You don’t want a failed water heater to surprise you one day when your morning shower is a cold-water nightmare. It’s a good idea to keep a watch for signs that your water heater is getting too old and is at a high risk of an abrupt and permanent breakdown.
We can help you with a new water heater installation in Hart County whenever you need it. We can also help you determine when you’re on the verge of needing that new water heater. We’ll take a look at some of the ways you can tell that a water heater replacement is imminent in your life.
Age of the Water Heater
You should know how old your water heater is since its age is a good indicator of how much longer you can expect the unit to last. Water heater age will also help you know how serious the other warning signs are. You’ll find the manufacture date for your water heater on its exterior.
- A standard gas tank water heater will last for 10–12 years on average.
- Electric water heaters will last for several more years.
- Tankless water heaters can often exceed 20 years.
If you have a water heater that’s over its service life expectancy, it’s time to think about replacement.
Drop in Hot Water Volume
One of the biggest warnings of a water heater that’s on its way out is when it can no longer keep up with a household’s regular demands for hot water. This shows the water heater’s capacity is declining. If you’ve noticed that the hot water for morning showers is starting to run out earlier than you’re used to, it’s a major indicator that the water heater is starting to die.
Rusty Discoloration in the Hot Water
When you turn on any of the hot water taps in your house, do you see a reddish discoloration in the water? If this isn’t occurring in the cold water taps, it means a serious problem with the water heater—most likely that tank is already rusted through. We recommend calling for professionals right away since the water heater won’t last much longer with that much corrosion.
Visible Corrosion
Speaking of corrosion, if you notice corrosion anywhere on your water heater, it often means the unit needs to be replaced. Corrosion on a few components, such as the heat exchanger of a gas water heater, can be fixed by replacing the part. Otherwise, it’s time to have the whole water heater replaced.
Extensive Leaking
Got a water heater that’s dripping water from multiple places? A single leak might be something that can be repaired. Numerous leaks mean a water heater that’s too old to keep going.
High Heating Bills
The water heater consumes a larger part of your energy bills each month. When the water heater starts to decline from age, it will cause those bills to rise—often quite steeply. Have professionals examine the water heater to see if the problem can be fixed or if the water heater has to go.
JN Electrical Temperature Control, Inc works hard to ensure customer satisfaction with custom comfort solutions. Reach out to us when you think you need a replacement water heater.