A water heater is an important home appliance because it keeps a home’s water at a comfortable temperature. Water heaters are especially important in the cold winter months to provide hot showers and baths.
Like any other appliance in the home, a water heater will eventually wear out over time and require replacement. It’s important to be aware of how long your water heater can be expected to last.
This way, you can schedule a new water heater installation right away when necessary and won’t have to deal with the inefficiency or inconvenience of using a malfunctioning water heater.
Generally speaking, an average water heater can be expected to last as long as 13 years. After 13 years, water heaters will typically lose their efficiency and experience damage such as corrosion development and sediment buildup.
So take note of your water heater’s age. As water heaters get older, it’s important to inspect them with increasing frequency and vigilance and also hire a professional for water heater repair when needed.
If a water heater is getting old, it won’t function as effectively and might have trouble heating up adequate amounts of water for a household. An old water heater is also generally going to consume more electric or gas than it should to get the job done. This will cause an increase in utility bills until a new water heater replacement is arranged for.
Factors That Impact The Lifespan of A Water Heater
Of course, various factors can impact a water heater’s lifespan and make it longer or shorter depending on the situation. Keep up on water heater repair and maintenance over time to maximize the lifespan of your water heater.
Try to mitigate usage so that you are not putting too much stress on their water heater through the years. The following are some important things to keep in mind to maintain your water heater in such a way that it lasts as long as possible:
- A water heater should occasionally be drained.
- A water heater should be inspected for issues like corrosion and sediment buildup.
- A water heater may need to have its thermostat or other important components replaced over time. If water heater repairs are not performed as necessary, the entire unit could malfunction prematurely and require replacement.
Signs That It’s Time To Replace A Water Heater
Be on the lookout for signs that indicate that a water heater is starting to fail. While water heater repair might be adequate to correct some of water heater problems, more severe problems require complete replacement.
It’s important to consider water heater age when deciding what should be done if a water heater is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
1. The water heater is not heating water anymore
If a water heater isn’t producing as much hot water as it used to, the problem is likely to worsen until the unit is not producing any hot water at all.
Issues that can lead to a reduced output of heated waters include a corroded dip tube, malfunctioning electrical components, and overloads to the gas valve.
All of these issues generally require costly and complicated hot water heater repairs even if they don’t require complete replacement.
2. The water heater is leaking
Leaks in water heaters most often develop at the joints, around threads that have developed rust, and in the seam at the sidewall. Leaks are complicated issues that usually require replacement.
3. The pilot light on a gas unit won’t stay on
A pilot light might repeatedly go off, and this will prevent the unit from heating water. Usually, a pilot light problem is the result of a thermocouple malfunction. Another possible reason why the pilot light could repeatedly go out is because the gas valve needs replaced, which is a costly repair.
These are just a few of the most common malfunctions that indicate it may be time to call up a water heater technician and arrange for a new installation.
Work With Plano Plumbing To Have Your New Water Heater Installed
With more than 20 years of experience providing plumbing services in Plano, Texas, Plano Plumbers are here to help you with your water heater needs. Plano Plumbing offers services not only in Plano, but throughout Collin, Denton, and North Dallas counties.
Contact us with your questions if you have any concerns about your water heater. By calling in, you can explain the issue you’re having.
Then, we can give you our expert advice as well as a free estimate. We’ll get out to your property soon to have a look at your water heater and provide the best possible solution to the problem.
