When Should I Replace My Water Heater at Home?

When Should I Replace My Water Heater at Home?

There comes a time in every homeowner’s life when they’ll have to replace their most prized possession: their water heater. And although this unit seems as if it can last a lifetime, sadly, that couldn’t be further from the truth. If you feel as if your tank water heater has seen better days, but aren’t too sure when to replace it, here are some things to consider:

Signs Your Tank Water Heater Needs to be Replaced

Age

A typical water heater that has been well-maintained should last about 8 to 12 years. If you didn’t install your current water heater, look for the device's serial number to find out its age. If your machine is reaching the 10-year mark, it’s time to consider a replacement plan.

Additionally, something else to keep in mind: it’s vital to keep track of the unit’s maintenance history. If your water heater has had annual inspections by a professional or has had swift and steady repair jobs, it is more likely to live longer.

Visible Wear

If your water heater is still within a reasonable age range or is beginning to approach its “senior years,” you’ll want to look for common signs of wear that will permeate throughout the unit.

For instance, if you see water pooling around your water heater, it has likely sprung a leak. Another sign of wear is a strange noise (such as rumbling) coming from within the tank; this typically happens when sediment forms toward the unit's bottom.

Furthermore, if you notice that the water in your home is discolored, that can indicate that the tank has rust (which can be due to the unit’s age or failure to replace the anode rod in time) and will need to be swapped out as soon as possible.

Constantly in Need of Repair

If you feel as if your plumber is on speed dial, always making house calls to repair your water heater, it may be best to consider switching to a new, efficient unit. After all, there’s a chance that the extensive history of repair tickets your current tank water heater has could equate to the grand total of what a new unit could cost.

Reliable Water Heater Services in Orange County