Is It Time to Replace My Water Heater?

Did you know that average U.S. household uses between 80 and 120 gallons of water each day? Make sure your water heater is operating at an efficient level and is allowing you to take that long hot shower, clean those dirty dishes, and take care of your everyday laundry needs without a hiccup. An inefficient water heater can dramatically affect your everyday lifestyle.

Did you know that the average lifespan of a standard water heater is 8 to 12 years? Listed below you will find various signs that it may be time to consider upgrading your existing unit and consider replacement:

Age of Existing Water Heater

Unfortunately, like most things, these tanks do not last forever. Most units will last between 8-12 years, depending upon their usage rates. To determine the age of your water heater you can check the manufacturers label on the side of the tank. This label should include an installation date to help you determine its age. If the label is not present, you can also use the serial number to determine that date.

Water Heater is Leaking

If you notice water puddling around the base of your water heater it is a sign of varying issues with your tank. Your drain valve, T & P valve, or hot/cold inlet and outlet connections may need to be replaced or serviced. Leaks can also be found in the tank itself and due to expansion transpiring during heating cycles. Through usage over the lifespan of the water heater, the tank itself will conduct hundreds to thousands of heating cycles which will repeatedly expand your tank. When a heating cycle takes place, and the tank expands, this will allow water inside the tank to exit the compromises that may exist, leading to the excess water found on the exterior.

No Hot Water

If the water heater is not producing any hot water it could be the result of an electrical issue in the home, the pilot light may gone out, faulty or malfunctioning heating elements may need to be changed out, or the water heater itself has reached the end of its lifespan.

Unique Noises

One of the more common noises that a water heater can make is a popping noise. This noise is the result of water boiling underneath the sediment in the tank, leading to bubbling within the tank and ultimately producing this popping noise.

Bad Odor

Your water heater may produce a rotten egg smell that is present coming out of the fixtures in your home when water is in use. This bad odor is generated from hydrogen sulfide gas that has dissolved in the water. A naturally occurring bacteria in the water supply can breed in your water heater, leading to this increase in hydrogen sulfide gases leading to this bad odor.

Sediment in your tank

Sediment may develop in the base of your water heater, and over time it will harden inside of your tank. This sediment can wear down your water heater quickly and effect the overall efficiency of the unit. How do you know if sediment is forming? Sandy water, or a muddy substance, delivering itself through your fixtures are a couple of signs of sediment building on the floor of your tank.

Rust colored water coming out of your fixtures

If you find rust colored water coming out of the fixtures at home, your water heater could be to blame. A corroded water heater can lead to excessive sediment build-up in the bottom floor your tank. If you notice that the rust colored water is only present when you try and access hot water through one of your fixtures, then your water heater could very likely be to blame.

Overall Usage

If your water heater is used regularly to service a large family within the residence, that frequency of use can affect the overall lifespan of the water heater. For example, a family of 5 that uses hot water for frequent showers, laundry, cleaning dishes, each day etc will realize that the lifespan of their tank does not match a similar tank that services a family of 2. Frequency of use does play a significant factor in the overall lifespan.

If any of these issues are present, please feel free to contact us for assistance further diagnosing the problem and providing a recommended solution. We carry different options for both residential and commercial properties that include gas, electric, and tankless water heater systems. Upon installation we will remove and dispose of your old water heater, as well as outfit you with a new system that will last for years to come. Contact us today at (816) 554-3337.