When Do I Need To Replace My Water Heater?

AllGood Plumbing and Electrical are trained technicians and ready to help you replace your water heater. A common question we get from our customers, is when should I replace my current water heater?

What signs should I look for?

Based on the manufacturer’s service life, most water heaters life expectancy is about 8 to 12 years. This timeline can vary based on how it was installed, have you been maintaining the unit correctly, and even the design of the unit itself. If the unit has not been installed 10 years, you might look for some specific common problems that happen to water heaters.

• •  You may see water buildup in your water heater, or leaking from the water heater. This is a definite sign that something is wrong, and you should turn off the water heater power to the unit and call in a professional. Leaking water can cause water damage to the room the unit is in, and you do not want any more water going into the unit.

• • You may see rust or what appears to be sediment in your water. When this happens, there is what is called water displacement. This sediment is sinking to the bottom of your heater which may overheat the tank and break down the steel. One common cleaning technique for this is draining your water heater at least once a year. If you have sediment in your tank, this flushing will just agitate the sediment at the bottom of your tank and may open up holes. If you have not flushed your tank yearly, and want to try flushing your unit, call a professional to do it for you.

•  It is taking longer to get the hot water to your bathroom, or the water is not heating up like it once did. This may be caused by lack of power to the heating elements, electric thermostat and/ or the electric heating element are faulty. Lack of hot water may also be due to consumption in the house. You could be using more water than you were when you first bought the tank, and you may want to consider purchasing a larger tank.

Those are the most common signs that you may need a new hot water tank. You may also see such problems as high pitched whining, rotten egg odor, or low rumbling or popping noises. All serious signs and you need to call a professional plumber.

Here at AllGood Plumbing and Electrical, we are available to help you with your water heater needs. If you ever have any questions or concerns about your water heater, please reach out and contact us. If we can’t help you over the phone, we will send out a licensed technician to look at the water heater and work with you to come up with the best possible solution.