Is it Time for a New Water Heater?

When should you consider replacing your old water heater with a new water heater? Water heaters wear out over time and years of use, just like everything else. Preventive maintenance and prompt repairs can keep the system healthy for over a decade, but sooner or later you’re going to need to install a new system. If your water heater is older, and you’re not entirely sure whether or not to install a new one or which type to install, we recommend talking to a professional water heater plumber about it before making any big decisions. A plumber who is certified and experienced in water heater systems and type will have greater knowledge and better recommendations than your typical home improvement associate. Nevertheless, if your system fits the following symptoms, it’s probably a safe bet that you’re going to need a new one sooner rather than later.

Not Enough Hot Water

You can exhaust a water heater’s supply of hot water if you put enough demand on it, like taking long showers or having multiple appliances using it at once. As a water heater ages, though, the amount of demand necessary to exhaust it will get lower and lower. If your water heater seems to be having difficulty providing enough hot water for your needs, it might be that it’s time to install a new system.

Constant Breakdowns

If your water heater is breaking down multiple times a year, you almost definitely need to install a new system. Breaking down every once in a while, is no big deal. Breaking down every few months is a sign that the wear and tear on the various parts of the water heater is causing them to break down in groups. This issue is only going to get worse the longer you use your water heater. You’ll save a lot more money in the long run by just replacing the system, rather than continuing to pay to replace the entire water heater one part at a time.

Old Age

As you may have noticed with the above problems, most of the issues related to replacing water heaters are related to old age. The older a water heater gets, the more chronic issues it will accumulate over time. As the system ages, this list of issues will get longer and longer. Eventually, the weight of all of these problems will cause the system to break down permanently. Before that happens, though, it will become more costly than it’s worth. The average useful lifespan of a water heater is around 15 years. If your water heater is older than that, then we highly recommend that you install a new system.

Conclusion: When To Replace Old Water Heater

Knowing when to replace an old water heater is not complicated or even require a plumber in most cases.  If you verify the age from the manufacturer information tag (sticker on side of tank), visually inspect for leaks, rust and corrosion, you’ll be able to determine quickly your need to replace the water heater.

NOTE: If you are considering replacing your conventional water heater with a tankless water heater you should read The Truth About Tankless Water Heaters.

If you are searching for a new water heater or need water heater repair plumber, contact Choice Plumbing Orlando at 407-422-7443