, you have to think fast about whether you will repair or replace. How do you decide?

Over time, water minerals react with the steel, corroding your water heater. However, you shouldn’t see corrosion on your water heater until it’s extremely old. If it does appear, it usually can’t be repaired, and you must get a new water heater. If you turn on your taps and see a reddish tint to the hot water, it means the inside of the tank is rusting.

Are you no longer getting the amount of hot water in your household that you used to? These are warning signs of a water heater that’s in decline and should be traded out for a new one.

The life expectancy of the average residential water heater is about 8 to 12 years. This number will vary with the location and type of unit, the quality of the installation, whether you’ve kept up with maintenance, and the quality and composition of the water in your area. If you have a water heater nearing the end of its expected life, replacement is the obvious way to go. New models are up to 20% more efficient and can save up to $700 in energy costs over the life of the unit. Manufacturers now inject foam insulation between the tank and its outer shell, resulting in higher heat retention. New glass liners also make tanks less prone to corrosion.

Hot water accounts for most of the heating energy used in your home. If the hot water heater starts to work inefficiently, then it’s a good idea to have it checked by one of our professionals to see if the more cost-effective path is to replace it.

If you’re getting into the habit of calling us for repairs to the water heater every year, that’s too often. It’s time to talk about a new unit.

In every case, from questions and diagnostics to the installation of your new heater, Total Plumbing has got you covered!