When To Replace Your Old Water Heater?

Water heaters are usually an imperative part of every home. It offers warm and hot water whenever needed. But, what happens if something goes wrong and it requires replacement?

One question that every homeowner has in mind, in this case, is "after how long should you replace a water heater". Well, you will need to replace it after every 8-12 years, however, the tankless water heater can last up to 20 years. Read this article to know what things you should know before replacing your old water heater.

Even the most expensive and best-quality water heaters won't last a lifetime. You will have to definitely replace it with a new one. But, should you blindly follow the brand's recommendations? Well, not really!

Generally, you will see a few signs whenever you have to replace a water heater, here are some of them:

1. Rust

The water heater tank can develop rust. This can be because of the heating element or inlet pipes. There can be corrosion on the steel surface which can eat the metal. Rust can be visible in the water coming from faucets, along with the pressure valves, pipes, and inlets.

2. Leak

Leaks happen because of metal cracks and expansion. They are a result of improper fittings, connections, or overflowing pipes. You should not ignore such problems and fix these issues as soon as you come across them. If left untreated, leakage will soak and ruin belongings or even start mold. However, if you face these problems time and again, you should replace the water heater to avoid further damage.

3. Noise

One of the most common signs that it's time to replace your water heater is when it starts making noise. These noises can begin if there's a sedimentary buildup in the tank. The heater can wear down, and the water heater might crack. You can even face leakage problems in this case.

4. Slow/No Heating

You may see that you don't get hot water even after switching it on. It can be possible that the small tank doesn't have enough hot water as per your requirements. The reason behind this case can even be a malfunctioning thermostat or broken heating element.

Taking help from a pro will help you to easily understand whether you should go for a water heater replacement or repair. Also, if you are looking to make everything tension-free for you, you can invest in a home warranty. A home warranty company covers repair or replacement of the appliances in their plan in return for a small premium.

Let's move further and discuss how much time is required for the replacement of the water heater.

Time Needed For Water Heater Replacement

Does your old water heater require replacement? The heater might not work properly, or might have broken down. Either way, you shouldn't waste any time and it's necessary to contact a pro for heater replacement immediately.

A certified plumber will help with the old heater replacement and install it within a span of 3 hours. But, the time can get extended if the experts face some problems in the removal and installation process. Read below to get an idea of how much time every step should ideally take:

1. Removal of the old water heater: 45-60 min

2. Preparation and placement of the new water heater: 30 min

3. Set up the system connection: 45-60 min

Do you have any experience with plumbing and electrical systems? If not, then, you will need a professional plumber's help. Whenever it comes to installing your water heater, you should not take the risk.

Whenever you purchase a new water heater, you will likely want to get rid of the old one. If it's still in working condition, you can donate it to an NGO. The company can also help you to transfer the old machine if you go for an exchange offer. A plumbing company can also help you dispose of the device, but you might have to pay some fees for it.

You can even get in contact with a recycling center which will help in disposing of the water heater safely.

It is essential to connect with experts for replacing or repairing the old water heater. As they get trained professionally, they will help you with proper machine maintenance . They can also guide you on how to use the machine properly and do simple routine upkeep to get the maximum benefit from the water heater.