How Can I Tell When to Replace My Water Heater?

05/11/2015

Your water heater is one of the hardest working appliances in your home, and it’s built to be able to handle that stress. No matter how well built your water heater is, though, it won’t last forever. Sooner or later, it will get to a point where you need to replace it. The important thing is to recognize when that time has arrived, so you can replace it before it breaks down permanently. Let’s take a look at some ways that you can tell when your water heater needs replacing.

Age

Most water heaters are built to last around 10-15 years. Once they get beyond that point, it becomes increasingly expensive and inefficient to keep them operating. If your water heater is older than that, and is operating fine, you could try keeping it a while longer. Keep in mind, though that it would likely be more efficient in the long run to replace it with a new one.

Loss of Output

This is often the first sign that homeowners notice of their water heater failing. Loss of output is not the same as temporary exhaustion, where you use all of the hot water available and your water heater has to heat more. Loss of output is when your water heater just can’t seem to heat water to its required temperature anymore. This is often a sign that the parts in the water heater are worn out, and the system as a whole is failing.

Leaks

Water heaters are designed to resist rust, and all other conditions that might cause leaks in the tank. Sooner or later, though, the age of the system will start to show. Leaks are a common sign that your water heater simply worn out, and might need to be replaced.

If you need your water heater replaced, call Rooter Man. We provide water heater replacement services throughout Albany, NY.