Know When It’s Time for an Updated Water Heater Installation
Almost anyone who has lived in a multi-person family household has experienced the immense frustration of being the last one in the house to shower, and there's no hot water. The quick shock, the knowing it's not coming back, the rushing to finish in the freezing water– we've all been there. Running out of hot water is one of the many signs that the water heater in the house might need to be replaced.
A tank water heater can last upwards of 10 years if properly maintained. However, if not, they can experience problems such as corrosion, loss of capacity, and rusting that greatly affect their water heating functions. This article will list the most common warnings to look for that indicate it's time for a replacement of the water heater.
Corrosion Indicates a Water Heater Replacement Is Overdue
The tank water heater in your home has many layers. The metal on the outside is actually a casing for the glass layer on the inside. Over time, the glass on the inside can crack, leading to water seeping through and into the metal casing, which is how corrosion occurs.
Corrosion looks like a white dusting that falls around the top, outside, or anywhere around your water heater's tank and usually leads to rust-colored or metallic-smelling water. Leaking from the bottom of the tank is another sign that there is probable corrosion, as this means that water is not only leaking through the glass but also through the metal casing. Any signs of corrosion or rust are an unfortunate indicator of irreparable damage, and a plumbing professional should be contacted for a water heater replacement immediately.
Understanding What Changes in Water Heating Means
Tank and tankless water heaters require annual maintenance to maintain the effectiveness of their water heating capabilities. Water heaters in areas with hard water, even with a water softener, must be flushed at least once a year to remove sediment buildup.
If annual maintenance is not performed on a tank water heater, this sediment buildup continues to grow. The layers become thicker and thicker, eventually leading to a much smaller capacity in the storage water heater. This is when a home experiences a loss of hot water because there is, quite literally, no more hot water to be used. Regularly flushing the tank will prevent these sediment buildups from occurring.
Upgrading to a Tankless Water Heater
Regular maintenance can greatly lengthen the life expectancy of your tank water heater, but this still does not make it immune to the effects of time itself. It's recommended that a tank water heater be replaced anywhere between 6-8 years for an electric unit and 7-9 years for a gas unit. Tankless water heaters can last upwards of 10-15, possibly even 20 years. If the budget is available, then it's recommended to go with a tankless water heater installation for overall longevity and water heating functionality.
About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a national franchise chain with a solid reputation for customer satisfaction and overall ethics. The Northfield, MN, branch, formerly Kes Equipment & Sales, has been serving the area since 1981, a clear testament to their dedication to the community. Give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing a call for a water heater installation today!
