Water heaters are necessary appliances in your home for washing dishes, taking hot showers and for safely washing your hands. If you find your water heater isn’t doing its job reliably anymore, it might be time for a replacement. Here are some signs it’s time to change your water heater.
Age Isn’t Just a Number
On average, tank water heaters last about 10 years. After that, you will likely start seeing more and more problems come up, leading to frequent and expensive repairs. If you’re looking for a longer-lasting unit, tankless water heaters have an average lifespan of 20 years and can be more energy efficient than a tank water heater.
Rusty Water
Corrosion inside your tank or in the anode rod can cause rust to get into your water. The rust can stain your clothes, dishes and other surfaces in your home. Another characteristic of corrosion is a rotten egg smell in your water. If the anode rod has been replaced and the smell or rust won’t go away, the problem is with the tank and you will need replacement.
Frequent Leaks or Repairs
Here are the most common causes of leaking water heaters:
- High water pressure
- Broken temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve
- Loose drain valve
- A leak in the water tank
- Overheating
- Loose heating element
- A leak from an adjacent plumbing connection
While some leaks are easier to fix than others, frequent leaks can start adding up. If you find that your water heater is constantly needing repairs, you might just save money by replacing the whole thing.
Water Heater Isn’t Heating
There are several possible causes for a water heater to stop heating. The problem could come from the thermostat on the water heater or it could be a broken heating element inside of it. Sometimes, water heaters that fail to heat up enough water are not the right size for the property. If a water heater is too small for you and your family’s needs, you will need to have it replaced.
Mr. Plumber offers expert water heater installation and repairs. If you think it’s time to replace your current water heater, give us a call!
