Water heaters can last quite a long time if you take care of them, but they won’t last forever. Eventually, you’re going to need to replace your current water heater with a new one. You’re probably going to want to do it before it gives out completely, too, unless for some reason you want to be without hot water for a few days while you secure another one.
If you’re not sure whether or not your current water heater is in need of replacement, the best thing you can do is to call a professional to take a look at it for you. In the meantime, the following are a number of clear signs that your system is likely reaching the end of its life.
It’s Having Trouble Providing Hot Water
Every once in a while, you and your family members may put too much demand on the water heater and exhaust the available supply. No big deal, if a little inconvenient. If your water heater is consistently struggling to provide hot water, though, that’s a whole different problem. As water heaters age, they lose efficiency. While this may not be apparent at first, it will eventually get to a point where the system just can’t keep up with even normal levels of demand on it. If your system is struggling because of simple wear and tear, then, unfortunately, it’s time to install a new one.
It’s in Constant Need of Repair
Breaking down every few years or so is one thing, but if your water heater is breaking down multiple times a year then you have a bigger problem. That’s often a sign that the water heater is getting close to the end of its life, as various parts of the system break down in groups. Once a system has reached that point, you have two options. You can replace the entire system, or you can continue repairing the old system one part at a time until it finally breaks down entirely. It is much, much more energy efficient to just install a new system at that point. You’re just spending money you don’t have to otherwise.
It’s Old
As you may have noticed, the two symptoms above have age and wear in common as causes. The fact is that the older your water heater gets, the more prone it’s going to be to suffering serious and chronic issues. As those issues become more serious (and numerous) the system will become more expensive to keep up and running. The average water heater lasts between 10 and 15 years, after which point it will in all likelihood need to be replaced with a new one. If your water heater is older than 15, you should talk to a professional about when to replace it.
Murphy’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning installs and services water heaters in Broomall, PA. If you need a new water heater installed in your home, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians. We’ll find the best water heater for your needs.
