Signs Your Hot Water Heater May Need Replacement Soon
Have you ever wondered how long do hot water heaters last? This trusty appliance works hard, ensuring warm showers and clean dishes become daily routines.
Yet, like all appliances, water heaters have their limits. After a while, even with some maintenance love, they might start having faults after some years in a household.
You can imagine the signs your water heater develops when it’s becoming old and maybe requires replacement.
So, let’s talk about how long water heaters stick around, the different types out there when it’s time to swap them out, and how to keep them going strong.
How Long Do Hot Water Heaters Last?
A water heater is like a big hot water tank in your home. It takes in cold water and warms it up so you can use it for showers, washing dishes, and laundry.
A water heater is a big hot water tank at home. It’s the reason your shower feels warm, your dishes get clean, and your laundry gets done.
It’s like a hot water reservoir, but if lots of people use hot water, you might have to wait a bit for it to heat up again.
Now, how long this hot water heater lasts depends on a few things like what type it is, how well you take care of it, and what kind of water it deals with.
Even if the newer ones are stronger, you still need to give them some care to keep them going strong.
If you check on them, clean them up a bit, and do some maintenance, a gas water heater can hang around for 8-12 years, and an electric one can keep going for 10-15 years.
So, by taking care of it, you’re ensuring your warm showers last for a good amount of time.
Types of Hot Water Heaters
There are two main types of water heaters we use at home and they both work differently. They are;
1. Conventional Tank Water Heaters
This is the normal big tank in your home that holds hot water. This tank comes in different sizes, usually 40, 50, or 80 gallons, and it’s powered by electricity or gas.
The water heater in your tank warms up the water and stores it until you’re ready to use it. The heater switches on and off to keep the water just right.
So, when you turn on the hot water tap, the warmed-up water from the tank comes out. These regular water heaters usually stick around for about 11 years.
But, it depends on how much hot water you use and how well you look after the heater. If you ever need to replace it, be ready to spend somewhere between $290 and $320.
2. Tankless Water Heaters
This is a small device on your wall that heats water instantly when you need it. Unlike the tank water heater, there’s no big storage tank.
With a tankless water heater, cold water goes through a pipe and gets hot as it flows. You won’t ever run out of hot water because it heats up as you need it. But make sure you get a professional to install it in your home.
The tankless water heater can last for about 15 years, and if you treat them right, they might even last 25 years. They are unique because they only heat water when you want it, unlike tank heaters that store water.
But they are a bit more expensive to install and the price range is about $618 and $650. So in essence, one store’s hot water, the other heats it instantly. And both can run on gas or electricity.
When to Replace Your Hot Water Heater
These are some of the signs you might see and you will know that your water heater needs replacing;
1. Rusty Water
If the water from your tap looks brownish, it could mean your water heater or pipes are rusty.
So you should call an expert to check and figure out the problem.
2. Unusual Noise
If you do hear weird sounds like rumbling or banging from your water heater. It simply means there might be sediment in the tank.
Try draining it, but if the noise persists, that means your tank might be cracked, so needs replacement.
3. Cold Water
If you constantly observe cold water from your heater, it is abnormal.
That means it’s time to inspect and possibly replace the water heater.
4. Age
If your water heater is over 10 years old, it might start causing problems.
So you should consider getting a new one to avoid leaks or other issues.
5. Leaking
Leaks are a clear sign your water heater needs replacement.
So you should act quickly because leaks could be due to pressure issues or a malfunctioning relief valve.
6. Pilot Light
If the flame (pilot light) inside the heater goes out, there might be a problem.
You should call a plumber to check and relight it if necessary.
7. Insufficient Tank Size
If your family is getting bigger and you’re finding yourself in short supply of hot water, your current heater might be too tiny for the job.
Think about replacing it with a bigger one that suits your family size.
If you see any of these signs, it’s wise to take it to a professional. They can check things out and help you figure out the best move.
How Can I Make My Water Heater Last?
There are many ways to take care of your water heater and at the same time, you save some money and extra stress. The ways you can care for them are;
1. Regular Check-ups
Every few months, you should either check your water heater or ask a plumber to do it. By doing these you catch the issues early, to prevent bigger problems later.
2. Annual Drain
Once a year, let out the water from your heater by opening the drain valve. It might take a few buckets. This will help get rid of any gunk inside, keeping your heater in good shape.
3. Check Connections
Look at the connections on the drain valve and where the water goes in and out to make sure nothing is loose because tight connections prevent leaks and other problems.
4. Change Anode Rod
Swap out the anode rod every so often. Doing this, helps the rod to prevent rusting inside the tank, keeping your water heater healthy.
Doing these checks and maintenance might take a bit of time and money, but it’s worth it.
It saves you the headache of dealing with a broken heater and the cost of replacing it early and your water tank can last up to 20 years.
Water heaters are like silent rescuers in our homes, providing us with warmth. To ensure they last longer, you should do regular check-ups and yearly water cleanses can prevent unexpected issues.
You should consider a tankless option for a long-lasting hot water solution. With a bit of care, you can enjoy warm showers without stress and a reliable appliance companion.
