Replacing a hot water heater isn’t usually on a homeowner’s improvement radar. You turn the tap, you get hot water, and you don’t give it a second thought. But have you checked your hot water heater lately? Doing so can help avoid hot water heater problems.
First off, it’s important to know your hot water heater’s age. The average life span of a water heater is anywhere from eight to 12 years. Unfortunately, there is no test or telltale sign that a hot water heater needs replacing, aside from a major leak. If the water seems less hot, even though the temperature on your heater has not changed, it could be a sign of malfunction. Other signs include leakage around fittings, and corrosion on the heater itself or any of the plumbing connections. Sometimes a hot water heater can be repaired, but if it’s at least eight years old or close to it, you might just want to replace the whole unit.
Most of the major parts in hot water heaters are designed to be replaceable. But with older hot water heater problems, you face corrosion, which makes it much harder to take your water heater apart and put it back together easily. Another big plus to replacing your water heater is energy efficiency. Newer models are much better in this respect, and as you shop, you should look for an Energy Star label as well as the annual cost to operate any unit you’re considering. Both will be found on the appliance’s sticker.
One option to consider is a tankless hot water heater. For one thing, tankless hot water heaters last 20 years, much longer than their tanked counterparts. Another reason to consider a tankless hot water heater is maximum energy efficiency: tankless units are small and can be installed closer to the bath or kitchen, allowing hot water to reach those areas more quickly. While they are more expensive to buy and install, tankless systems heat the water as you need it, therefore saving the most money and energy in the long run and are a great replacement for your current water heater, making those hot water heater problems a thing of the past.
Hi and thanks for taking the time to answer my question.
I have 2 rental properties in Las Vegas and Vegas has very hard water. Over the course of 12 years, I’ve had to replace the water heaters 3 times due to rusting out. For the last 4 years I’ve been having a Plumber flush the hot water heaters twice a year, hoping to flush out all the particulates at the bottom of the heater hoping to avoid corrosion. There is so much conflicting information out there where some Plumbers say do that or NO, don’t flush. You need to install an AnoRod every 2 years at a cost of $200+.. That will get very pricey.
I did have water softeners at the locations but tenants ruin them.
So, keep flushing or install AnoRods to try to maintain these hot water heaters???
Thanks,
Diana
My gas hot water heater makes a loud piping sound when it is refilling. What would be a good remedy?
I think you mean “popping” sound. That sort of low rumble is typical or some units and is caused by expansion and contraction. Sometimes water heaters that have mineral deposits collect on the bottom of the tank from hard water have it worse. I’ve never recommended replacement based on that but you could try draining off a few gallons now and again to flush any mineral salt away.
I put in a new tank in and it has water oues out the top and bottom
my water heater smells really bad and so does the hot water that come out of it. what should i do?