Should I Replace My Water Heater Before It Fails?

It’s the eternal question for homeowners: when do I replace my water heater? It seems like it’s always one step away from a catastrophic failure, but you don’t want to have to deal with the hassle of fixing or replacing it in the middle of winter. So, what’s the answer? Well, here are a few things to consider.

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When to Replace

A general rule of thumb is that electric models should be replaced every 15 years, and gas ones every ten. It’s not the only factor involved in how long your water heater will last. The elements can corrode with repeated exposure to minerals dissolved in hard water, so if you have a well with high iron content or live in an older home with pipes that may contain lead, it’s especially important to keep up on maintenance. If you’re just not sure when the old beast was installed, then err on the side of caution and replace it sooner than later.

There are many factors that can affect water heater life expectancy, including how well it is insulated, whether or not it is used frequently, whether or not you have hard water, and if your local climate includes freezing temperatures.

Signs That You Need To Replace Your Water Heater

Coloured Water:

The color of your tap water could be a sign that it’s time to replace your water heater. If the reason you have to keep replacing it is that there is a lot of sediment and minerals in your water (and the only way to get rid of those was to replace the anode, which is part of the water heater) then your water heater may be the next item on the list that you need to replace.

Corroded Thermostat:

Corrosion around the thermostat of your water heater is a sign that you might need to replace it sooner rather than later. A thermostat controls whether or not the burner is on or off, so if it corrodes to the point that you can’t trust it then it should be replaced.

Rust:

Some rust isn’t a sign that your water heater should be replaced, and if it’s just a little bit of surface rust then we wouldn’t suggest doing anything about it. If, however, you have deep rust in the tank, especially if it’s around where the top is attached to the bottom, then that means there are holes in the water heater and it would be a good idea to replace it.

Cracks:

If your water heater has cracks anywhere on it then you should definitely consider replacing your water heater rather than repairing it.

The exterior of your water heater can show you the quality of the insulation used in its construction. If there are cracks in any sections of plastic or bubbles anywhere on the tank, then that is a sign that your water heater is not being kept warm enough and you should consider replacing it if you live in colder climates.

Benefits Of Replacing Your Water Heater Before It Fails:

Long Life Expectancy:

By replacing your water heater before it fails, you can extend it’s life expectancy by another 15-20 years. This means that you won’t have to stress so much about being able to replace it when it eventually does fail!

The replacement process is relatively simple and most people are able to do the job themselves. By doing so, you will save money and avoid the added stress of having to hire a professional.

Less Expensive:

Because it is less expensive than repairing your water heater and cheaper than replacing it when its exterior begins to rust and deteriorate, we highly recommend that you replace your water heater before it fails rather than waiting until it is absolutely necessary.

FAQ’s (frequently asked questions)

What is the life expectancy of a water heater?

The usual life expectancy of a water heater is around 15-20 years. More expensive brands tend to have longer life expectancies, so if you’re looking for a water heater that will last the longest then it would be worth your while to spend some extra money on more expensive models.

How does a water heater work?

A water heater works by using either electricity or natural gas to heat the water in the tank. Once the water is heated, it is stored inside the tank until you are ready to use it.
The flame heats up the anode rod, which is metal that is constantly being eroded by the water. The gas or electricity heats up the anode rod to a temperature that produces heat, which is transferred into the cold water flowing through it. Eventually, the anode rod will wear down and need to be replaced.

How many types of water heaters are there?

There are three types of water heaters: electric, gas, and tankless. Electric models require the least amount of work because they produce their own electricity. However, if you don’t have any spare outlets then we wouldn’t recommend this type of water heater for your home.

Conclusion

Nobody ever wants to deal with a water heater failure, but they do happen. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to replace your water heater before it fails.

This blog post has given you a lot of information to help you make the decision. We hope that this blog post leads to your final answer about whether or not it’s time for a new water heater installation. If you have any questions or concerns about your water heater, then you can leave us a comment below.

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