When Should I Replace My Water Heater?

A common concern among homeowners is “When should I replace my water heater?”, and many make the mistake of trying to squeeze life out of an old unit and actually spending more in the end. The number one factor to consider is the age of the system.

Age Is the Number One Consideration

As a general rule, the expected lifespan is 12 years for a gas tank water heater, 15 years for an electric tank water heater, and 20 to 25 years for a tankless water heater. At Sanks Mechanical, we encourage homeowners to replace their water heaters proactively when they reach these marks. You could perhaps get another five years out of your system, but you’ll spend less with a new model because the old one is no longer efficient and innovations in efficiency have been made in the decade since that purchase.

Frequent or Expensive Repairs

Another answer to “When should I replace my water heater?”, is the 50% rule. If the repair will cost 50% or more of what a new until will cost, then it’s usually better to go ahead and replace it. There can be exceptions, such as when a water heater is still very new, but in that case, the warranty is likely still active and will cover the cost of the repair. Don’t ignore small repairs either. Those add up, and the closer you get to that 50%, the more likely you’d be better off with a water heater replacement.

Corrosion

Corrosion in a water heater is serious because it will eventually lead to a leak. Leaks can be minor but can also result in significant water damage with little to notice beyond the discolored water coming out of your faucets and showerheads. If you notice reddish hot water, call a plumber as soon as possible.

No Longer Meeting Your Needs

The other answer to “When should I replace my water heater?”, is when you need to. In other words, replace your water heater when it is no longer meeting your needs. This could be because an aging system is no longer providing the volume of hot water you need, or you’re running out of water because your household has expanded. Water heaters are integral to the modern quality of life, and it’s better to replace a water heater as needed rather than sacrifice that quality by waiting for an older system to go.

Your Local Water Heater Experts in Southeastern PA

Keep an eye on your utility costs as well. Many homeowners are surprised at how much an inefficient water heater can drive up your costs. If you own a home in the Montgomery, Bucks, or Philadelphia areas, feel free to call Sanks Mechanical at 1-215-960-4803 or contact us online. We’re one of the premier plumbing companies in the area. We’ll be happy to answer any additional questions about “When should I replace my water heater?”, and can come out to your home to perform an inspection.