When should I replace my Water Heater?

Monday, August 18, 2008 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

Water HeaterIf you are having plumbing issues with your water heater and it is more than 10 to 15 years old, Roto-Rooter recommend you replace it for a newer more energy-efficient model.

The cost for this plumbing repair and time it would take to rebuild the old water heater will probably be the same as replacing it with a new water heater. You also run the risk of the old unit failing within a few years.

Compare your old model to a newer more energy-efficient model. You may be able to conserve more heat and energy to eventually pay for the new water heater.

Also look into a tankless water heater. They do not store hot water and are extremely energy efficient. Learn more about tankless water heaters as provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Bookmark and Share
Bookmark and Share

Comments for When should I replace my Water Heater?

Sunday, September 7, 2008 by perry degener:
The question is how can you tell if your water heater is about to rust out? If the "raining the sediment" trick enough of a tell-tale test?
Friday, September 19, 2008 by Roto-Rooter:
Determining when a water heater will rust out is a difficult proposition. Every water heater has a sacrificial anode rod with a steel core which slows down the oxidation of metal. Since the anode rod is softer than the iron in the water heater vessel, the electrolysis breaks down the magnesium rod first. This process can be slow or fast depending on the salinity of the water and how much iron is in the water (both transfer electricity). Once the magnesium rod is down to bare metal, the oxidation begins to work on the metal shell. You can extend the life of the water heater by replacing the magnesium rod after ten years with a new thicker rod. In addition, if you semi-annually flush out the water heater, then removing the sediment on the bottom of the water heater will keep the heating surface from deteriorating as the calcium and minerals separate from the water and form an insulating layer. If an insulating layer of calcium and minerals build up on the bottom of the water heater, it has to heat the metal hotter to keep the temperature of the water constant. This weakens the metal. An average water heater with no maintenance will rust through in 15 years. This is the typicall life span of a water heater. Every water heater has the age of the water heater listed either in its model number or somewhere on the information plate on the water heater. If you know the name of the water heater, you can go to the manufacturer's website and it will tell you the age of the water heater.

Leave a comment





Captcha