Dealing with repair issues is something you have to get used to as a homeowner. One of the worst problems you can face as a homeowner is water damage. Each year, over 14,000 homeowners have to deal with water damage. This damage is usually caused by a leaking or broken water heater. Instead of waiting until your water heater completely fails to take action, you need to work on detecting problems with this vital appliance early on.
One of the best ways to assess whether or not your water heater needs to be replaced is by determining its age. A water heater is supposed to last around 10 years. If your water heater is nearing this ten-year mark or is older than that, it is time to have it replaced. The following are some tips on how to assess the age of your existing water heater and why replacing an old water heater is a good idea.
Determining the Age of Your Water Heater
How you determine the age of your water heater will depend solely on what brand it is. One of the first things you need to check when trying to figure out how old a water heater is the manufacturer label on it. In some cases, the installation date or manufacturer date will be featured on this label. If you cannot find this information on the label, check the serial number of the unit.
Generally, a water heater manufacturer will put both the month and year a unit was built in this serial number. Contacting a plumber is a great way to get help with decoding the meaning of your water heater’s serial number.
An Old Water Heater Can Leak
As time goes by, rust will start to form on the inside of your water heater tank. The longer this rust is left in place, the higher the risk becomes of holes forming in the tank. When these holes form, they will allow a lot of water to leave the tank. Taking the time to inspect the outside of your water heater tank on a regular basis is a smart move.
If you notice brown spots on this tank, it may be rust. If the water coming out of your faucets turns a brownish color, this can be a sign that rust is present in the water heater. By hiring a professional to replace your worn-out water heater, you can avoid extensive damage to your home.
Avoid Increasing the Cost of Powering Your Home
Another sign you may notice when it is time to replace your water heater is higher than normal energy bills. Older water heaters will require more energy during operation. The more energy the unit uses, the higher your monthly utilities bill will be. The best way to avoid this headache is by investing money in a new energy-efficient water heater.
Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater?
If your water heater is old and leaking, it is time to contact the team at Elite Plumbing Services Inc. With our help, you can get this plumbing problem handled quickly.