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Is It Time For Water Heater Replacement? Look For These 5 Signs | Myrtle Beach, SC
If you have an aging water heater in your home, you might be getting nervous about how much longer it is going to last. It’s perfectly reasonable to want to get a timetable so that you can plan for future repairs or replacement costs. At some point, it is a better idea to opt for a water heater replacement so that you don’t keep wasting money on an old unit that is about to kick the bucket any day.
There are usually three factors that most plumbers will use to tell you whether or not it is time to get a new water heater. The first is situational. If you call a plumber out to your home for water heater repair, they will consider what needs to be done before they make their recommendations. Some repairs are simple and logical such as replacing an inlet valve, but some are a bit more complicated such as replacing the heating element. If the job is intensive and requires a lot more labor, it may be more reasonable to consider water heater replacement.
This leads to the second variable, which is how expensive the water heater repair will be. The price of a repair heavily dictates whether it is time to repair your water heater or start looking into water heater replacement. After all, just because you can repair something doesn’t mean you should. If the repair is only going to buy you another year or so on an aging water heater, then it may not make much sense to put a large amount of money into the repair. At this point, you have to start weighing all of the variables.
This leads to the final variable, which is the age of the water heater in question. An aging water heater is simply not worth putting much money into. In the same way, you have to decide when to scrap a car that is starting to wear out; you have to make a call about when it is time to stop putting money into an aging water heater. If your water heater is over ten years old, it is usually time to stop throwing money into it and instead consider water heater replacement.
Granted, most people don’t want to wait until their water heater breaks down to start thinking about water heater replacement. They would prefer to replace their water heater ahead of time so that they don’t have to deal with a giant leak in their basement or a lack of hot water in their home. If you are one of these people, or if you are just wondering if your water heater is getting old, here are a few of the top signs that it is time to start thinking seriously about replacing your water heater.
Age of Your Water Heater
As already discussed, one of the most significant factors that come into play when looking at water heater replacement is the age of your water heater. Anything past ten to 12 years is considered old for a water heater. While tankless water heaters can last a bit longer, standard water heaters will only go so long before they wear out. With that in mind, as you approach the decade mark, it may be time to think about replacing your unit. As a bonus, energy efficiency advancements continue to be made, so when you upgrade, you are likely to see a decrease in your water bills.
Increasing Utility Bills
Another sign that it may be time for water heater replacement actually has to do with your energy costs. If you notice that your electricity bills or your water bills are starting to increase, this can be a sign that your water heater is no longer working as efficiently as it used to. In this situation, it is to your advantage to start looking at replacement models. When you start saving, you will feel better about the upfront cost of replacing your unit.
Signs of Corrosion on Your Unit
Another clear sign that it is time to think about water heater replacement is if you notice signs of corrosion. The problem with rust is that if you see it outside of your unit, you can bet on it being inside of the unit as well. Once rust gets inside the tank, it will infiltrate your water leading to rusty water coming out of your pipes. This can ruin your clothing and is unhealthy to drink. At this point, the only choice you will have is to replace your unit.
Recurrent Repairs
One big sign that you need to think about water heater replacement is if you have to make constant repairs to your unit. If you continue to need help with your water heater, it may be a better idea to replace your unit. This way, you have dependable hot water without any extra hassle at your home.
Loss of Water Volume
Finally, if it seems like the hot water in your home is running out constantly, then it’s time to think about replacing your water heater. You shouldn’t have to race the clock to have hot water for your entire bath. If it feels like you are constantly running out of hot water, it may be time to upgrade your system and talk to your plumber about your needs to make sure you get the right size tank for your home.
Are you worried that it is time to replace your hot water heater? Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach to talk about your options.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.