Is It Time To Replace Your Water Heater?

Knowing when to replace your hot water heater can be a little tricky sometimes. Many home owners think it's best just to repair it instead of replacing it. This is completely false. It is often cheaper to replace a hot water heater versus trying to repair it. In some situations, even if there is nothing wrong with the current system, it is a good idea to go ahead and replace it.

If you are having hot water heater problems the first thing you should do is call a professional. A professional will be able to look at your current system and tell what options are best for you. And depending on your budget, you might consider a tankless system which offers more energy benefits.

So how do you know when to replace your hot water heater? That's the million dollar question. Below I am going to share with you 3 things you can look at that might indicate its time to get a new one.

Details Matter!

A way to know when to replace your hot water heater is paying attention to how it's functioning. Pay close attention to the smell, color, and temperature of the water. If you notice the water is a rusty color, that is an indicator that the inside of the water heater is starting to deteriorate.

You should also pay attention to how the system is heating your home. Is it taking longer to heat up? Is it no longer getting hot enough to keep you warm? If not it is probably time to replace it.

How Old Is Your Current Hot Water Heater?

The age of your water heater is an important factor. Knowing the age can help you better determine the condition of the system. Most older systems are not nearly as efficient as the newer ones. And while it is recommended that you replace your hot water heater every 10 to 15 years, some water heaters last much longer than that.

You can pretty much use your water heater until it becomes inefficient and starts costing you money. Once that happens its time to replace it. A rule of thumb to go by is that gas water heaters can last up to 12 years and electric ones can last up to 15.

Take a Closer Look!

Look at the body of the heater and see how it's holding up. If you notice moisture around the base that can mean you have a leak somewhere. If you notice puddles, they are a sure sign it's time to replace it. Never try to fix a leak. It's better just to replace the whole system.

Dents are another sign it might be time for a replacement. Both leaks and dents are indications that the interior of the system is wearing out. As it continues to wear down it will become more of a problem. Wait too long and the entire system will shut down and you will be stuck taking cold showers until a replacement is installed.

Being proactive and knowing when to replace your hot water heater is the key to not only saving money but also keeping your family comfortable. Just make sure you call the professionals when it's time to replace it. This is not something you want to try and do on your own.

Because if you don't know what you are doing you could end up costing yourself a lot more money. So let the professionals do their job. They will be able to tell you what size and model you need as well as show you more energy efficient models. They will also be able to make sure everything is vented properly which will ensure no gas gets in your home if you are using a gas unit.

So there you have it! Look for these indicators early and often so you won't run the risk of being without a water heater for a few days. Take the time to go look at your hot water heater at least once a month.

This simple 5-minute check can save you a lot of frustration. Make sure you know the age of your water heater and pay close attention to how it functions and how it looks. That way you will know when to replace your hot water heater.

Do you need help with your hot water heater?  Call Roman Plumbing TODAY @ 727.858.3412