Water heaters are not exactly the prettiest complement to the decor of our homes. That is why they are typically installed where they are seldom seen. But water heaters do not last forever, unfortunately. It is important to be aware of its age and prepare for its replacement when necessary.
How long should it last?
You can expect a traditional tank-type water heater to last approximately 8 to 12 years. A tankless water heater can be expected to last up to 20 years.
How Do I Know How Old It is?
Find the serial number on your unit, it should be a letter and a two digit number. The letter corresponds to the month, the 2 digit number to the year. A = January, B = February, C = March, and so on. A17 would translate to January 2017, B05 would mean February 2005.
When should I replace my water heater?
You should be prepared to replace your water heater near the last 2 years of its anticipated shelf life. Of course if you notice any symptoms before that, don’t hesitate to give us a call. A failing water heater can be a messy cleanup job and a huge inconvenience to your family.
Symptoms to watch out for
Unexpected noises – calcium buildup, especially from hard water, can harden and form a thick crust in the water heater. That often results in banging noises and signals that it is time for a new unit.
Rusty water – if your hot water is tinted, but your cold water is clear, then it is time to check on the status of your water heater.
Performance – If is takes longer to get hot water, or doesn’t seem to be available for long enough anymore, its probably a sign your water heater is nearing the end of its usefulness.
Water Leak – If you are uncertain if the water leak is from a loose connection or the condition of the water heater give us a call. We can come out and diagnose the problem.
No matter which type of water heater you want to replace, Rick’s Plumbing can help! Check out our money saving coupons and then give Rick’s Plumbing a call. If you need it quick, call Rick!