More often than not, your hot water heater is taken for granted and expected that it will always be faithfully attending to all of the hot water needs of your home. Unfortunately, they are not made to last forever. On average, the lifespan of a traditional water heater should be up to 12 years at a maximum. While it may be possible, with diligent maintenance and tireless efforts, to make a faithful old device last longer, this is not recommended. It often ends up being more expensive and energy-draining than a newer appliance made to be more efficient. Just because you might be able to get 20 years out of it does not mean that you should.
Signs Your Hot Water Heater Is Failing
Though it can seem as though it failed out of nowhere, there are usually many signs your water heater is failing before it actually does. There are countless signs that indicate trouble is on the horizon. Some things to look for include:
- Rusty water
- An uncharacteristically noisy device
- Water leakage
- The biggest indicator of a failing water heater is age
If that information is not common knowledge, the manufacturer provides a sticker attached to the water heater with a date code that can help determine an install. This code, however, is not written plainly but in a particular code that can always be better deduced with help from the manufacturer, if necessary. If your water heater is in an area that would lend to cause damage if it were to fail, it is strongly recommended to let no more than ten years pass before replacing your water heater.
The Pros And Cons Of A Tankless Water Heater
A replaced device is not cheap. Whether you opt for the traditional model or choose to explore the options of a tankless water heater, expect to shell out a pretty penny. A reliable water heater will surely prove a smart purchase in the long run.
- Tankless water heaters can cost upwards of $3,000 depending on the model, not including the install, of course, depending on whether you choose a gas or electric unit, on average around three times as expensive as a traditional model.
So, why would you pay so much for a tankless water heater?
- On average, they last about twice as long, having a typical lifespan of about 20 years.
- On top of this, owners of a tankless system end up with lower monthly energy bills, more storage space, and endless hot water.
While the benefits may outweigh the hefty cost, it is important to ensure that your home is compatible with a tankless water heater, as not all homes are.
Hot Water Heater Maintenance Tips
As it is an expensive necessity to have, it is possible to extend your hot water heater’s lifespan by performing bi-yearly maintenance on your unit.
- Every six months, after checking the pressure valve to make sure that over-pressurization has not occurred, the tank should be flushed to prevent sediment build-up that can lower the efficiency of your unit.
- It goes without saying that leaks and drips should be investigated as well; the leading cause of which is typically faulty water supply connections.
- Lastly, if your device is gas-powered, you will want to light the pilot. With an electric water heater, it is essential to turn the power on when the tank is completely full of water, otherwise, you risk burning out the heating element, resulting in a visit from an emergency plumber.
While nothing lasts forever, it is possible to extend the life of your device with diligent upkeep.
If your water heater is experiencing issues, contact Pure Plumbing to get help from an experienced Las Vegas plumber in a timely manner. Call us at (702) 710-7388 to schedule an appointment or access our emergency plumbing service.
