How to Know When its Time to Replace Your Water Heater

Water heaters are often the unsung heroes of our homes. These seemingly tireless appliances bring us endless comfort, without much thought from us, and provide hot water for our daily needs, from showers to laundry to dishes. But like all appliances, they have a finite lifespan and eventually need to be replaced.

How do you know when it’s time to replace your water heater? Here are some telltale signs that your trusty friend might be on the blink:

How Old is it?

Firstly, consider the age of your water heater. Most units have a lifespan of 8-12 years, depending on usage and maintenance. If your water heater is approaching the end of this range, it may be time to start thinking about a replacement. Waiting until it fails completely could leave you without hot water for a period of time. Or worse – if it bursts, it can lead to irreparable damage and costly cleanup.

Is the Quality Comprised?

Pay attention to the quality of the water coming out of your taps. If the water appears discolored, smells strange, or has a metallic taste, it could be a sign that your water heater is internally deteriorating, causing sediment and other contaminants to mix with your water supply. If you notice any of these issues, it’s a signal that it might be time to consider a new water heater.

Leaks and Drips

Keep an eye out for leaks. If you notice water pooling around the base of your water heater, it’s a clear indication that something is wrong. It could be a minor issue that can be repaired, or it could be a sign that your tank is about to fail. Either way, it’s important to get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. Thankfully, the team at National First Response is qualified and at the ready 24/7 to get between a leaky water heater and a full-scale disaster.

Money Talks

Next, think about your energy bills. If you’ve noticed a steady increase in your energy costs over the past few months, your water heater may be the culprit. As the tank ages, it becomes less efficient and has to work harder to keep your water hot, resulting in higher energy bills. If you’ve noticed a significant increase in your energy usage, it’s time to consider a new, more energy-efficient water heater. There are few less charming things to spend money on than utility bills, after all!

Family Size

Give some thought to your family’s needs. If your family has grown or if your children are getting older, you may need to upgrade to a larger water heater to meet everyone’s demands. Conversely, if you’ve downsized your home or your children have moved out, (phew, right?!) you may be able to downgrade to a smaller, more efficient unit. And, should you need a new unit, it is helpful to think about your family’s usage patterns.

If you suspect that it’s time to replace your water heater, get in touch! Our experts will help you determine whether it’s time to replace your unit or if a simple repair will suffice.

Of course, should you need a new water heater, we’ll be here to guide you in choosing the right unit for your home and budget.

You’ll want to consider the size of your home and your family’s usage patterns. A larger family will need a larger unit, while a smaller family can get by with a smaller, more efficient one. Second, think about energy efficiency. Look for units with a high Energy Star rating, which will save you money on your energy bills over time. Finally, consider the type of unit. There are several different types of water heaters, including traditional tank units, tankless units, and hybrid units. Each has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for your home.

Although your water heater may not be the most exciting appliance in your home, it plays a crucial role in your daily routine. By keeping an eye out for the signs that it’s time to replace your water heater, you’ll ensure that you will remain happy and comfortable!

Arizona’s Water Heater Specialists – Highly Trained And Alert Ready 24/7

Our experts are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and operate in accordance with industry standards and local building codes. We are also a full-scale water heater repair and restoration company with the manpower to remediate the resulting water and restore the damage caused by faulty water heaters. From mold detection to drywall, flooring, cabinets, paint, and trim, we are Arizona’s most respected name for treating water damage.

• Debris removal
• Extraction
• Dehumidification
• Restorative drying
• Structural drying
• Specialty drying techniques
• Rapid response mobilization
• Restoration