You depend on your water heater to provide hot water without fail, and nothing is quite as frustrating as when it stops working. You’re expecting a warm stream of water but are met with a cold surprise. While you might think it’s no big deal to wait to replace a failing water heater, a proactive approach is best. You can save money, and you don’t have to endure inconsistent heating.
At Arctic Bear Plumbing, Heating, Air & Water Treatment in Vestal, NY, we specialize in providing reliable plumbing solutions. We know the inconvenience and damage that a failed water heater can cause, which is why we encourage you to replace your water heater before it completely fails—and here’s why.
Signs Your Water Heater May Be Failing
Here’s something you need to know: a water heater doesn’t stop working overnight. You often receive subtle signs that it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. The problem is that most people don’t recognize the signs or ignore them. Let’s explore a few of them.
Water Heater Age
Traditional tank water heaters last, on average, between 10 and 15 years, while tankless ones last a few years longer. If you have one that’s past this age, consider replacing it sooner rather than later. Older units have a higher risk of failure.
Rusty Water
Have you noticed rust-colored water coming from your taps when you turn on the hot water? This is a clear indication that the inside of the tank is corroding, and that happens most often from sediment buildup. Flushing the water heater could solve the problem, but it often means that the tank has begun to degrade from the inside out. A leaky water tank is just around the corner. Replacing it soon is the best way to avoid complete failure and possible water damage.
Pooling Water
Never ignore water pooling around the base of your water heater, as this signals that the tank has developed a hole. Even a small leak can quickly escalate into a catastrophic event if the base suddenly bursts.
Unusual Noises
Water heaters might make noises that sound like popping or banging when the heater runs. You hear these sounds because sediment and mineral deposits have built up at the bottom of the tank. If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, use these noises as a guide to begin the water heater replacement process.
The Risks of Waiting for Water Heater Failure
It’s normal to want to get as much time out of your water heater as possible. However, doing so puts your home at risk of costly water damage. A water heater that bursts can flood your basement or utility closet, resulting in damage to drywall, flooring, and personal belongings. Why go through the cost and frustration of dealing with home repairs and water cleanup?
Another risk of waiting to replace your water heater until it fails is being without hot water for an extended time. It takes time to buy and install a new water heater. You could go several days without hot water to bathe, wash dishes, and do laundry. Planning ahead and replacing your water heater before it fails means you can schedule the installation at your convenience.
Why Replacing Early Could Save You Money
You might assume that replacing a water heater is an unnecessary expense. However, you could save money in the long run by upgrading to a new, more energy-efficient model. Today’s water heaters come with advanced technology that allows the appliance to use less energy while heating the same amount of water. What this means for you is lower utility bills and the potential for significant savings over the unit’s lifespan.
A newer water heater is also more reliable. It also comes with a warranty, and you won’t have to worry about the expense of frequent repairs. Instead, you can have a dependable source of hot water for years to come.
Don’t wait for a water heater disaster to strike. If you’ve noticed any signs that your unit is failing or if it’s simply getting old, take action now. At Arctic Bear Plumbing, Heating, Air & Water Treatment, we provide comprehensive water heater services throughout Broome County and the Southern Tier, including water heater repair and replacement. From traditional tank models to high-efficiency tankless units, we help you find solutions to fit your budget and your home’s needs. Our team of experts handles a variety of other plumbing tasks as well.
For more information, contact Arctic Bear Plumbing, Heating, Air & Water Treatment in Vestal today!
