A water heater is an appliance that you rely on every day. Because hot water is a vital part of life, you should replace your old heater before it fails. Know the following signs that your unit is reaching the end of its life, and have a plumber replace.

When to Replace Your Water Heater

1. Age

Most traditional water heaters last 10 to 15 years, while tankless systems will last around 20 years. Check the age of yours through its serial number. The first letter indicates the month it was manufactured in, with its numerical position in the alphabet designating the month. For example, February is reflected with a “B,” because it is the second letter, and February is the second month. This is followed by two numbers, which indicate the year it was manufactured.

If your unit is within five years of the end of its expected life span and is experiencing problems, you should replace it rather than waste money on repairs.

2. Rusty Water

The appliance’s tank has an inside liner to keep the water from direct contact with the metal. Once the system gets too old or damaged, the liner will leak. Rust in your water means that the unit is starting to corrode, an issue that a plumber can’t repair. You know that the problem is your water heater if only the hot water is rusty, not your cold water. Rusty water usually has a pink or orange tinge to it and may smell and taste like metal.

3. Leaking

As the system heats up and the metal expands, small fractures in the tank will create a water leak. The water may stop dripping when the metal cools down. Any water pooling on the floor around the tank indicates a leak, even if you cannot see it coming out.

 

Big River Plumbing is the trusted supplier of water heater repair and replacement in the Greater St. Paul, WI, metro area. This general plumbing contractor is available 24/7 for emergencies and scheduled appointments. They will honor all manufacturer warranties and back their services with a one-year labor warranty. See their full list of services online and call (612) 286-5662 to schedule a plumber.