Homeowners depend on water heaters for many things such as bathing and cooking. Household appliances, particularly washing machines and dishwashers, also rely on a water heater to serve their purpose. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that water heaters are among the appliances most prone to suffer from continual wear and tear. Nevertheless, the last thing you want is to go without hot water because your water heating system has stopped working. That said, keep an eye out on the signs below to know when to get a new water heater.
1. Older Than 10 to 15 Years
The life span of most residential water heaters doesn’t extend more than a decade and a half. It is easy to determine the life expectancy of your water heater if you purchased it. However, the same cannot be said if you are moving into a home you just bought.
For this reason, call your local plumber to help determine how long your water heating system has been around. If it is more than 15 years old, you may want to replace it with a new one that is more effective and energy-efficient.
2. Unending Repairs
Your water heater may not have reached 15 years, but it constantly requires repairs. Since frequent repairs can be costly in the long run, it is advisable that you consult a professional plumber and have a new unit brought in.
Factors such as lack of regular maintenance and heavy household use can lead to premature failure of a water heater. Replacing a water heater that constantly requires repairs will not just save you money but will also will make your life simpler and more stress-free.
3. Inconsistent Water Temperatures
Picture this: you are enjoying a warm shower when, out of nowhere, the water becomes hot before turning stone-cold and then back to normal again. This issue is so common that it has a name – “cold water sandwich.”
This problem mostly affects aged water heaters, but it can also affect newer units with clogged or partially blocked output lines. Random spurts of cold water can be bothersome. If you are experiencing them frequently, it may be time to let your plumber know so a new water heater that produces water at consistent temperatures can be installed.
4. Unexplained Rising Energy Costs
An aging water heater will use plenty of energy to get water to the right temperature. Such a unit usually has older burners or geriatric heating elements that are inefficient, leading to high energy costs. While repair may be impossible in some cases, it is best if you replace the unit entirely.
Modern water heaters are intentionally built to conserve as much energy as possible while still working at maximum efficiency. They have high-performance components. In addition, they don’t take up much space.
Frequent water heater repairs can be expensive in the long run. Therefore, if you notice any of the above signs, it may be time to call your plumber and ask them to install a new water heater. The plumber will check the water heater to determine if a simple repair would do or if the entire unit needs to be replaced. If you are concerned about your device, contact us at Frausto Plumbing today for professional water heater repair and installation in Compton, CA.
