Water heaters last quite a while, with proper care and maintenance. They won’t last forever, though, which means that sooner or later you’re going to have to replace yours. If you’re not sure whether or not your water heater can survive another year, have a look at some of the symptoms below. Each water heater is a bit different, and you should consult with a professional before making any significant decisions about replacing the system. Still, these will help you get started.
A Dearth of Hot Water
Putting any water heater under a sufficient amount of demand will eventually overwhelm its supply of hot water. If your water heater is struggling to generate enough hot water for even a moderate amount of use, though, then you might have a bigger problem. As water heaters age, they accumulate an increasing amount of wear and tear on the various parts of their system. This causes the system to experience an increasing decline in heating efficiency. As the water heater gets closer to the end of its life, it will lose the ability to heat as much water as it normally does. If your water heater is failing to heat water in high enough quantities for this reason, the only thing that can be done is to replace the system entirely.
Constant Breakdowns
Water heaters break down every once in a while, and it’s not normally a big deal. You can expect to need to repair your water heater at least once or twice over the course of its life. If you need to repair your current water heater multiple times a year, though, it’s time for a new system. Just like with the falling output discussed above, a water heater that needs to be repaired multiple times a year is probably suffering from a significant buildup of wear and tear. The wear on the system is causing parts to fail in groups, increasing both the frequency and the cost of repairs. It’s better to replace the water heater entirely than to continue paying to repair it that often.
Old Age
How long a water heater lasts will depend at least in part on the individual circumstances in which it is installed. A water heater that receives regular preventive maintenance and prompt repair will obviously have a better chance of lasting longer than one that does not receive those things. Even so, you can expect the average lifespan of your water heater to be around 10-15 years. Once a system gets older than 15, it will become increasingly more difficult to keep up and running. In the face of your water heaters declining cost-effectiveness, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional about possibly installing a new system. Better to replace the system now than to waste money keeping it struggling on for another year or so.
Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling provides comprehensive water heater installation services in North Wales, PA. If you need a new water heater installed in your home, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.