Monday, July 22, 2013

Time For A Water Heater Replacement

By Brian Winters


There are several ways for you to find out whether your water heater needs a replacement. It is wise to plan ahead and figure out what kind of unit will meet your hot water usage right before your current heater breaks down. Doing research and listing your options may come in handy in the future.

Have you been using your water heater for a long time? Every water heater has different lifespans, depending on what kind you currently use. An electric water heater usually last about 10 to 15 years while a gas-fired unit can last for 8 to 12 year. However, you can extend the life of your water heater through proper care and maintenance. On the other hand, a tankless water heater is expected to last longer than traditional tank units.

There are times when a water heater lasts for about 15 to 17 years. This happens when the unit is maintained on a regular basis. In buying a replacement unit, make sure it meets your hot water demands to avoid encountering problems in the future. Start performing water heater maintenance to extend the life of your heater.

If the water quality is getting bad, try to flush and drain the tank to remove the sediments inside. These hard water mineral deposits can cause the internal tank to rust, resulting to rusty-colored and smelly water. At this point, your heater might be on its last legs. However, if the sediment buildup gets too heavy for the tank to handle, consider replacing it instead. Remember that ingesting water filled with bacteria and chemicals can result to major health complications.

Check your thermostat settings if you keep on getting varying water temperature. You can change it between 115 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and wait for a while before testing the water. If you think the temperature is already stable, there is no need to adjust the thermostat settings. If the problem persists, replace the thermostat immediately.

You must watch out for moisture accumulating around the bottom of the tank. At this point, it is safe to assume that your water heater is leaking. Remember to wipe puddles of water near the unit to avoid accidents. Leaks coming from loose pipes and valves can simply be tightened with a wrench. However, if the internal tank is leaking, have it replaced immediately.

Working on your water heater alone gives you an idea how it operates. However, doing it on your own can put your life at risk since a water heater can overheat and blow up if not handled properly. Look for early signs of damage and make sure to install the new water heater correctly to avoid costly repairs.

When in doubt, contact a specialist for professional help. Ask advice what kind of unit will suit your hot water needs. As always, it's better to look for a new unit right before your heater stops operating. This will give you enough time to evaluate it rather than coming up with a rash decision.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment