How Long Does A Water Heater Last, And When Is It Time To Replace A Water Heater?
Water heaters are essential to living comfortably in cold climates like those in Minneapolis. Plus, they go through consistently high temperatures and pressure changes to ensure that we stay cozy in the cooler weather. Harsh Minnesotan winters and your comfort are why it’s essential to know your water heater is healthy and to recognize the signs of a dying water heater.
How long does a water heater last?
The average water heater life expectancy varies depending on the type of heater. For example, the more popular gas water heater lasts on average 10 years. The more expensive and efficient tankless water heater can last upwards of 20 years. Thankfully, it’s easy to know when to replace a water heater.
How can I know my water heater needs to be replaced?
Aside from aging, catching the signs of a failing water heater is easy. When an old water heater begins to fail, you’ll notice the efficiency of the heater, and the quality of the water will be reduced. For example, you might find that your water stays cold as you shower or wash dishes. Instead, it might fluctuate or take much longer to heat up.
Water itself eventually corrodes even the most robust metals. After several years, your water heater might begin to rust, resulting in rusty or cloudy water.
Finally, if you hear low rumbling noises from your old water heater, it’s likely dealing with years of sediment buildup. While sediment buildup might be less noticeable because it happens over time, it’s a sure sign to call a technician. Excess sediment makes it harder to heat water and creates cracks in your tank that are far more likely to occur.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
Unfortunately, water heaters are the perfect environment for corrosion to happen. A mixture of heat, water, and oxidizing metals is bound to create rust. Eventually, all homeowners will have to call their local plumber about water heater damage. Whether you should repair or replace your old water heater is a personal choice, but some factors might sway your decision.
How frequently do you need to make repairs? For example, if you’ve called a technician to repair your heater once in the last several years, you may not need to replace it. However, if several minor repairs become a hefty expense, it might be more cost-efficient to replace it altogether.
Is your upcoming repair more than 50% of the replacement cost? In some instances, it may be more cost-efficient to replace your heater completely. Major repairs, such as replacing water heater components, can cost several hundred (and potentially thousands) dollars. Deciding when to replace a water heater is your choice, but a technician can guide you if you feel uncertain.
How can I extend the lifespan of a water heater?
You can take several steps to increase a water heater’s life expectancy. First, draining and flushing your water heater once a year removes any sediment and minerals that can cause corrosion over time. Any homeowner can do this themselves in an hour or less, so you’re saving repair money by doing this quick step.
You can prevent rusting by checking your water heater’s anode rod annually. This aluminum rod runs down the center of your tank and prevents corrosion. In fact, checking your aluminum rod gives you insight into the health of your tank because it will rust before your tank. If you notice that your anode rod is deteriorating, replacing this component is far cheaper than replacing a rusted water tank.
A healthy water heater is essential to keep your family comfortable in the winter weather months. If you’re looking to get your old water heater replaced or repaired in Minneapolis, our trained technicians at Mike’s Custom Mechanical are here to help. Call us at (763) 568-7148 or contact us to learn more about how our team can help today.
