Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Inspected

The longer you live in your home, the more likely it will be that you need water heater repair & replacement. Tanked water heaters are only rated for 10 to 15 years of service before they begin experiencing problems. If your water heater is beginning to show its age, these are the signals that tell you it's time for a water heater inspection.

Water Leaks

A leaking water heater is often the first sign that your water heater needs to be inspected. Water heater tanks are made with a relatively thin skin of metal that will rust or corrode over time. The tanks must be replaced when leaks occur because the damage will continue to grow.

Discolored Hot Water

Discolored water is a side-effect of a water tank that is nearing the end of its usefulness. The coloration comes from rust, corrosion, and sediment in the tank. Discolored or odorous water from the hot water lines are definitely indicators that you have a water heater replacement in your future. 

Mold and Decay

Excessive moisture in the area will eventually cause the growth of mold and mildew. Left uncorrected, this problem will spread and may affect the health of family members. Mold is frequently a sign of a small water leak that you haven't detected, but you will need a water heater inspection to know for certain.

Water Doesn't Get Hot

When the heating element in your water heater begins to fail, the temperature of your water may be cooler, warmer, or even fluctuate from one use to another. Similarly, the element is operated by a thermostat that may get stuck or stop working altogether. Either way, lukewarm water from the hot water tap is a sign that you should have the water heater inspected.

Low Hot Water Pressure

Low water pressure in your hot water lines indicates a blockage of some sort in the hot water system. This could be related to sediment in the tank, corrosive buildup in your water lines, malfunctioning valves, or other problems. Because this problem is a symptom of a variety of issues, scheduling a home plumbing inspection is the most efficient way to address the issue.

Nobody wants to replace their water heater, but it is a necessary task for homeowners. On the other hand, water heater replacement is a great opportunity to upgrade to a tankless system that provides hot water on demand, uses less water, and has a longer span of use.

Why You Should Use a Tankless Water Heater

The debate over water heater repair & replacement sometimes misses the opportunity to upgrade to a tankless water heater. There are a few indications that it's time to replace your existing water heater, and installing a tankless system offers a handful of benefits that tanked water heaters can't provide.

Energy Savings

Energy savings is the immediate benefit of a tankless water heater. As the name implies, on-demand water heaters create hot water only when it is needed, eliminating the need for continuously heating a tank of water. Tankless systems reduce energy use by saving water, as well, because you aren't wasting water waiting for heat to arrive. In an average home, tankless water heaters can reduce energy use by as much as 36 percent, with the savings declining as usage increases.

Instant Hot Water

On-demand also means that when you turn on the valve you can usually expect hot water within a second or two. No more long waits for water that has gotten cold in your plumbing to be pushed out by water from the tank. Keep in mind, however, that families using more than about 46 gallons of hot water per day will see declining efficiency, and the distance from a tankless heater the water travels will delay delivery time.

Space Saving

Tankless systems are typically placed below a sink, in the attic, or some other place that allows tying into the existing hot water line. Since there is not a tank, the heater requires very little space and is mounted inline. And since you are eliminating that bulky tanked water heater, you are also regaining space inside the home that had been locked away since the home was born.

Longer Usefulness

Tanked water heaters are not built to last beyond about 12 to 15 years before components begin to fail or the tank itself springs a leak. Tankless systems have fewer components to malfunction and less risk of corrosion. This results in product life of around 20 years, with a much lower risk of leaks. 

Manage High Demand

If your home does use more than 46 gallons per day, has periods of higher than normal demand, or you need to get hot water to specific locations faster, tankless systems are easily expandable. Your home plumbing contractors can install tankless heaters at the locations where they are needed most. So even if you have a lot of house or persistent guests, tankless systems can keep everyone happy in the shower.

Water heater repair & replacement is a serious home investment, and should never be performed by fly-by-night contractors who may not live up to your expectations. Always verify that you are dealing with home contractors that are licensed and insured, with years of experience in tackling home renovation and upgrades.