Should I Replace My Water Heater Before It Fails

Should I replace my water heater before it fails? If you swear by the phrase "better to be safe than sorry," you may prefer installing a new unit after a certain amount of time. Cautious homeowners can't go wrong with replacing this fixture even before issues pop up. 

Learn why it's smart to invest in a new tank before your water heater fails. This helpful guide explains all the reasons why you should count on the experts at Babe Plumbing to supply you with a high-quality tankless water heater in Minnesota. 

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

If you have a conventional tank water heater, most systems don't last longer than 15 years. You may consider replacing it around the ten-year mark, especially if the unit starts giving you problems with your hot water supply. Tankless water heaters have a slightly longer lifespan of 20 years. 

No matter which system you have in your home, you need to perform basic care and maintenance in order to get the most use out of your water heater. Failing to properly care for the unit may cause breakdowns and force you to replace the system sooner than expected. 

Water Heater Failure: Warning Signs to Watch For 

Your water heater could be on the brink of failure and you might not even know it. Look for the following warning signs that indicate it's time to get a new system:

• Discolored water flows out of the faucets
• Hearing strange noises coming from the tank
• The unit is leaking or has visible rust
• You have no hot water

Contact a plumbing professional at the first sign of water heater failure. They can let you know if the repairs or replacement is the best course of action. 

Why Should I Replace My Water Heater Before It Fails?

You might not think of replacing your water heater if there's no obvious need to. However, waiting until something goes wrong can be a huge hassle. Save yourself the frustration and let a plumber hook up a new system as a precaution. 

You Avoid Disastrous Flooding 

Every conventional water heater comes with a sacrificial anode rod. This component features aluminum, magnesium, or zinc to attract certain elements in the water and prevent the tank from rust and corrosion. You should replace the rod every few years in order to protect the tank from wear and tear. 

If you don't replace the rod and let the tank rust, it's at risk of flooding your home. Not only will you have to install a new water heater, but you could also face serious property damage due to flooding. 

You Can Research Different Options

Say you find yourself running out of hot water fairly frequently. When your unit hits the ten-year mark, you may want to think about upgrading to a larger tank to accommodate your needs. Replacing the water heater before it breaks down allows you to research your options and decide on a new model that suits you. 

Waiting until your old model breaks may force you to make an uninformed decision. Consult with experts to decide which system will serve you best. 

You Avoid Several Days Without Hot Water

Why should I replace my water heater before it fails if there are no issues with my hot water? Water heaters are fickle and can suddenly quit working even after years with no issues. When that happens, you could be without hot water for days, depending on how long it takes a plumber to remove the old unit and install a new one. 

Why settle for cold showers when you could be proactive and install a new water heater ahead of time? Planning ahead can save you the frustration of having no hot water in a pinch. 

You Can Save Money

One good way to tell if your water heater is starting to fail is to look at your utility costs. Depending on whether you use a gas or electric-powered system, your energy bills may be higher than normal because of an issue with your water heater. Replacing it before it breaks can lower your monthly bills since newer models tend to run at a higher efficiency rating. 

When selecting a new water heater, be sure to determine which size and fuel source works best for your home. You may want to switch to a different type of water heater in order to save more money. Replacing the system before it fails also saves you money repairing potential damage to your home, such as if the tank floods. 

How to Maintain Your Water Heater's Condition

Now that you know the answer to "Should I replace my water heater before it fails?" find out ways that you can prolong the life of your system. Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your water heater reaches its full life expectancy.

During a tune-up appointment, a plumber will flush the tank so that all sediment and mineral buildup is gone. Leaving sediment to accumulate in the tank can lead to water discoloration, low water pressure, and strange noises. Flushing the tank can help it produce hot water faster and make the supply safer. 

In addition, technicians will inspect all components of the system and perform minor repairs. You should schedule water heater maintenance once a year to keep your system in excellent condition. Although tankless water heaters require less maintenance than conventional ones, it's still smart to have a plumber inspect the unit and ensure it works properly. 

Contact the Water Heater Experts at Babe Plumbing

Should I replace my water heater before it fails? Is it possible to add a tankless water heater to an existing system? Our team can answer these questions and more. Give us a call whenever you have concerns about your water heater. 

Our technicians will inspect your system and conduct minor repairs. If necessary, we'll replace the unit before your water heater fails. Contact Babe Plumbing at (507) 418-8387 to request an appointment.