Signs You Need Water Heater Replacement
Water heaters normally last between 8 and 12 years. And while nobody likes replacing them, there are signs that your water heater is ready for the junkyard.
Age: If your water heater is over 12 years old, it’s time to consider replacing it before it fails.
Rusty Water: Do you notice rust-colored water from the hot water side of your plumbing? Rusty water indicates the tank is corroding from the inside and will eventually leak.
Noise: As water heaters age, sediment accumulates on the tank’s bottom. Over time, the sediment hardens, causing rumbling or popping sounds.
Leaking Water Heater: If you notice moisture or puddles around the tank’s base, it could mean the tank is fractured, and replacement is the only option.
Inconsistent Hot Water: Have you noticed the hot water runs out sooner than before? Does the temperature fluctuate from day to day? This could be due to a failing heating element or an issue with the system.
Call our expert technicians to discuss your hot water tank installation options, or if you’re interested in replacing your tanked water heater with a tankless unit.
Electric vs. Gas Water Heaters
When you need a new water heater tank, you may wonder whether to go with gas or electric. Here’s what we think.
An electric water heater is typically cheaper to install and safer because there’s no risk of a gas leak. Also, electric water heaters last longer and require less maintenance.
However, owning an electric water heater could be more expensive over the long run because electricity costs tend to be higher than gas. They also take longer to heat water than gas systems.
A gas water heater generally costs less because gas is cheaper than electricity in most places. They heat water faster, making them ideal for larger families.
The downside of owning a gas water heater is they’re more expensive to install, especially if you need venting or gas lines. There’s also a slight risk of gas leaks.
DRIP Plumbing installs and services electric and gas water heaters, so call us to discuss your options.
Are your pipes noisy? Do they constantly drip or leak? Call and ask about our repiping service.