When to Consider Water Heater Replacement
December 26, 2018
There are many exciting things you might replace in your home, such as getting a new appliance or furniture. Water heater replacement probably isn’t high on your list as a fun way to spend money. However, there are several reasons why you should be thinking about it for the near future.
1. Your utility bills are climbing. An older water heater can use a lot of power to generate hot water and could be the reason for those higher utility bills. Your plumber will be able to tell you how efficient your current water heater is and what you could expect to save with water heater replacement.
2. The water heater is really rusty. Depending on the location of the rust, the problem can be a fitting or the tank itself. While a connection can be repaired, the tank cannot. Once it starts leaking, there is no other recourse other than water heater replacement.
3. Not enough hot water. Even if the tank is working as it should, if your family’s needs for hot water go beyond its capacity, you should consider upgrading to a larger water heater. This is a common situation after doing a bathroom renovation that includes a large bathtub because quite a bit of hot water is required for each bath.
4. Your water heater is old. The typical life for a water heater is about 10 to 15 years. If yours falls in the 10 to 20-year range, water heater replacement is the best way to avoid water damage and other problems. Your plumber is the best person to have evaluate the water heater before making this decision, however, as some very old tanks were constructed to be real workhorses capable of a rather long lifespan. Sadly, today’s water heaters are far more efficient but often shorter in life. Keep in mind that although your water heater may last you many years, it is probably costing you more to operate, so you still may want to replace it sooner than later.
If you would like to have your water heater evaluated or make an appointment for water heater replacement, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Hendersonville a call at (828) 266-0463. We will be happy to answer your questions about the condition of your water heater and provide an honest recommendation about the best course of action. Call today to learn more.