Not Knowing When To Replace A Water Heater Is Killing Your Wallet

It’s easy to take our water heaters for granted — at least until they fail and the shower goes icy cold. It’s better to watch for signs of water heater problems instead of waiting for the hot water to stop flowing. Worse, a failing water heater can waste significant amounts of water, energy and money. Here are some of the telltale signs that can let you know when to replace a water heater.

• Age: In general, gas water heaters can be expected to work for up to 12 years, while electric water heaters usually last for 10 to 15 years. A well-maintained water heater that’s still in good condition will likely continue to last for some time, so don’t rely on age as the only criteria for a water heater replacement.

• Water color change: If the water from the heater has developed an unusual color, the heater may need to be replaced soon. Rust-colored water is most common in these situations.

• Temperature reduction or loss: Your water heater is supposed to produce hot water, not lukewarm, cool or cold water. If the temperature of the water coming from your heater is lower than expected or lower than the unit’s thermostat setting, try replacing the thermostat or heating elements to see if that solves the problem. Check the temperature of the water in your shower, sinks, dishwasher, clothes washer and other appliances that use hot water. If the temperature doesn’t increase, or worse yet stays cold, the heater is probably not salvageable.

• Leaks and moisture build-up: If there’s moisture or water around the base of the water heater, particularly substantial puddles, it could indicate a slow leak in the tank or pipes. A leak of hot water can quickly become extremely wasteful of both water and the energy used to heat it. If the leak can’t be sealed, replacement of the whole unit is your best option.

Sobieski Services can answer all your home comfort questions, including when to replace a water heater. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wilmington, Delaware and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).

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