When Do You Need to Replace Your Water Heater?
Water heaters in Phoenix are almost constantly under a significant amount of pressure and stress, so they require a lot of maintenance and repairs. At Now Plumbing, our Phoenix plumbers recommend you have a tune-up and inspection of your water heater once a year to ensure it’s functioning at its best. However, even if you stay caught up on repairs and maintenance, you’ll need to replace your unit eventually. You don’t ever want to be left without hot water, so it’s important that if you do need if a water heater replacement, you have it done.
You may need a professional plumbing company to tell you whether it can be repaired or if you need a water heater replacement, but there are some signs you can look for to alert you.
1. Your Water Heater’s Age.
The average lifespan of a water heater is ten years. This number can vary, of course, in either direction depending on the frequency of maintenance and repairs. Without proper maintenance, your Phoenix home’s water heater may last for as few as four or five years.
If you’ve had your water heater for more than five years, it’s at least worth considering whether a replacement is necessary. Start paying closer attention to the machine, and to your energy costs. Rising energy costs may be a sign of poor water heater efficiency. If you haven’t recently, call for an inspection, and we’ll let you know how much longer your water has and whether you need a replacement or repairs.
2. Loud Noises
If you hear any loud noises coming from your water heater, there’s most likely a build-up of sediment inside that’s not allowing water through. Sometimes, that sediment can be flushed out, which can help with performance and efficiency. But if the problem has gotten too bad, replacing your Phoenix home’s water heater may be your only option.
3. Leaks
Some leaks can be repaired, and others can’t. Water heater leaks can be symptoms of a much larger problem and may point to a complete breakdown coming up in the near future. Keep in mind, however, that not every puddle you find beneath your water heater is a leak, so you don’t need to panic immediately. The best thing to do if you’ve found a leak in your water heater is call our professional Phoenix plumbers. We can determine the location of the leak, the cause, and the best next steps. Sometimes, unfortunately water heaters with leaks will have to be replaced.
It’s always a good idea to have your water heater inspected—especially if you’re past the five year mark, though the earlier you start keeping it well-maintained, the better. Water heaters are forced to endure quite a lot, and even if you don’t need a replacement, having repairs and tune-ups will ensure that they last longer.