Hot water is an important part of any household and so it important to consider a water heater replacement if it is not working properly.. However, with the high magnitude of importance that the water heater has, years of use will potentially lead to a degradation in functionality and efficiency. A normal water heater has an average lifespan of eight to ten years (which can differ depending on how frequently homeowners inspect the machine and the quality of the initial installation). However, eventually this natural decline in lifespan and performance due to an accumulation of mineral and corrosion of metal can very well lead to a non-functioning water heater. The question is: how do you know when it's gone beyond a simple water heater repair job and you need to replace a water heater? It is important to keep an eye out for the following signs in determining when the right time for a replacement is.
Noises Coming From the Heater
Sedimentation of mineral naturally occurs under the hot conditions present in a water heater. However, loud banging or sounds similar to that are signs that the sediments are impeding proper flow and making your heater less efficient by requiring even more heat to properly warm up the water that is passing through. Build up of sediment can eventually lead to leaks, which then ultimately requires a replacement of the entire system. However, if you contact professionals to flush out the system annually, thereby removing accumulating sediments, it can prevent future leaks, improve overall functionality and energy usage, and reduce the chance of having to replace the heater prematurely.
If Hot Water is Not Being Produced
An obvious sign that something is wrong is when hot water is not available. However, before deciding that a replacement is needed, first make sure that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature; uncalibrated thermostats are a simple problem to fix and do not require a complete replacement of the heating system. Another issue can be if the heating element or burner fails to operate, Luckily for homeowners, these problems can be fixed for about $150.
What are Steps I can take to Prevent Damages?
A major cause of intense sediment build up is the passage of what is called “hard-water.” Hard water simply refers to water that has an extremely high mineral content and should be controlled to prevent scaling within the heater. To handle this situation, there are multiple things homeowners can do:
Final Thoughts?
Water heater replacements can cost anywhere between $500 to $1000, which if necessary should be done to prevent any further damage or waste of electricity. Knowing when to replace a water heater is important however. Many problems can be fixed without professional help or can be prevented with annual checkups, but if leaks begin forming, it is imperative to take action as quickly as possible.
Noises Coming From the Heater
Sedimentation of mineral naturally occurs under the hot conditions present in a water heater. However, loud banging or sounds similar to that are signs that the sediments are impeding proper flow and making your heater less efficient by requiring even more heat to properly warm up the water that is passing through. Build up of sediment can eventually lead to leaks, which then ultimately requires a replacement of the entire system. However, if you contact professionals to flush out the system annually, thereby removing accumulating sediments, it can prevent future leaks, improve overall functionality and energy usage, and reduce the chance of having to replace the heater prematurely.
If Hot Water is Not Being Produced
An obvious sign that something is wrong is when hot water is not available. However, before deciding that a replacement is needed, first make sure that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature; uncalibrated thermostats are a simple problem to fix and do not require a complete replacement of the heating system. Another issue can be if the heating element or burner fails to operate, Luckily for homeowners, these problems can be fixed for about $150.
What are Steps I can take to Prevent Damages?
A major cause of intense sediment build up is the passage of what is called “hard-water.” Hard water simply refers to water that has an extremely high mineral content and should be controlled to prevent scaling within the heater. To handle this situation, there are multiple things homeowners can do:
- Flushing the system to remove any small mineral buildups
- Softening the water by using a water-softening system that actively removes ions that make the water hard.
- Lowering the temperature of the heater
Final Thoughts?
Water heater replacements can cost anywhere between $500 to $1000, which if necessary should be done to prevent any further damage or waste of electricity. Knowing when to replace a water heater is important however. Many problems can be fixed without professional help or can be prevented with annual checkups, but if leaks begin forming, it is imperative to take action as quickly as possible.