You might be wondering whether you need a new water heater. It’s true that water heaters don’t last forever, but it can be hard to tell whether right now is the time to get a replacement. You certainly don’t want to be facing the winter without a properly working water heater, and you also want to make a smart financial decision. Keep reading to find out more.
Lifespan of a Water Heater
It’s hard to say exactly how long a particular unit can last. Many can be used for 10 years or more, as long as they’re regularly maintained. Tankless water heaters are becoming more common in Waukesha because they’re efficient and have longer lifespans. They could last for around 20 years. If your current water heater is getting up there in age, you might want to start thinking about getting a new one.
Common Problems
There are issues that many of our customers have experienced when their water heaters have been through a lot. Those include:
- Leaks
- Knocking noises
- Cloudy or rusty water
- Cold water
Leaks are fairly obvious. If you notice that there is moisture around your water heater, then there’s at least one location that has been compromised. The excess moisture could cause corrosion on the side of your tank.
When too much sediment has built up in a tank, it can affect how efficient the heating element can be. That sediment can sometimes harden, and when it’s sloshed around inside the tank, there would be loud knocking noises.
Finally, the water coming out of the water heater could be cloudy, rusty, or cold. Water that’s discolored could indicate that something’s not right in your tank, and cold water is an obvious sign that your heater’s not working.
Replace or Repair?
There’s a big question that always arises when a problem has occurred. Should a homeowner have a water heater replaced or repaired? It can become a pressing issue when the winter looms, especially in Waukesha. Our winters can be so harsh, so you want to make sure everything is in order before the freezing temperature comes to town.
We make recommendations on a case-by-case basis. In general, we can replace:
- Valves
- Thermostats
- Igniters
- Burner assemblies
- Heating elements
- Motors
However, if there are bigger issues or if your tank is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace your unit. It’s smart to do this before the cold weather can interfere with transportation and potentially cause issues related to frozen pipes.
We can come out to your place and take a look at your water heater. We can assess what’s going on and offer our insights as to whether it needs to be replaced. Call Jeff’s Custom Care Plumbing to schedule an appointment.