As a homeowner in Boynton Beach, FL, there are few things more annoying and disruptive than suddenly losing hot water in your home. Unfortunately, even the most well-engineered water heater will eventually reach its expiration date. If your hot water system is getting on in years, it could be closer to the end than you think.
Water Heater Wear and Tear
A typical family of four in South Florida uses an average of around 63 gallons of hot water per day. That’s a lot of water to heat, which translates to a lot of wear and tear on your home’s water heater. In particular, there are a few common problems that can compromise your system and disrupt your access to hot water. If you have a storage tank unit, corrosion is a constant threat. Sacrificial anodes help keep corrosion away from the tank, but they’re designed to be consumed over time. If they aren’t replaced in a timely fashion, rust can quickly invade the tank and other vital connections.
Sediment accumulation is another serious problem. When water is heated, dissolved minerals begin precipitating out and settling at the bottom of the tank. As it accumulates, the sediment leaves less and less room for hot water to be stored. Storage water heaters generally only perform well for around a decade, but even more advanced heaters aren’t indestructible. Tankless systems typically have a lifespan of around 20 years, after which key components often begin wearing out and failing.
Spotting the Signs of Trouble Ahead
A complete water heater failure is a problem you just don’t need. Luckily, most failures don’t happen entirely without warning. In many cases, the trouble starts with minor, nagging issues that are easy to brush aside without much thought. You can save yourself lots of stress, time, and money by learning to recognize these warning signs and what they mean. Of course, it’s best to leave the actual diagnosis to trained and experienced service technicians.
The most reliable indicator that your water heater is headed for trouble is its age. If it’s approaching its typical lifespan, poor performance and frequent malfunctions probably aren’t far off. Rust is another red flag, whether it appears on your system itself or in the water from your tap. You should also periodically check for any signs of water leaks on or near your equipment. More obvious signs of serious problems include odd noises coming from your system, inconsistent water temperatures, and premature hot water loss.
The Pros and Cons of a Water Heater Replacement
Some common water heater problems are easy to repair, but installing a replacement can sometimes be the smarter choice. Before you decide on a course of action, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of water heater replacement. Installing a new water heater is more involved than making repairs, so it may take longer to complete. As you might expect, purchasing and installing a new system typically also comes with higher initial costs.
On the other hand, swapping out your obsolete equipment also comes with some enticing benefits. New water heaters are typically more energy-efficient and more reliable than the models they’re replacing. Between lower utility bills and fewer repair calls, you can potentially save enough money to offset the higher cost. Older water heaters can have surprisingly short lifespans, so you may find yourself needing a replacement soon anyway. More importantly, you can rest easier knowing that you’ll have dependable hot water when you need it for years to come.
If your home’s water heater has seen better days, being proactive now can save you a lot of stress. Give the experienced service technicians at E·D·S Air Conditioning & Plumbing a call for honest, straightforward service you can trust. We’ll evaluate your system and help determine whether a water heater replacement is the right call for you.
