4 Signs You Need a New Water Heater

Many people hold on to the water heater in their home for longer than they should. As with most things, a time will come when you must consider upgrading and replacing your water heater. Don't wait until you have a full tank breakdown before making a choice. Here are some of the more common reasons to replace your water heater.

1. Your Water Heater Has Gone Beyond Its Life Expectancy

Maintenance and care can extend the life of a water heater for many years. Nevertheless, manufacturers do give their water heaters a suggested service life. Conventional water heaters can last anywhere between 8 and 15 years, but these numbers vary between models.

Age creates a tremendous number of issues for water heaters. Once the appliance is halfway through its service life, you might start to notice more issues occurring. If you already know you're many years beyond the life expectancy of the water heater and its warranty, then you should look into replacing it.

Even if you have no specific problems, you do have very old parts and components that are probably far gone. If you're not sure, call in a professional plumbing service to inspect your water heater and see if you have any immediate concerns.

2. Your Water Heater Tank Has a Leak

When the tank of the water heater leaks, it needs to be replaced. A water heater can develop a leak for several reasons, but not all leaks require you to replace the water heater. For example, you can experience leaks that stem from:

• Water supply lines
• Pressure relief valves
• Drain valves

If the leak isn't coming from the tank, then you can repair it. If you find the leak comes from the bottom of the tank, then you have a tank leak. A tank leak means the water heater tank has irreparable damage. In some cases, a tank rupture can lead to flooding. You will have no choice but to replace the water heater.

3. Your Water Heater Can't Provide Enough Hot Water

Your household or hot water needs may outgrow the capacity of your current water heater. This is a more straightforward reason to upgrade. You may experience hot water running out too quickly, or your water heater may struggle just to get hot water to you at all.

You don't have to run any tests to know that you're just not getting the amount of hot water you need when you need it. Upgrading to a water heater with a larger capacity, or a tankless water heater, can solve this problem.

Additionally, an older water heater may also lose its efficiency and ability to heat the same amount of water as it used to. This isn't a capacity issue, but it's still a good reason to replace the aging water heater.

4. Your Water Heater Needs Repairs Way Too Often

Are you constantly calling the plumber for water heater issues? Water heaters can have issues just like any other appliance, and you should always have problems repaired quickly.

Still, if your water heater needs repairs multiple times each year, then you're likely wasting money on a water heater that isn't worth the trouble (assuming you're not overtaxing your water heater or failing to maintain it). If you're treating your water heater right and it continues to develop constant issues, then replace it.

Beyond these reasons, you can always replace your water heater simply because you want the benefits that come from modern water heating appliances. Newer water heaters come with increased lifespans, far more energy efficiency, and warranties. If you're ready to replace your water heater, or want to know about your water heater options, contact Mike's Plumbing today.