If you take proper care of your water heater, you can expect to get quite a few years of service out of it. Eventually, though, you’re going to need to replace the system with a new one. You probably don’t want to wait for the system to fail completely before replacing it, as that could potentially leave you without hot water for an extended period of time. Instead, you should familiarize yourself with the signs that your water heater is getting close to the end of its life. That way, you can replace the system with a new one before it gives out. If your water heater is manifesting symptoms similar to those below, consider replacing it.
Chronically Low Output
If you put enough demand on your water heater for a long enough period of time, you will eventually exhaust it and have to wait for more water to be heated. As a system accumulates more wear and tear over years of use, though, it will gradually become less and less able to keep up with demand. If your water heater is currently struggling to even keep up with a small amount of demand, you should consider possibly replacing it. The efficiency lost to wear and tear is gone for good. The only way to improve output is to replace the system entirely.
Frequent Breakdowns
It’s not typically a big deal to have your water heater break down every once in a while. However, it’s not a good sign if you need to repair your system multiple times a year. Repair needs that are that frequent are typically the result of many years of wear and tear on the system which, as we’ve already said, is an inevitable and irreparable condition. Sticking with your current water heater when it needs repairs that frequently just means that you’re replacing the system one part at a time. It’s far, far better to just install an entirely new system. You’ll save a lot of money on repairs, and you’ll have fewer periods where you don’t have access to hot water.
Old Age
No amount of care and maintenance can fend off the effects of old age indefinitely. Assuming your system is properly taken care of at all times, you can expect to get about 15 years of use out of it. That varies slightly based on individual circumstances, of course. If your water heater is older than 15 years, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional about whether or not it’s a good idea to install a new one. You can keep an older system operating past 15 years, but it’s not recommended. You’d be spending quite a bit of money on maintenance and repairs, which could be better spent on a newer, low-maintenance system.
Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling offers water heater replacement services in New Hope, PA. If you need a new water heater, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians. We’ll make sure that you get the perfect water heater for your needs.