How To Know When To Replace The Water Heater In Your Home

How To Know When To Replace The Water Heater In Your Home. Ask Broadley's today.

The hot water heater is one of the most overlooked systems in your home. Until you experience a problem, we simply don’t even think about it. But like all major appliances, there are signs that will help you know when to replace your home’s hot water heater and it’s not just about no longer getting hot water. Know the signs!

Water Heaters From Broadley’s

How To Know When To Replace The Water Heater In Your South Jersey Home

There are five key signs for South Jersey residents to look for that will give you an idea of when to replace your hot water heater. And knowing the signs and what your options for reliable hot water are, is the best way to head off having to take an icy cold shower.

In this article, we will explore the following topics:

  • Five Signs That It’s Time To Replace Your Water Heater
  • What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Water Heater?
  • Should I Replace My Water Heater Before It Fails?
  • Upgrading To A Tankless Water Heater
  • The Best Plumbing Service In Stone Harbor, NJ

Five Signs That It’s Time To Replace Your Water Heater

  • The Unit Is 10 Years Old Or Older
  • Water Isn’t As Warm As It Used To Be
  • Your Heating Bill Keeps Going Up
  • Visible Signs Of Corrosion Or Damage
  • The Water In Your Home Has A Reddish Tint

The Unit Is 10 Years Old Or Older

If you suspect your water heater is more than 10 years old—it is time to consider replacing it before you’re left with an emergency decision. To determine the age of your water heater, you’ll need to identify the Brand Name and Serial Number for your unit. In some cases, the date of manufacture is printed on the same tank label where the serial number is located. If not, you will need to consult an online water heater industry resource to determine how to read the serial number in a way that will decode the manufacturing date. 

Read More: How Long Does A Tankless Water Heater Last? 

Water Isn’t As Warm As It Used To Be

The lack of seemingly unlimited hot water sneaks up to us over time. Aging and poor maintenance can cause sediment to build up inside the tank in a way that reduces capacity. Chemicals and minerals in our water can contribute to the corrosion and breaking down of the inside of the tank. The sediment and particulates can then build up and reduce the available water to be heated and used by your home.

Your Heating Bill Keeps Going Up

If you have a leaking water heater, your water bill will increase. Most people don’t think to check their water heater when they discover their water usage has been increasing month-over-month. With tank-type water heaters, look around the base of the water heater for signs of leaks.

Read More: Saving Money With A High Efficiency Water Heater

Visible Signs Of Corrosion Or Damage

Make periodic inspections of the tank to see if there are any signs of rust along the base of the tank. Pinhole leaks are one of the major causes of property damage. And once they start, they are hard to stop to avoid damage to your home

The Water In Your Home Has A Reddish Tint

Sometimes the signs of corrosion are clear. Water discoloration is a clear sign your unit is underperforming. Rust-colored water or water with a metallic odor can mean a few things. Either the sacrificial anode rod needs to be replaced or the tank itself is beginning to rust, often due to corrosion at the steel lining. A corroded tank must be replaced as soon as possible. 

Contact Us About Your Water Heater

What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Water Heater?

A typical tank water heater lasts about 10 years. But there are many factors that affect a water heater’s life expectancy. In addition to its age and whether it receives regular maintenance, the quality of the water and the levels of regular usage also affect the water heater lifespan. 

While a water heater may be able to outlast average estimates, there are expectations for how long a water heater will last based on type. A tankless water heater can last up to 20 years. 

Should I Replace My Water Heater Before It Fails?

The answer to that question is: “Are you feeling lucky?”. Unfortunately, when a water heater fails, two things can happen. You either have no hot water or your heater springs a leak and is actively doing damage.

So – if you have performed all of your regular maintenance including flushing the tank for sediment build up, inspected the unit frequently for signs of rust or corrosion and you have adequate hot water, then you have a good chance of being one of the lucky ones who can push for a late “life of appliance” replacement.

Read More: How Does A Tankless Water Heater Work?

Upgrading To A Tankless Water Heater

A Tankless Water Heater Is A Great Option To Replace Your Water Heater

A tankless water heater is a great option for folks needing lots of ready hot water and looking to benefit long term from their investment. While these space saving units may be a little more expensive, they are enormously popular with people who own them.

Plumbing Service In Stone Harbor, NJ

If you live in the Stone Harbor, NJ area, Broadley’s can help you evaluate what the best time is to replace or repair your hot water heater. If you are having problems with your current system, give us a call at (609) 390-3907. We will be able to take a look at your water heater, and assess whether you need a repair, or a replacement. 

Schedule A Water Heater Consultation