Generally speaking, a water heater can last up to 10 to 15 years depending on how it's been taken care of and maintained in the Florida climate. If you've had a licensed professional regularly inspect your unit, you may have it for up to 15 years. However, if your water heater is older than 15 years, it might be time to replace it for a few different reasons. Call
1-800-758-6237 to have a technician take a look at it!
Age
An older water heater is a dangerous water heater. Water heaters are an appliance that needs to be taken care of seriously because the issues that can occur can be dangerous, or even fatal. Water heaters, when too old or broken, can cause explosions that can be fatal to you, your family, and your home. Aging water heaters are at risk for corrosion, which causes cracks, leaks, and explosions. It's important to replace an aged water heater to ensure the safety of your family.
New Technology
Newer water heaters can be more efficient, which means it'll use less energy and save you money on your electricity bills.
Sediment
Water heaters will naturally create sediment in the bottom of the tank, which will cause an old water heater to work harder to heat the water in your home, causing your electric bills to go higher, but also will leave less space for hot water, so your hot water heater may run out of hot water faster if it is an older water heater.
Do I have to replace my water heater? Can I do it myself?
You may not have to replace your water heater if it's younger than 10 years old and it's not showing any serious signs of danger like leaks, cracks, or banging noises from within the tank. Here are the signs it's time to replace:
Leaks
If you notice water pooling beneath your hot water heater, it could indicate a cracked or corroded tank or a problem with the pressure relief valve. A faulty pressure relief valve can lead to excessive pressure buildup in the tank, which poses a risk of explosions. Additionally, a leak can cause structural damage to your home, making it both hazardous and expensive. If you suspect a leak, it is crucial to contact a professional immediately to evaluate and resolve the issue. Our team of licensed and insured professionals at 1-800-Plumber +Air of New Port Richey is available round the clock to assist you.
Cracks
If the water heater unit is cracked, it's probably time to replace it. However, if it's a valve or a drain line, it might be able to be repaired. The reason a cracked unit needs to be repaired is because it can turn into a dangerous situation. You can avoid cracks in a water heater (until they're too old), by scheduling routine water heater flushes by a licensed professional.
Knocking sounds
If you hear knocking or banging noises coming from your water heater, it is likely due to loose sediment buildup. Sediment is a natural accumulation of minerals in water and can be prevented through regular flushes by a licensed professional. These knocking sounds indicate that your water heater is not operating efficiently, leading to increased water bills and potential damage to the unit, shortening its lifespan. To avoid having to replace it prematurely, it is advisable to contact a professional to address the knocking sound.
Water won't heat up or stay hot
If your showers are turning cold after a few minutes, or you're not getting any hot water at all, that's a sign it may be time to replace the unit. Water heaters aren't meant to last longer than 15 years, and shouldn't be kept longer because it's a hazard. However, if your unit isn't old and your hot water is running cold too soon, call a professional to get your water heater replaced or repaired!
Don't try to replace it yourself
Attempting to replace a water heater without professional assistance poses a significant risk. Due to the existence of various codes and regulations pertaining to water heater replacement and installation, it is strongly advised against undertaking this task independently. Doing so jeopardizes not only your own safety but also that of your family and the integrity of your residence. To guarantee a secure and accurate installation of your water heater, it is always prudent to enlist the services of a qualified professional, such as 1-800-Plumber +Air of New Port Richey.
How to make a water heater last longer
Water heaters typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. To maximize its longevity, it is essential to schedule regular maintenance with a licensed professional. A plumber will inspect and ensure the proper functioning of valves and the tank. Additionally, they will regularly flush the tank to prevent sediment from accumulating and crystallizing on its walls. Neglecting to remove this sediment can lead to various problems in the future, such as limited hot water availability or increased strain on the water heater, potentially causing it to fail prematurely.
