What Is the Average Lifespan of a Water Heater? | Tips from Your Richardson, TX Water Heater Repair Expert
Imagine coming home from vacation to find water all over the basement floor. Perhaps you simply walked into the shower and can’t figure out why the water won’t heat up. Neither are particularly great experiences, but they can be avoidable by paying attention to your water heater. Most water heaters are tucked away in a corner and unnoticed until something goes wrong, but you can change that by practicing good water heater repair habits in Richardson, TX.
As with most household appliances, the first trick is awareness. Instead of waiting until you need water heater repair, it is a good idea to be conscious of your existing water heater. Knowing its age, the last time it has needed repair, whether it is making any strange noises, and a few other factors can mean the difference between scheduling maintenance and dealing with a water heater emergency in Richardson, TX.
The lifespan of your water heater is heavily dependent on how well you have maintained it. If you regularly have your hot water heater repaired and have maintained it pretty well, then it is possible that your water heater will make it to 12-15 years. However, if your water heater has not been maintained well and the leak has a major cause, it is probably time to skip repair and simply buy a new water heater.
If your water heater is getting close to that 12-15-year mark, you may want to start making plans to replace it so that you don’t have to deal with an emergency situation. It is always better to proactively replace something then end up with water all over your floor which can lead to water damage. This can quickly drive up the costs because you will be looking at much more than just a high repair bill.
How Much Does Replacing a Water Heater Cost?
There are many factors that come into play when you start trying to figure out the costs of water heater replacement. If it is not an emergency, the overall cost will come down because you won’t need to pay for emergency water heater repair services. Instead, you can schedule a visit at the plumber’s convenience which will avoid you extra fees.
In terms of the water heater, you need to consider whether you want a 40 to 50-gallon tank or would prefer to go with a tankless model. A tankless model can cost between $1,500-$2,500 compared to a 40 to 50-gallon tank which should run between $400 and $900. You then need to factor in the disposal fee that most plumbers will charge. A water heater is a large appliance and needs to be safely disposed of, and most residential trash services will not take it. Therefore, it is advisable to have your plumber take care of it for you.
What are the Top Signs that You Need Water Heater Repair?
Trying to figure out whether or not it is time for water heater repair or replacement? There are a few signs you should be on the lookout for. If you notice any of these, it is a good indicator that it is time to start thinking about a new water heater.
Rusty Water: If the water coming out of your faucets has a rusty tan color to it, this is a pretty good sign that it is time for a new water heater. Pay attention to see if it comes out of both the hot and cold faucets, or just the hot. If it is only coming out of the hot water faucets then this signals that your water heater tank is starting to rust inside. Before too long you won’t be seeing just rust in your water, because likely it will be leaking out of the tank.
Your Water Tank is Rumbling: At the very most, your water heater should make a slight humming noise as it heats. If you hear any noise that is above the sound of a gentle hum, then you should be alarmed. A knocking or banging sound often starts to occur when hard sediment builds up on the bottom of the tank. The only way to remove the hardened sediment is by replacing the entire tank. Ignoring it will not only eventually cause a link, but it will also decrease the energy efficiency of your water heater costing you more in utility bills.
Water Outside of the Water Heater Tank: While leaking water may seem like an instant indicator of water heater repair, some people think that the tank is simply condensing or something similar. Water heaters do not condensate, and there should never be water on the outside of the tank. If you notice moisture this may be a sign that there is a fracture or small leak in the tank that is allowing water to leak out when the tank expands.
There are other smaller reasons for a small leak, such as the overflow pipe leaking or the connections or fittings that lead into the tank loosening over time. If you have checked out these simple solutions then it is time to call for water heater repair in Richardson, TX.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?
In general, if you have needed two or more water heater repair calls in the past year, then it is time to replace your water heater. Repairing your tank once a year is not out of the realm of normal, but it should not require constant repair. This is a sign that the tank is on its way out, and you will end up spending money on repairs that would be better spent on a new tank.
The age of your tank also plays a role. Repairing a 1-5-year-old water tank makes much more sense than repairing a tank that is 15 years old. The same way you would evaluate the practically or replacing any appliance, you should consider the cost of the repair and a replacement before making a final decision.
Priority Service