Everything You Need to Know About Water Heaters

A water heater is part of a home’s plumbing system and is considered to be one of the essential appliances in a home. However, just like any other home appliance, water heaters do also have a life span. Therefore, when a water heater is about to fail, it is wise to be ready and prepared to replace it. Otherwise, you will be forced to use cold water when you are craving hot water. In the worst-case scenario, you may end up dealing with possible water damage to your property. This is another good reason why it is highly important to be prepared. Preparation comes in the form of learning how long water heaters generally last and the tips you can apply to prolong their lifespan.

Tank Water Heaters – How Long Do They Last?

A normal gas or electric water heater maintains heated water within a specific degree inside an insulated storage tank. On average, the life span of these units ranges between 10 to 15 years, depending on maintenance frequency and quality. To know how old your unit is, check the serial number.

Tankless Water Heaters – How Long Do They Last?

Tankless water heaters (otherwise known as On-Demand water heaters) are popular because they save a lot of energy. That is because they do not maintain the heat of stored water but rather supply hot water when it is needed.

Furthermore, maintaining a tankless water heater is fairly easy because it does not have a lot of wear and tear compared to tank water heaters. Therefore, due to minimal wear and tear, these units have a long-life span of more than 15 years. With proper maintenance, these units can last up to 20+ years.

Is it Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

It would help if you replaced your water heater when you begin noticing the following warning signs.

Strange Noises: Cracking or banging sounds are all signs of sediment deposit buildup in the water tank or water heater. Excess sediment buildup is a sign you need maintenance and, in some cases a replacement.

Cold or Lukewarm Water: The function of a water heater is simple; heating water. Therefore, when a water heater is not functioning as needed, you will start getting cold or lukewarm water. This is a sign it needs replacement.

Rust: When you begin receiving colored water or rusty water, then it is an obvious sign it needs replacing.

Leakage: There are leakages that can be fixed easily. However, others cannot be fixed. On the other hand, when you start experiencing leaks often, then it is time to replace your unit.

Age: Age is another factor. As you probably know, as a unit ages, it tends to lose its efficiency. Furthermore, water heater tanks that are over 10 years are often an accident in waiting, especially if installed in areas vulnerable to water damage.

Tips That Will Make A Water Heater Last Longer

Anode Replacement

An anode is a metal rod located inside the water heater, and its primary function is to attract ions and minerals that corrode the tank. Anode needs replacing after about 2 or 3 years. In fact, it is wise to check it every year and replace it when necessary. You can even opt to help your tank last even longer by installing additional anode rods.

Water Softer or Scale Inhibitor

If you are living in an area where the water is hard, then you will benefit greatly by using a water softener. The water is hard because it has a high concentration of salts and minerals, which can harm both tank and tankless water heaters. To extend the lifespan of your unit, it is wise to use scale inhibitors. You can also invest in a scale inhibiting filter to protect your unit.

Flushing

Flushing is a cleaning technique where you have to drain the hot water in your tank as a way to clear out sediment buildup. For this technique to be effective, it must be done every 6-8 months. Although this is a DIY maintenance technique, if you are not sure of what you are doing, please contact a professional.

What You Need to Know About Tankless Hot Water Heaters

For many years, industry engineers have tried different ways to reduce energy consumption and, at the same time, increase efficiency. Their efforts bared fruits, and tankless water heaters were designed. These units can offer the very best of modern energy revolution with multiple design options to decrease energy consumption while at the same time delivering hot water on demand.

It is important to note that with tank water heaters, they hold few gallons of water, and you continue to pay to keep the water hot around the clock. However, when it comes to tankless water heaters, it only heats the water you need and when you need it, hence saving you money on utility costs.

It is important to note that a tankless water heater’s installation and maintenance affect its performance. Many people, including technicians and handymen, lack the expertise to install these units. Therefore, when an untrained technician installs this unit for you, surely, the result is going to be a poorly installed system, which fails to deliver convenience and saving capabilities.

If you are considering a tankless water heater give some thought to the following features and benefits of this type of system
• A commercial-grade heat exchanger
• Digital control (offers excellent and accurate temperature control)
• Reduces flooding risks
• Fresh and clean hot water supplied on demand
• 15+ year life span
• Leading brands come with a 12-year limited warranty
• Installation option Flexibility
• Saves space
• A great ‘Green’ option with 40% energy saving capabilities

For all of your hot water needs, contact us at JD Swallow today!