It’s no fun to run out of hot water because you need a
hot water heater replacement. As with most of your appliances, your water heater is used every day and regular usage means you’ll eventually need a new one. The typical lifespan for a hot water heater is 8-12 years so you can expect to deal with water heater replacement once a decade or so. Keep in mind, you can protect your investment with regular maintenance. Professional maintenance checks and upkeep can help your water heater last as long as possible.
No one enjoys a cold shower or dirty dishes, so ideally, you’ll want to replace water heater before it completely stops working. Waiting too long can leave you with much bigger problems like a leak, which can then result in expensive water damage.
In between professional maintenance appointments, there are a few things you can watch for to make sure there aren’t any reasons for concern. Here are some signs that it's time for installing a water heater:
Rust and Corrosion Around the Water Heater
Keep an eye on your water heater tank and occasionally check it for any rust or corrosion that may have built up over the years. There are two areas that you need to be sure to inspect carefully: around the temperature and pressure relief valves, and the inlet and outlet connections. These areas are particularly prone to rust and corrosion buildup. If you don’t know how to locate these areas, ask your technician at your next regular maintenance appointment and they should be able to show you. Keeping these areas clear and maintained can allow your unit to last longer and help you delay hot water heater replacement.
Another thing to watch for is rust-colored water coming from your hot water heater. This usually means that the inside of your tank is rusting. This type of damage will eventually become a water leak, so it’s a sign that you should consider water heater replacement as soon as possible.
Cold or Lukewarm Water Could Mean You Need Hot Water Heater Replacement
A clear signal that you need water heater replacement is when you crank up the faucets in your shower and feel cold or lukewarm water coming out. More than just a delay in feeling warm water start coming out, usually means there is a problem when your water doesn’t really get warm or hot at all. In most cases, this is a strong indicator that you need to consider installing a water heater.
Pooling Around the Water Heater
When you’re inspecting your unit for rust and corrosion, you should also walk around the unit and look for any pooling water. If you notice even a little bit of moisture, there is likely a leak or crack inside your hot water tank. As the metal in your tank heats, it expands and then cracks, forcing water out through the lesions. This may be causing the tank to leak and may also mean it’s time for water heater replacement.
How Much Does Water Heater Replacement Cost?
If you’ve seen signs that it’s time for water heater replacement, you’re probably wondering about the cost of a new water heater. According to Angie’s List, “a 50-gallon tank averages between $795 and $2,800 for the unit and installation, depending on different variables.” Water heater replacement cost can be impacted by several factors. It depends on what type of unit you currently have and what kind you’re replacing it with. There can also be additional charges if building codes have changed since your previous unit was installed. Labor costs in your location also have an impact on your water heater replacement cost.
Contact Blue Mills Plumbing About Installing a Water Heater!
All the services you need, in one place, including professional water heater replacement. If you’re seeing signs that your water heater needs to be replaced, trust the professionals at Blue Mills Plumbing. For the plumbing experts in Eastern Jackson County, give us a call or visit our website at:
https://www.bluemillsplumbing.com/.
