What is the life span of a traditional water heater?
The average life of a water heater has diminished over the last several years. Today, you should expect for a water heater to last eight to 10 years in many cases. Much of this depends on how well you maintain the heater.
What are the signs that my water heater needs to be replaced?
• The tank itself is leaking
• Rust on the tank
• Your hot water is a rust color
• The heater is no longer supplying enough hot water
• You hear banging or popping noises from the water heater
At first sign of an issue, schedule a water heater inspection as delay can lead to costly damage to your home.
Is there any way for me to extend the life of my water heater?
Have a plumbing professional perform regular “flushes” on your water heater. A flush allows the sediments that build up to be released from the water heater through the flush valve. During these flushes, also make sure he/she is checking the anode rod, which is the sacrificial component in the heater that attracts all corrosive matter in the tank to preserve the tank lining. This anode rod should be inspected on at least an annual basis and replaced as necessary.
How do I know if my home has the proper set up to install a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters have many advantages to them. For starters, they do not run out of hot water and they conserve energy, thus saving you money over time. However, installation and sizing is more complex. Contact a plumbing professional to come out and perform a feasibility inspection. During this inspection, they will confirm installation set up, proper sizing of a unit, whether electrical modification is necessary, and if it is gas, inspect for proper sizing and venting.
