Replacing Your Water Heater Sometime Soon?

by Expert Contributor Ryan Corbett, Master Plumber and Co-Owner of Dream Team Home Services

One of the most common home improvement projects is replacing the hot water heater. Why? Because 8-12 years is the typical lifespan of a standard tankstyle electric or gas water heater before it starts to leak and fail. Some homeowners may get some warning signs, but many water heaters fail with no warning signs, and such failure is simply due to age.

The effects of the tank leaking range from minimal to quite damaging. For example, if the water heater is in an unfinished basement and near a sump pump, damage would probably be minimal because the leaked water might be handled by the sump pump. But if the water heater is in a finished basement or in some other part of your home, a water leak could result in a LOT of damage. In such cases, it’s recommended that you replace the unit based strictly on its age, to avoid the risk of damage that could require costly repairs.

Two other reasons to consider replacement are if you can see rust or corrosion on the piping or tank, or if your “hot” water is only lukewarm or cold.

Leak detection devices are now popular. Those devices give you the option of having the water heater set in a pan that can be capped if there’s no way to drain the leaked water into a pipe or other collection bucket. The leak detector sits in the pan, and if water is detected in the pan, the device automatically shuts off the water to the tank.

Plumbing code now requires that each new installed water heater must also include a thermal expansion tank. When water gets heated, it expands. If there’s nowhere for that expansion to go, the tank and the plumbing system experiences that expansion as pressure that can build up and cause the temperature and pressure relief valve to drip or blow off. Even a minimal amount of unusual pressure due to tank expansion can cause unnecessary stress to the tank and the plumbing system.

Has the number of people living in your household increased, creating the need for more hot water? Has your bathroom been remodeled and now includes a deep soaking tub? A larger water heater may be necessary. Water heaters come in several sizes, so before getting a new one, seriously consider whether it’s time to get one that’s larger than what you’ll replace.

Did you know that about 25% of the energy your home uses goes toward heating your water? Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient; can save on space; and can last 15-20 years. One of the best features of a tankless water heater is endless hot water. To maximize the life of your tankless water heater, have it serviced and flushed annually.

Expert Contributor Ryan Corbett, Master Plumber and Co-Owner of Dream Team Home Services

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