Since water heaters are subject to wear and tear regardless of whether they are in use or not, preparing for the winter season involves water heater replacement as well. However, given the cost of replacement, you should know when to replace a water heater and how you could do that while saving more time, money, and resources.
Most homeowners do not like the idea of replacing the water heater every other year, and they look for water heater repair options. On occasion, however, it may be necessary to replace the part or even the entire unit.
Let’s not complicate it anymore and see what a typical lifespan of a water heater is?
How long do water heaters last?
It varies with each unit because every unit is made different in design and is installed in a separate location. However, in general, a good quality water heater’s life expectancy is between 8 to 12 years.
If there are any problems with the heater, in most cases, they are resolved with repairs. But, if the water heater is more than 6 to 8 years old and is creating issues, you may have to go for a replacement option.
During this time, there will be more reliable and efficient options available as new water heaters are being introduced in the market every other year.
How do you troubleshoot common issues with the water heater?
Before you go for the replacement, it is suggested that you make sure there are no other solutions. You can do this by troubleshooting the common issues in water heaters.
You will have either an electric water heater or a gas water heater; the most common issue we face is that it doesn’t heat up the water as much as you want it to.
For an electric heater, make sure there are no power brakes, and the thermostat settings are correct. Moreover, check for sediments in the water heater and take appropriate actions.
For a gas heater, check the gas valve and ensure the pilot light is lit on. The water heater thermocouple should be inspected, and also check thermostat settings.
Insulate hot water pipes for better results no matter if it’s an electric or a gas heater.
Rest aside, if there are any other issues, do try to repair and if it doesn’t help, go for the replacement.
It’s not necessary to replace the entire unit, but you can try replacing the affected part or the component and see if it works. As a result, you will save the cost of a complete replacement of the system.
Whatever the case is, you can prolong the life of the water heater and avoid common issues if you take care of its maintenance.
When to replace a water heater?
In cases where the maintenance or the repair won’t work, the replacement becomes necessary. It usually happens when the heater becomes old and fails to work efficiently.
It’s up to you whether you want to replace it with the same unit or you may upgrade it with the latest model available. When deciding, keep in mind the water heater cost.
If you have decided to go for a water heater replacement, do not forget to check out the installation procedure, as it will help you set up the system in the perfect manner. We have broken down the steps below just in case you want to skim through the process.
- For replacement, first, you have to take off the old unit. For that, turn off the electric supply or the gas with respect to the type of heater you have in place.
- If there is water in the heater tank, drain it out completely.
- Detach all water lines and power lines connected with the heater.
- Install a new water heater in place of your old one.
Before you begin, you must have all the required tools and materials at your disposal, or else you won’t be able to complete the task properly.
If you want, you can study the water heater diagram to better understand how the system works and supply hot water for your needs. Knowing more about it will help you keep it in good condition.
When selecting a new water heater, it is best to consider a few factors such as gallon capacity, dimensions, how much water it will heat, and as well as energy efficiency. By analyzing these points, you will make a perfect selection when it comes to water heater replacement.
Also, note that replacing the water heater is not everyone’s job, and you might not have all the tools required for it. If you feel uneasy doing it yourself, consider hiring professionals instead.
Conclusion
Maintenance and repairing are important and keep the water heater running efficiently for a long time. But there comes the point where replacement becomes the only reliable option. Given the conditions, a water heater replacement is worth it as long as it provides you with hot water.
Do check out the condition of the water heater at your home and see if there is anything that needs replacement.