Do you know how healthy your water heater is? If not, that’s okay. People often have no idea whether their water heater is in perfect condition or about to fail until something happens. Still, it’s a good idea to evaluate your system every once in a while to determine whether or not it’s in need of replacement. If you think you might need a new water heater replacement in your home, but you’re not sure, have a look at the symptoms below to help you decide.
What signs indicate it’s time to replace your water heater?
If your water heater produces less hot water, requires frequent repairs, or is over 15 years old, it may be time for a replacement. These signs often point to wear that maintenance can’t fix, and installing a new unit can restore efficiency and prevent unexpected system failures.
No Hot Water? Signs Your Heater Needs Replacement
One of the first signs that a water heater is starting to fail is a drop in output. Sometimes, this can be the result of a problem that is easily fixed, other times, though, not so much. Water heaters that can’t supply enough water to meet even a moderate amount of demand might be struggling due to simple wear and tear on the system. The older and more worn out the water heater becomes, the more trouble it will have. No amount of repair or maintenance can fully reverse the effects of wear and tear. The only way to improve your situation once your system has become this worn out is to replace your water heater unit entirely.
Constant Repairs? Consider Replacing Your Water Heater
You really shouldn’t need to have your water heater repaired (outside of maintenance appointments) more than once every few years. If your system is breaking down once a year, or even multiple times a year, then it’s time to install a new one. Just like the decline in hot water output we talked about above, frequent breakdowns are often due to the simple buildup of wear and tear in the system. Eventually, this wear and tear reaches a point where it is causing multiple parts of the system to fail in groups. Repairing the water heater at this point is little more than replacing the system a single part at a time. You’d be much better off if you just replaced the entire system instead to avoid common water heater problems.
Water Heater Over 15 Years Old? Time to Upgrade
The average water heater lasts between 10 and 15 years, depending on individual circumstances. If your water heater is older than that, it might be time to talk to a professional about installing a new one. Older water heaters are much more prone to developing issues, like those we’ve already talked about. As the list of chronic problems affecting your water heater grows longer, the cost of keeping the system operating will rise as well. Eventually, the system will permanently break down on you. You should try to have it replaced with a new system long before that happens, though. Make sure that you have your water heater replaced if it is older than 15.
Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling installs and services water heaters of all kinds in North Wales, PA. If you need a new water heater installed in your home, contact us today for an appointment with one of our technicians