Replacing the Water Heater
All water heaters must be replaced at some point. Both hot water tanks and tankless heaters should be replaced before they completely break to avoid cold showers and potential flooding. While some signs aren't visible, homeowners can tell when their heater stops working based on temperature, repairs, and energy bills.
Corrosion Is a Serious Problem
Water heater corrosion occurs when metal begins to disintegrate. This causes an electrochemical reaction within the heater. Rust found on a hot water tank will not disappear and is usually a sign that water heater replacement is necessary.
Tankless water heaters are not immune to corrosion. If condensation reaches the gas burner, the gas supply is negatively affected. As rust builds up around the burners, the tankless water heater has to work harder to produce the same temperature. This can be seen in monthly energy bills.
Traditional water heaters develop corrosion due to old age, whereas tankless heaters rust due to leaks. Both types of water heaters can be found in utility closets and basements. Sometimes, if the corrosion has formed over several months, it can be seen on top of the tank.
If there is a metallic smell in the water, this can also indicate corrosion. Tap water should never have an odor or a tint. If the water has a reddish-brown hue, this is likely a sign of rust.
Which Causes Lukewarm Showers: Tankless or Traditional Water Heaters?
As water heaters age, they are less likely to produce the same hot water as they used to. A broken heater does not mean the whole household experiences cold showers. A heater is broken when the hot water begins to run out after increasingly shorter periods.
A tankless water heater can last 20 years with proper maintenance. However, if there is a leak in the heat exchanger, it will need to be replaced right away. A traditional water heater has a lifespan of approximately ten years but requires less maintenance.
Waiting until there isn't any hot water available is costly to homeowners. Homeowners are advised to call a professional as soon as their water can only reach a lukewarm temperature. If heating issues are caught early enough, repairs may fix the problem.
Water Heater Life Expectancy: Tankless vs Traditional
Even though tankless heaters require more maintenance, they do last much longer. On average, a tankless water heater's lifespan is twice as long as a traditional water heater. This is partly because there is less space for corrosion to affect the heater.
On average, a water heater's lifespan is 10 years. As repairs become more frequent, buying a new water heater is more cost-effective. Plumbers can assess both tankless and traditional water heaters to ensure there aren't any damaged parts, corrosion, or cracks.
By replacing a water heater before it breaks, homeowners have enough time to research what kind of heater works best for their household. Once completely broken, homeowners often buy the first heater that looks reasonable.
If a household only has one or two residents, a 50-gallon tank is efficient. If the household has up to 5 people, an 80-gallon works best. Tankless water heaters can be difficult for a large household if multiple water appliances are used simultaneously. To simultaneously heat two or three water appliances, a 5-GPM size works well.
About C&D Plumbing Inc.
C&D Plumbing Inc. is a family-owned business that provides water heater repair and replacement services. To learn more about their $25 off coupon for water heater installation in Fort Lauderdale, FL, call C&D Plumbing Inc. today.