How To Know When Water Heater Replacement Is Necessary

Hidden away in utility closets or basements, water heaters are taken for granted until they malfunction. Their average lifespan is around a decade, depending on maintenance regularity and unit design. Slowly developing problems are easily ignored, until the shock of a freezing shower makes them obvious. Knowing whether repairs or water heater replacement is necessary before the inevitable crisis occurs saves time, money, and irritation.

Unless a homeowner enjoys do-it-yourself projects, the unit often escapes inspection. One obvious sign of trouble includes a wet buildup or visible leakage around the base. This can be a serious issue, because a leaking unit has the ability to cause an expensive flood if it gives out completely. If hard-to-ignore moisture is routinely appearing around the heater, shut it down immediately.

If there is no need to turn on the cold tap when showering, the heating unit is probably functioning at low capacity. When this issue is not logically related to higher-than-normal use patterns, it can be a result of malfunctioning internal heating elements or connections, which mainly affect homes that rely solely on electric power. Units that usually recover quickly may simply be too small for the number of users.

It can be startling to find a thick layer of sediment at the bottom of a tank, but not unusual. Over time, microscopic soil fragments settle, eventually degrading the metal floor, and are a common cause of overheating. The issue can be avoided by yearly flushing, but if that has not occurred for a long period, it may be necessary to have it done professionally.

Other common symptoms can be heard in the form of strange rumblings, clicking, or high-frequency whining sounds. While difficult to accurately pinpoint, the noises are a good indicator of the need for maintenance, and may foretell failure. The noises are also usually the result of a buildup of sediments, and a thorough flushing may help. In many cases, the tank has come to end of its useful lifespan.

Replacement can be a very good plan even when there are no visible signs of problems. The key is in the average monthly energy bill. Different regions rely on various power sources, and none are inexpensive today. Older units may still be functional, but use far more energy than is necessary. Installing a modern, energy-efficient model saves money and helps the environment.

Tankless heaters are worth considering as an alternative to the traditional cylinder. They heat only when necessary. Rather than being stored, water is warmed as it passes through, providing a regulated supply of up to five gallons per minute. Larger households may find this restrictive, but without a bulky tank, more than one heater can be installed, solving the capacity issue.

Some residents of White Hall MD replace their own units, but many homeowners find the prospect daunting. While a new appliance theoretically should fit the old connections, threading them can require knowledge of soldering or solvent welding. Those lacking the tools, time, and patience to do it themselves usually call a local plumbing and heating expert, who can do the job quickly and efficiently.