When to Replace a Water Heater? Check out the Signs to look out for!

When to Replace a Water Heater? Check out the Signs to look out for!

If you are new to heating and cooling systems, then knowing when to replace or repair a water heater could be confusing.

You will have various uses of hot water in your daily routine – from bathing, washing clothes, frequent hand-washing, laundry and even dish cleaning. The temperature of the water might vary almost 20-25 times in one single day!

Now, simply multiply the number of instances of warm water usage with the number of members staying at your place. This will give you an idea on the usage level and the need of water heater replacement at your place.

Replace or Repair a Water Heater – What Should I Do?

The service life of a water heater is usually around 8 to 12 years! You can check the information about this with the vendor or North York HVAC Professional.

You need to consider factors like the installation quality, location, maintenance carried out, and also one important thing which is water quality!

If you have been taking care of the water heater and there is a sudden leakage problem found, we shall recommend diagnosing the problem before going with the replacement.

Troubleshooting a Water Heater for a Temporary Problem

There are a few things you need to take a look on water heater for quick fixes. They are given below:

  • Electric water heater

So, if you are using an electric water heater North York at your home then make sure the power is turned on and do a thermostat reset. Next you can try removing all the sediments out from the tank and clean the heater. Insulate the water pipes ensuring that there is no heat loss. If the problem still remains unsolved, then try replacing the heating element or the thermostat. Make temperature changes on the thermostat and see if that works.

  • Gas Water Heater

While you are checking your gas water heater, just make sure that the gas connection is in the right place and the pilot light is on. You could wash out all the sediments from the tank and clean the heater. Next, follow up with insulating the pipes, clean up the gas burners, and replace the thermocouple if needed. Also try changing the temperature settings on the thermostat and running the machine again.

  • Hissing noises if you hear them

This could probably be caused by the sediments collected inside the water tanks. Drain the tank until you see some clear water, and remove the elements out. In a pan, pour in some white vinegar and keep the elements soaked in this solution for about 1 hour. This will help with cleaning out the messy buildups.

  • Leaking water

First you got to check the fittings and see if they are loose. Tight them up. If the problem is still not solved, then turn off the water and get some new pair of fittings.

  • Leaking pressure valve

In this case, you got only one option and that is to replace the valve.

This is how you troubleshoot the water heater and check for the solutions. In all the above discussed points, we have mentioned the places where you can solve it by yourself and other exceptional cases where you may require replacements.

When to opt for a Water Heater Replacement?

Hey hey! Come on there may be some way to know the right time for water heater replacement.

Yes, there is.

But it isn’t the same for all systems.

This is why you need to know your water heater well – the specifications, age, location, warranty, maintenance history to make a correct decision.

The Age of the Water Heater

Gas water heaters usually last around 10+ years, while the tankless heaters can run up to 20+ years. If your water heater is nearing the end, then it would be better to replace the heater with a new one.

Increasing Water Bills

Are you moving up the water heater dials just to get the same water temperature? Well, that is a problem. This simply means the heater is not using the energy efficiently as it should, and you are left with heavy water bills.

Frequency of the Repairs or Replacements

If any machine breakdown happens, you can go with the 50% rule to check whether you are opting the right way or not.

So, if the repair expense is costing you 50% of what you would pay for a replace, then you must go for a replace thing.

Has the water heater system broken down frequently in the past two years, and is it nearing its end? Taking a note of some of these points will give you a better idea.

Considering the Age of the Water Heater Too

The age of a water heater holds the basis of the solution.

So, let me consider two case scenarios here.

Water heater 10 years or older:

If the water heater is 10 years or older, and having small issues like blown fuse, thermostat not working you can opt for the replacement. Also, systems which are 10 years older will have some wear and tear, rust issues as well. Machine leaks are another common problem reported for older systems. Depending on the intensity of the problem, you will have to take the suitable action.

See more: - HVAC Tips and Tricks For Homeowners

If you are confused with the solution, you can get in touch with Toronto & Markham HVAC Technicians today and find a way out.

Water heater less than 10 years old:

In this case, the issue could be a minor one or a major one. A plumbing professional or a heating service professional could guide you whether to go with repair or replacement.

If you have maintained the system in the best way, cleaned up the system after each use to prevent buildup, carried out repairs instantly for any issue – then the water heater could run for a longer time for you.

The next thing to consider is the size of the water heater and the meeting requirements. Do you often run out of hot water every day? This means you need a water heater that matches your daily needs, so upgrading to a larger capacity heater would be recommended.

Systems that run efficiently are the best, and that’s way you can check the R-value of the water heater and know the insulation level. If there is any efficiency problem, then you can check it with the Toronto HVAC experts and know what the recommended way is out.

Hope you all enjoyed reading this blog and now have a better idea on when to replace or repair a Water Heater! Thank you for reading!

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