How to Tell When It’s Time to Install a New Water Heater

Signs That Time’s Up on Your Old Water Heater 

What would a home be without a water heater? Showers wouldn’t be relaxing or luxurious, dishes wouldn’t get as clean, and laundry settings wouldn’t be customizable. Water heaters these days are a necessity, and anyone who’s ever had to live without one, especially during the harsh winter months, can attest to that.  

When water heaters break down, especially new ones, it should be a relatively easy decision to get it repaired. But how can homeowners know when they need a water heater replacement? Here are a few signs to look out for that indicate the water heater may need replacing. 

Water Heater Corrosion Is Evident

old water heater Because water heaters are always in contact with water, they will likely be subject to corrosion at some point during their lifespan. Corrosion occurs when the material the water heater is made of reacts with water or other substances such as oxygen, hydrogen, salts, acids, and even bacteria. When this occurs, rust and other compounds form on the metal, which can weaken it, leading to leaks.

A traditional storage water heater has an anode rod inside that slows down corrosion. However, if rust and corrosion occur, a water heater replacement is needed. It may not always be visible, so homeowners who experience rusty-looking, discolored water with a distinct metallic smell may have a corrosion problem with their water heaters. 

There’s No Hot Water, or It Runs Out Too Quickly

cold shower Another major red flag that can indicate replacement may be needed is if the water heater is no longer producing hot water or runs out of hot water much quicker than it used to. The absence of hot water is easily identifiable. Showers turn tepid or even outright cold, or the hot water doesn’t seem to last beyond the first few minutes of turning on the tap. 

This is a serious problem that could have many causes. The issue may require flushing the water heater to get rid of mineral deposits or a water heater repair. However, some problems causing the temperature issues will require replacing the water heater. A plumber can determine the best solution.

It’s Old or Has Seen Too Many Repairs

The average life expectancy of a storage water heater is between 10 and 15 years, which isn’t too long but is better than it was in prior years and enough for homeowners to feel like they’re not bleeding cash just to replace it. The average tankless water heater lifespan is even better at 20 years or more, so if the water heater in a home is within or close to this range, it’s time to consider replacing it before it suffers more severe problems. 

Another sign to replace a water heater is if it shows more and more signs of wear and tear and needs frequent repairs. Paying for frequent water heater repairs is not cost-effective, especially for an older water heater, as water heaters lose efficiency as they age, leading to higher operating costs. Replacing the water heater can actually save homeowners money by avoiding higher water heating costs and frequent repair costs.  

About Rocket Rooter Plumbing

Rocket Rooter Plumbing is a family-owned and operated company serving Umatilla and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing, personalized solutions, and financing options. Call them today for water heater installation and repair in Umatilla, FL. 

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Start the New Year With a New Water Heater

Benefits of a New Water Heater Installation

Hot showers, clean dishes, and sparkling laundry are the simple pleasures of a working water heater. Having a new home water heater installed can provide numerous benefits. This blog post will explore the benefits of replacing an old water heater with a new one and some things that should be considered before making the investment.

Better Efficiency and Cost Savings

As water heaters age, they can become less efficient, resulting in higher energy bills for homeowners. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Over time, sediment can build up in the tank, reducing the system’s overall efficiency. Additionally, the heating elements in the water heater can become less effective, which can also decrease the unit’s efficiency. As a result, the water heater may work harder to heat the water, using more energy and increasing energy bills.

By replacing an old and outdated water heater with a new, more efficient model, homeowners can save money on their energy bills. New water heaters are often designed with energy efficiency in mind, using advanced technologies and materials to minimize energy consumption and reduce costs. In addition, many new water heaters come with longer warranties, which can provide added peace of mind and save money on future repairs.

Improved Hot Water Recovery Rate

more hot waterThe hot water recovery rate describes how quickly the water heater can heat water after all the hot water is gone. A higher recovery rate means the water heater can produce hot water quicker, while a lower recovery rate means it will take longer to make hot water. This is an essential factor to consider, especially in households with several people or a high demand for hot water.

If the recovery rate is too low, it may not be able to keep up with demand, resulting in cold showers or a lack of hot water for other household tasks. New water heaters typically have a better recovery rate than older models, which can provide a steady hot water supply and prevent frustrating cold shower experiences.

Valuable Space Savings

save space with a tankless water heaterToday’s water heaters are designed with efficiency in mind and often take up less space than older models. Tankless water heaters, in particular, are a compact option that can save space in the home. These units are small and can be mounted on a wall, freeing up space in the garage, basement, or closet where they are typically located. In contrast, traditional storage tank water heaters can be large and require dedicated storage space.

Tankless water heaters heat water on demand rather than having to store it in a tank. As a result, they don’t require the same amount of space as a traditional tank water heater. In addition to saving space, tankless water heaters are also more energy efficient than conventional models, as they do not have to maintain the temperature of a full tank of water. This can result in lower energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

About Rocket Rooter Plumbing

Rocket Rooter Plumbing is a team of plumbing and septic system experts serving Umatilla, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day service, free quotes, and financing. Call them today for tankless water heater and water heater services in Umatilla, FL.