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What is the Lifespan of a Hot Water Heater?
Most homeowners don’t enjoy having to replace systems and appliances. That’s why regular maintenance is so important for prolonging the life of youe hot water heater. However, even with regular maintenance, its performance may deteriorate over time. Here are some signs that it may be time to replace your hot water heater.
How to Tell When You Need to Replace Your Water Heater
Even with routine maintenance and tune-ups, your water heater is bound to deteriorate over time. Consider the following signs that it might be time for a water heater replacement.
1. Strange Noises
We have our senses for a reason. If you hear (or smell) anything out of the ordinary, do not ignore it. Look into the issue immediately. If you can’t locate a problem source, it’s best to call a professional to perform an inspection. It’s always better to fix small problems before they become big problems.
2. Rusty Water
Rusty water indicates a rusty source. If your water is dirty or discolored, your water heater might be rusting from the inside. You can take preventative measures against rust by adding a zinc rod to your water heater. However, if you already have rust, it might be time for a replacement.
3. Cold Water
It goes to reason that if your water heater runs out of hot water faster than it used to (or doesn’t produce hot water at all), you could need a new one. The source of the problem might be a sediment buildup, which prevents the heat from actually reaching the water.
4. Leaking
Small holes and fractures in the system’s metal can result in hot water leaks. Some leaks can be repaired, but if you leave them alone for too long, you’re probably looking at a replacement. Take the time to examine your water heater for leaks every month or two.
5. Age
The average lifespan of a well-maintained water heater is around 10 years. If yours is older than 10 years and is showing signs of failure, consider replacing it.
How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater
Employ these two tips to extend the life of your water heater and protect it from expensive damage.
1. Routine Maintenance
As with any system or appliance, water heaters require both home maintenance and professional maintenance. Keep your eyes and ears open for potential problems. It’s also a good idea to have a licensed technician take a look when necessary. Proper water heater maintenance will save you money.
2. Quick repairs
Even when preventative measures don’t work, you can extend the life of your water heater by making necessary repairs quickly. As soon as you notice a problem, call someone to fix it.
