When Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater? Signs to Watch For
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    Plumber Checking Water Heater

    October 15, 2024

    For a homeowner, it is important to understand when your water heater needs to be replaced to avoid a rude shower or, even worse, water damage in your home. Since warm water is relevant in people’s daily lives- from when we shower to when we wash dishes and even wash clothes- it’s important to learn when a water heater is due for replacement. Here are options to consider and how calling experts such as Magnificent Plumbing & Rooter can save you from such an experience.

    water heater replacement

    What Is a Water Heater?

    A water heater is a service conductor device that warms and stores water meant to be used within the home. Tank and tankless water heaters are the two primary categories of water heaters that anyone can buy.

    Tank Water Heaters: It has a large amount of water, between 30-80 gallons inside, which is always hot in anticipation of being used.

    Tankless Water Heaters: These are demand-type or instantaneous water heaters. They heat water on demand – no tank to install, to take up valuable space in your house. Therefore, you will be able to have hot water at any time.

    Both types of water heaters require maintenance and will eventually have to be replaced to be of any use. When should you replace yours?

    1. Years the Water Heater Has Been in Service

    The first cue that the water heater is already virtually done for is its age. Conventionally, the average life expectancy for a tank water heater is about 8 to 12 years old. It is argued that a tankless water heater can serve its owners for over twenty years if well maintained.

    When your unit reaches or passes these ages, it is time to replace it. Even if they are still working, the older units lose their efficiency and increase the amounts paid in energy.

    We can help determine whether your unit is on its final leg. Experts in the repair, installation, and replacement of both tank and tankless water heaters, they’ll keep your home energy-efficient.

    2. Rusty Water

    If you have observed rust-coloured taps, then the chances are that your water heater has started corroding inside. Rust on the water’s surface is as basic a sign as it could get on the breakdown of your internal tank.

    A water heater tank usually consists of steel, but it erodes at some point. If you find this rust appearing in your hot water and not cold, your culprit is probably in your water heater.

    Rust in your water is a sign of an emergency change. You ought to hire a professional, such as Magnificent Plumbing & Rooter, to assess the system so nothing much worse happens in the way of corrosion or leaks.

    3. Water Leaks Around the Unit

    The biggest clue that something is wrong is when water drips around the water heater’s base. Over time, it heats and eventually cools, thus forming small holes in the tank and making it leaky.

    While not every leak automatically necessitates an immediate replacement, a cracked tank will only worsen. Leaks can lead to damaging harm in your home from the eventual stages of mold and structural issues.

    Should you experience leaks, contacting us is necessary so they can provide an appropriate diagnosis. They can replace the tank with a new one if the damage done is too great for repair.

    4. Strange Noises Coming from the Tank

    If your water heater produces mysterious rumbles or bangs, you can attribute it to sediment formation. Over a while, your hard water mineral accumulation in the water supply will accumulate at the bottom of the tank, particularly where there is hard water.

    Sediment is deposited, causing the accumulation and subsequent hardening, necessitating higher work on the part of the water heater to warm the water. This leads to weird sounds and creates stress within the unit, translating to a short life for the unit.

    You can catch sediment buildup by having your water heater flushed regularly, but if the noise persists, it may be time to swap out the unit. We can send you over to flush your tank or let you know the best replacement option.

    5. Unpredictable Water Temperature

    If your water temperature is inconsistent, this is the last leg for your water heater. If you cannot maintain an even temperature, it could mean that your heating element is faulty or the tank is simply old.

    Replacing individual parts, such as heating elements, is a stopgap measure. If you still face the problem after some time, replacement is more practical. We can help determine the problem and whether a repair or replacement would be more economical.

    6. Reduced Supply of Hot Water

    Have you ever observed that now you have to bathe with cold water as you did in the past, even if it was ready a couple of days ago? Slowly, deposits accumulate in the tank, thus shortening the amount of water that could be stored hot in your water heater since the tank is designed to store a specific amount of hot water. This means you have limited hot water for your daily use or in whatever way you wish.

    This is particularly the case with tank water heaters. If the problem persists after the tank has been flushed, this might be a good time to replace the unit. Water heaters available with us include additional energy-efficient types or types that guarantee a hot water supply.

    7. High Energy Bills

    An improperly working water heater means that, trust me, the energy bills would be higher than usual. The longer a given unit has been installed or subjected to sediment, the higher the energy required to heat water. If you have received your utility bill and suddenly notice a huge spike in consumption, your water heater is probably defective.

    Specifically, tankless water heaters are among the newer models; they have comparatively high energy efficiency. They only heat the water when you want it; therefore, you spend very little money all along. Our experts will tell you if a high-efficiency model will reduce your cost.

    8. Repairs Happen Often

    If it needs fixing more than it sits idle, it may be cheaper to replace it altogether. You would expect the occasional fix on any appliance, but constant breakdowns and repairs generally indicate that your unit has reached its old age.

    In situations where repair costs are accumulated, changing with a brand-new energy-efficient water heater makes even more sense. We are always ready to weigh the repair versus replacement by a qualified team that would deliver the best decision for your home.

    Why Choose Us for Water Heater Replacement?

    If you will replace your water heater, now’s the time to choose a plumbing company with which you will work. We can install, repair, and replace your water heater in all Bay Area locations, including San Ramon, Oakland, Pleasanton, and many more.

    They deal with tank and tankless water heaters equally, so you can be sure of getting the right solution for your house. Their commitment to client satisfaction and more than two decades of experience make us capable of:

    • Professional diagnoses that will determine if your system requires repair or replacement.
    • Energy-saving solutions that ensure your money goes further as your monthly bill reduces.
    • They offer various CPVC and PEX copper repiping options that ensure your plumbing system runs smoothly.
    • Emergency plumber services to deal with unexpected water heater breakdowns.

    Conclusion

    The fact that the water heater may require a change sometimes can be a headache when you find yourself taking a bath with cold water and, at the same time, finding water in your house, causing damage. When you find yourself experiencing any of the above mentioned issues, you will be informed that it is time to hire professionals.

    With Magnificent Plumbing & Rooter, you are sure that water heater needs will be looked after promptly and as efficiently as possible. Whether it’s a repair or complete replacement, they have what it takes to restore your house’s hot water supply with the least hassle. For Bay Area residents in cities like Danville, Walnut Creek, and Livermore, Magnificent Plumbing & Rooter is your go-to choice for all your plumbing needs.

    For more information or to make an appointment, contact Magnificent Plumbing & Rooter at (925) 478-8073 or info@magnificentplumbing.com.

    Related Topic: 5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Water Heater

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