Should I Replace My Old Water Heater?

So, you know your water heater is old. But everything seems to be working OK. Do you need to replace it?

Maybe. It depends on a few things…

Has your water heater been regularly maintained?

According to The U.S. Department of Energy, the typical lifespan of a water heater is 10 to 15 years.

However, Florida’s hard water usually puts water heaters toward the low end of that range.

Hard water contains dissolved minerals. These minerals are deposited in the water heater tank as it heats your home’s water. If your water heater isn’t regularly flushed, those minerals will eat away from the inside of your tank, eventually leading to a big leak.

If you haven’t had your old water heater regularly maintained, it’s only a matter of time before it springs a leak.

Related: How to Properly Maintain Your Water Heater Tank

Are you experiencing any of these hot water problems?

There are a few common signs your water heater is reaching the end of its life. They include:

  • Always running out of hot water – While this could be a sign that your water heater tank is too small, it can also be caused by an old water heater that just can’t keep up anymore.
  • Increased water heating bill — As your water heater ages, it gets less efficient.
  • Rusty water coming from the hot side piping in your home — This is from the rust in the deteriorating water heater tank.

Do you want the benefits of a new water heater?

Water heaters have come a long way in the last 10-15 years. Even if everything seems fine, you might want to upgrade your old water heater in order to experience some of these benefits:

  • Increased energy efficiency — New water heaters are up to 20% more efficient and can save up to $700 in energy costs over the life of the unit, according to House Logic.
  • Peace of mind — With proper maintenance of a new, higher quality water heater, you won’t need to budget for repairs and replacements for years.
  • Unlimited hot water — Upgrade your old tank water heater to a tankless version and you’ll never run out of hot water.

Related: Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters

Get water heater pricing

Want to know what it would cost to get a new water heater installed in your Florida home? Contact Plumbing Today to get a free estimate. View our service area.

Posted in: Buyer's Guide

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