Your water heater works faithfully, supplying your home with gallons of hot water daily. But that work takes its toll. Eventually, your water heater will stop working. How will you know when to replace your water heater and prevent a disaster?
When To Replace A Water Heater
Just like all household appliances, large or small, water heaters can last a long time. As they approach the end of their lifespan, they will often require more frequent (and more expensive) repair. When the cost to fix your water heater is estimated at more than 50 percent of the price of a replacement, that’s a good clue it makes better financial sense to install a new one.
To save yourself time and hassle when the time comes to start shopping for a replacement, learn to identify a failing water heater before it completely wears out. Here’s how — look for the following 4 warning signs that it might be time to replace your water heater:
1. Your Water Heater Is Getting Old
Standard tank water heaters go through a great deal of wear and tear. The reason? They don’t just heat your household water supply; they also store that heated water and keep it hot until you’re ready to use it. The average lifetime for a tank hot water heater is 10-15 years. However, tankless heaters, which only heat water without the added stress of storing it, can keep going strong for up to 20 years.
Not sure what the exact age of your water heater is? Every brand has a different way of showing the manufacture date, so we suggest having a water heater professional inspect it.
2. Your Hot Water Is Coming Out An Odd Colour
When the water running from your sink or shower is an odd colour, first make sure that that the issue exists only with the hot water faucet. If so, then you have got a problem with your water heater, and not with your household water supply in the Ottawa area. Reddish-brown or otherwise discoloured water, from the hot tap only, usually indicates a buildup of rust or minerals inside the tank. At this stage, the replacement of your water heater is the only option.
3. The Heater Is Not Producing Enough Hot Water
No hot water? Your hot water supply might no longer be sufficient for a variety of reasons, not all of which mean you need to replace your water heater. Sediment in the bottom of the tank can interfere with the burner’s function; regular professional flushing of the tank will help. Additional solutions could be the replacement of a malfunctioning thermostat or a damaged dip tube (you could also find your water to be way too hot as well).
On the other hand, your hot water heater may not be capable of producing the amount you need. Maybe your family has grown, your routines have changed, or you’ve added a dishwasher, to name some common examples. It could be time to consider replacing your current heater with a more efficient version, possibly a tankless model.
4. The Tank Is Leaking
Check the floor around your water heater regularly so you can spot any leak right away. If you detect leakage coming from either the temperature and pressure relief or the drainage valve, you’ll need to have it fixed. Unfortunately, leaks that stem from the main body of the tank cannot be repaired, so you will need to install a replacement as soon as possible. Don’t delay; otherwise, the problem will only get worse and the end result could be major water damage to your home. If you are not ready to purchase, renting a water heater is a great solution.
Another reason it’s important to check the area around your heater is to make sure you don’t have any unwelcome guests, such as snakes. While this won’t necessarily affect the way your tank works, it’s worth keeping an eye out, just in case.
When It’s Time To Replace Your Water Heater
When it’s time to buy a new hot water heater, consider switching to a tankless model. Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient and supply you with hot water on demand. No more waiting for the tank to reheat after someone else’s shower!
Talk to the team at Hot Water Ottawa about the best water heater for you today.