Water Heater Replacement 101
Your water heater may be one of the most important components of your home’s plumbing system, and it certainly is the most expensive. Naturally, you should do all you can to make sure that your water heater is in working order, but if you have an old unit it may come time to replace it sooner rather than later.
As with most appliances, there are certain warning signs that will tell you that you may need a replacement water heater. Some of these are easier to catch than others, but you should keep an eye out for them.
1. Water Usage
It stands to reason that a household that uses less water will put less strain on a water heater than one that uses a lot of water. If you have a large family living under one roof, you’re probably using a lot of hot water for bathing, cooking and cleaning. This can wear out an old water heater quickly, so if you have a growing family it might be time to purchase a new water heater that can keep up with the amount of water you will be using.
2. Water Quality
Hard water can do a number on many components of a plumbing system, including the water heater. Hard water creates mineral build-up that can significantly shorten a water heater’s life span. You might want to consider getting a new and reliable water heater if you live in an area where hard water is common.
3. Age
Since most residential water heaters come with a five-to-ten year warranty, they can be expected to last at least that long without any problems. However, if your water heater is between 15 to 20 years old or older, it should definitely be replaced. A water heater that is nearing the end of its life will most likely be making clanging or knocking sounds and be unable to produce hot water consistently.
By Nick Wert
