How do you know when it’s time for a water heater replacement

How do you know when it’s time for a water heater replacement

Water heater replacement depends on things like age, condition, and your overall budget. And, of course, deciding if it’s the right time for a water heater replacement or not. Water heaters are typically ignored and forgotten until you feel the chill of icy water running down your back or find a huge puddle on your basement floor. When things like that happen, you have to decide whether to repair or replace.

Traditional water heaters have about a 10-13 year lifespan. Knowing this, you should be able to get a better idea on if it’s time for a water heater replacement. If your water heater is relatively new and you’re experiencing issues, you may only need repair.

Determining if you really need a water heater replacement

Traditional water heaters are pretty straight-forward. Cold water enters the tank and is heated by an electric element or gas burner. A thermostat inside of the tank keeps the temperature consistent to what it’s set at – usually around 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit. As the water heats up, pressure develops inside so when you turn on a tap, that pressure sends the heated water out the faucet.

Because there aren’t too many moveable parts, there are only a few issues that can develop with traditional water heaters, such as:

  • Pilot light flickers out (on gas water heaters)
  • Circuit breaker for an electric heater trips
  • Burner or heating element fails
  • Thermostat breaks and isn’t to maintain consistent temperature
  • If the valve sticks

When water heater replacement is your only choice

When your water heater springs a leak due to corrosion from water minerals reacting to the steel of the water heater’s body.

The plus side to modern water heaters is that they’re much more energy-efficient than their traditional counterparts. They have a higher heat retention because they’re injected with foam insulation. Glass liners rather than steel make them less likely to corrode. Additionally, high-efficiency models can save you up to 20% in energy costs. Some tankless water heaters offer even bigger savings and can qualify for a federal tax credit.

Maintain Your Water Heater

Whether you choose to repair your old water heater or opt to purchase a water heater replacement, you should take steps to maintain your repairs or replacement. At least once a year, you should flush your tank to get rid of built up sediment. Without that debris inside, your water heater can operate more efficiently. In addition to a regular cleaning, you should check the anode rod every 3 years. There’s an aluminum or magnesium rod inside your tank that collects corrosive material that should be replaced when it starts to become caked with gunk or eroded.

If you need help maintaining your old water heater or your replacement water heater, don’t hesitate to contact A-Abel for help.