Should You Replace Your Water Heater Before It Quits?
If your water heater is over 10 years old and starting to show it’s age you may be wondering, should I replace my water heater before it quits, or let it run until the very end?
Signs Your water heater needs to be replaced immediately
There are a few signs that your water heater is failing and needs to be replaced right away.
If you see any visible signs of corrosion or rust on the tank.
If you are hearing strange noises; knocking, rumbling or popping noises.
If there is no hot water, or hot water is inconsistent.
If your hot water is discolored.
If your hot water tank is leaking water.
If you you are experiencing any of these issues, don’t wait! Contact us to arrange immediate service.
The lifespan of your water heater depends on several factors and realistically the only one you have control over is how well it was maintained. The average hot water tank last 10-15 year, with some tankless models capable of lasting up to 20 years. While we all want to get the most out of our appliances and plumbing fixtures, there are several reasons that you may want to consider replacing your water heater before it fails:
Save your home from damage
When a water heater fails there several ways it can happen. In the best case scenario it simply stops working and you eventually notice that you don’t have any hot water available. A worse scenario can include your water heater starting to leak, water pooling on your floor and the possibility of water damage to floors, walls and your belongings. In the worst case scenario your water heater busts. A catastrophic failure such as this can lead to 50+ gallons of water spilling into your home. Hopefully you are home when it happens and not away for a the weekend.
Avoid being stuck without hot water
Arranging to have your aging water heater replaced before it is an emergency means that you can avoid an uncomfortable period without access to hot water in your home. It may take several days before your water heater can be replaced and nobody wants a cold shower. Choose to replace before it fails and you can schedule a water heater installation time that is convenient for you, minimizing the impact on your family.
Save money on your energy bills
If your water heater is near the end of its life there is a good chance it is no longer performing at at the level it once did. As a water heater begins to fail it needs to use more energy to heat the water to your desired temperature. If you have been noticing your energy bills starting to climb, this might ne a sign. By moving to a newer and more efficient water heater you can significantly lower your energy consumption.
Avoid Making A Rush Decision
Our number one reason to replace your water heater before it quits, is that by planning ahead you can avoid making a rush decision. During an emergency you are going to be focused on getting the hot water flowing again as soon as possible. By giving yourself time you can ensure you are choosing the best water heater for your home. You can save money to put toward the purchase or see if you can take advantage of any rebates. Whatever decision you make, you’ll be happy that you were able to review all your available options and make the best choice for you.
If you have any questions about Kelowna Water Heater Installation, repair or replacement, please feel free to contact us. The team at First Klass Mechanical are your plumbing specialists, serving the Okanagan Valley since 1990.
