Your water heater is trudging along on its last breath and you have no idea. Water heater replacement is not something that enters your mind on a daily, monthly or even yearly basis. Plus, you have no idea what constitutes a worn-down water heater. Your water is still heated, so, as far as you’re concerned, your water heater is doing just fine.
However, when you continue running a system that may be on low life-supply, you run the risk of some messy consequences. For example, a leak that’s pushed to its limit is going to leave you with a flooded basement. To avoid the clean up of an over-used water heater, look out for these 4 signs that indicate an undeniable need for replacement.
Your Water Heater Is 10+ Years Old
Ten years is the maximum lifespan of a water heater. Any usage beyond ten years is going to be ineffective as well as damaging to your already aged water heater. If you’re paying for water heater repair after the ten-year mark, you’re wasting money. It is unlikely that a water heater service company is going to recommend replacement, because the more repairs you call them for, the more money they make. Avoid doling out your hard-earned money on short-term solutions. Once your water heater has aged ten years, the most cost-effective solution is water heater replacement.
You’re Receiving Less Hot Water
When you turn on the hot water, you know the process that follows. Suddenly, the sound of water rushing through your pipes, and soon you feel hot water coming from your faucet. When the feel of hot water becomes luke warm, it’s probably time for a water heater replacement. A shortage of hot water indicates a significant decrease in your system’s power, and that is not something a repair job fixes. To ensure a sufficient supply of consistent, hot water, you’re going to need a water heater replacement.
You Notice Corrosion
Take a close look at the top of your water heater. Are there areas of rusted metal? What about build-up on the pipes? If the top of your water heater is just an overall unpleasant site, you’re in need of replacement. Any gathering rust indicates water leakage, and build up on your pipes indicates loose parts. You may just need a part tightening, but don’t jump right to repair. Use your judgment. If the top or bottom of your water heater is looking rather rough or rusted, water heater replacement is a better option than water heater repair.
You Spot Dripping Water
This is a clear-cut sign that your water heater is on its last leg. Any leaking around the base of your water heater indicates a weakened system. Repair service might be able to tighten a few things and temporarily halt the leak, but that’s like putting a Band-Aid over a stab wound— it won’t fix the root of the problem. When your water heater starts leaking, it’s not going to stop. Secure water heater replacement before that leak spirals out of control and you find yourself in a flooded basement.
You don’t have to be a service expert to notice the signs of a worn water heater. Water heater replacement may be costly, but it’s an investment worth making. Continuous repairs only provide temporary fixes. Keep these signs in mind before you call for your next water heater repair. A more appropriate and cost-effective solution is water heater replacement.
For more information on water heater replacement, call 610-431-1616 (Chester County, PA) 610-565-9999 (Delaware County, PA) 610-879-0511 (Montgomery County) or click here to speak with an expert HVAC technician at MoreVent Heating, Air Conditioning And Plumbing.
