Five Reasons to Replace Your Water Heater
Written on: February 20, 2018
If you’re like most Americans, you use anywhere from 65-70 gallons of hot water every day in your shower, sinks, and appliances. That’s quite a workout for your water heater. It’s no wonder, then, that the average traditional water heater (one with a storage tank) only lasts about 8-10 years (tankless water heaters can last twice that long).
Here are some signs you need a water heater upgrade:
- Diminishing performance. Once your water heater hits its 10th birthday, it may not work as well as it used to. Maybe you notice an uptick in your energy bills – or in unexpected cold showers (invigorating, but not much fun). Replacing your 10-year-old water heater makes more sense than repairing it – especially when you consider the potential energy savings of a today’s high-efficiency models.
Want to know how old your heater is? Here’s a trick: look for the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker. The first letter in the serial number corresponds to its month of production; the first two numbers its year of production. For example, in the serial number G082738598, “G”, the seventh letter in the alphabet, corresponds to July, the seventh month. The number “07” represents the year. The water heater was produced in June 2007.
- Hard Water. What do ugly stains on your flatware, dull clothing and itchy skin have in common? Well, besides the fact that they’re all annoying, they’re also common signs of hard water (water that contains calcium, magnesium, and other minerals) in your home. This highly mineralized water (we have a lot of it here in PA, which is a great reason to consider a water softener – contact us to learn more) can cause lime build up, which can reduce efficiency and shorten the lifespan of your water heater.
- Rust. If you find rusty water in the tank, it’s a good bet your water heater is rotting on the inside – a problem that could lead to a costly tank failure in the (possibly near) future.
- Leaks. A leak usually indicates that your tank’s structure has been compromised. If you spot a leak, turn off the tank’s water supply and get your water heater inspected immediately.
- Unusual sounds. If you hear rumbling noises in your storage tank, don’t call Ghostbusters – call a plumber. These noises are a common sign of efficiency-robbing sediment buildup in your tank – a problem that, if left unattended, can shorten the lifespan of your water heater.
Don’t wait for an unexpected cold shower – contact Ace-Robbins today to learn about water heater options that meet your family’s needs and your budget!
