When Should I Replace My Water Heater?
We got an emergency call from Ryan a few months ago in the middle of the workday. He was standing in his garage with water leaking everywhere and spreading quickly from underneath his water heater. Thankfully, having the water heater in his garage made cleanup a lot easier than if it was in a closet somewhere in his house. We were able to arrive within 45 minutes with a new water heater and installed it while removing the old one in just 90 minutes. We were really proud of how quickly and effectively we were able to get Ryan’s home back in working order as if nothing happened, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, it can take hours or days before a homeowner notices that their water heater is leaking. Depending on the location of it in their home, it can cause potential water damage to their floors, walls, or furniture.
You may be looking at your water heater right now, wondering whether or not it’s time to finally replace it. We want to provide you with accurate information so you can make a wise decision that best serves your home and family. To be clear, we’re not sharing Ryan’s story to simply scare you into prematurely replacing your water heater, because there’s a lot that goes into this. The truth is that your water heater could fail at any time depending on its age and maintenance history, but it could also serve you for much longer than the industry recommends without ever leaking. In fact, we recently replaced the water heater of another client that was already 21 years old. Paul’s water heater wasn’t even leaking, he just decided to replace it due to the age and increased risk of failure.
We’re going to try to offer you the best insight and advice possible with our Master Plumber expertise and years of field experience so you can understand your water heater and move forward with confidence regarding it. Recommended lifespans can vary so much depending on who you talk to, so this topic can be a confusing one for homeowners, but we’ll cover all of that and more to give you a solid answer to the burning question: When should I replace my water heater?
How Do I Check the Age of My Water Heater?
If the manufacture date isn’t readily available on the water heater, there’s a way to determine the date according to the unit’s serial number. Most of the time, you simply need to look at the first three characters of the serial number. The first character should be one of the first 12 letters of the alphabet in correspondence to the month in which it was manufactured, with “A” referring to January and “L” to December. The next two characters will be numbers that represent the year in which it was manufactured, so “G14” stands for July 2014, “J17” for October 2017, and so on.
However, this system is different depending on the year and manufacturing company, so you can reference this comprehensive chart to see the dating system for your specific unit.
How Long Does a Water Heater Last?
This can be a difficult question to answer accurately because so much depends on the particular model, the minerality and hardness of your county’s water, and the unit’s maintenance history. Many plumbers can’t even agree on recommended lifespans, with some saying 8 years, while others say 10 or even 12 to 15 years for traditional tank heaters. Speaking generally, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors notes an average life expectancy of 10 years for a tank water heater, while tankless models should last about 20 years. But again, these numbers are generalizations, meaning it’s a lot more important for you to simply inspect your water heater yourself for any signs of wear, damages, or inefficiencies to determine how many more years it may have. You can even give us a call to come in and inspect it if you’re unsure what to make of it; we’re always happy to help provide professional advice!
That being said, we always advise replacing your water heater before you experience complete failure. You can wait until it springs a leak or your energy bill spikes, but it’s best to avoid any potential crises by replacing it at the first signs of aging.
What Are the Signs of a Failing Water Heater?
Age:
This one is straightforward, but if you check the age of your water heater and discover that it’s already over 10 years old, be sure to investigate it carefully for any potential points of concern and begin considering a replacement.
Discolored Water:
Rusty hot water can indicate corrosion within your water heater, but this can also simply be an issue within your pipes. Be sure to run cold water as well and see if that’s also discolored or rusty.
No Hot Water:
This will be a fairly obvious sign to discover, but if your water heater is struggling to produce hot water, it may need replacing or a simple heating element repair depending on its age.
Strange Noises:
Rumbling or banging noises from inside the water heater are indications of sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. This can reduce its efficiency and even cause the unit to fail. Flushing your tank once or twice a year can alleviate this and prolong the life of your unit.
Leaks:
Any visible leaks around the tank are a clear sign that your water heater is close to the end of its life and should be replaced as soon as possible.
Why Should I Replace My Water Heater Early?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for about 18% of your home's energy use, making it the most significant cost factor. Dragging out the life of an old water heater can result in lost savings over time as its efficiency dips and you lose out on newer, more efficient models. As well as that, engaging in multiple repairs over time to extend the life of your old water heater can build up additional costs that you could’ve saved on by simply opting for a replacement. You also run the risk of experiencing a major leak that could cause water damage to your property.
We understand that investing into a brand new water heater can carry a big price tag, but preparing and saving for a planned replacement ahead of time can alleviate the pressures caused by a surprise leak or failure that would demand immediate attention. If your tank water heater is over 10 years old and you’ve witnessed signs of aging, are unhappy with your energy bill, or have noticed damage to the unit, this month could be the perfect time to consider a replacement.
How RX Plumbing Can Help: $50 Off Water Heater Replacement
At RX Plumbing, we provide comprehensive water heater services, from installation to repairs. Our team is experienced with both traditional tank-style water heaters and the latest tankless models, so we can help you select the best water heater for your home and budget. It can be difficult to judge the condition of your water heater and make a sound decision without an experienced eye, so we’re also available to inspect it on your behalf if you’d like.
This October only, we’re offering $50 off water heater replacements. If your water heater is showing signs of age or inefficiency, now is the perfect time to make the switch to a more energy-efficient model.
Don't wait until your water heater fails on you. Contact us today for a free estimate and let us help you stay ahead of the problem!
