In Ottawa households, hot water is a necessity. The average household water heater receives a lot of usage by every household member several times during the day. However, even with the best maintenance, there will be a point at which the water heater needs replacing. Here are some indicators to consider when determining if it’s the right time to replace your water heater.
The Life Span of the Heater
The average life span of a water heater ranges from 8 to 10 years. A water heater gets recommended to get replaced after ten years. Still, replacing the heater might arise before or after ten years.
Some water heaters can’t last ten years. Gas heaters are an excellent illustration as they last only 6-8 years.
Are you unsure of how old that water heater in your home is? You can determine the age by looking up the date on the manufacturer’s label on the tank.
Signs of Wear
Noise
As the age of a water heater gets older, the sediment on the tank floor starts to build up and produce loud rumbling noises while the heater is getting used. The noises could indicate that the tank needs to get replaced or it needs an easy flush.
Leaking
Leaks from a heater usually result caused by the expansion and contraction of the metal within the tank as a result of hundreds of heat cycles. As the water heater approaches the end of its lifespan, the material may begin to break and form gaps that allow water to be leaking out. The leaks are an indication the time is right to change the heater.
Still, there are exceptions to the rule that leaks indicate a unit needs to get upgraded. The issue could be that the pressure of water or temperature is excessively high, incorrect fittings or connections, or the relief valve isn’t functioning correctly.
Rust
If you notice a metallic odor or rusty hue coming from your faucets, there may be rust in your pipes or water heater. Water heaters get made from steel, which is prone to rust over time. If rust has established itself on the heater, it’s no longer safe and will have to get replaced as soon as possible.
Inadequate Heating
If you notice that the hot water flowing from your faucets is not reaching the right temperature, it might be time to upgrade the water heater. With time, parts inside the tank begin to wear and break and stop working. Make sure the temperature on the thermostat is between 120 and 140°C before phoning to request a tank replacement.
A small-sized water heater could result in the water heater not being hot enough as homes expand and demands for desirable water increase. And could even outstrip the current water heater’s current capacity. If this happens, it gets recommended to replace the unit with one that can meet the requirements of your home and can solve the issue.
A damaged water heater element can be the cause of no hot water. A skilled plumber can fix the damaged part and restore hot water in only a few hours. But, if the appliance is getting close to its 8-10 year duration, it’s likely to need to be replaced.
Pros and Cons Tank Less and Traditional Water Heaters
If you’re considering installing the latest water heater in your home, here’s the scoop on the advantages and disadvantages of conventional tanks and tanks-less models of water heaters.
Traditional Water Heaters
A standard water heater is a colossal tank used to heat and store hot water for use within your home. These heaters get most frequently seen in the homes of families.
Pros
The initial costs are lower – hot tanks for water are cheaper to buy and install than tankless models.
More affordable repairs because traditional water heaters aren’t so complex, repairs to them cost less.
You will get more hot water. Hot water tanks can hold a substantial amount of hot water, so you require a particular quantity of hot water at the same time. However, after the tank empties, you’ll be waiting for hot water to replenish.
Cons
Make more space traditional hot water tanks occupy an enormous amount of space, making them impossible to fit into some smaller houses.
A shorter lifespan – hot water tanks typically last around ten years before being replaced. At the same time, tankless models last about 20 years.
Hot water gets drained. It is possible to receive more hot water at one time with a tank. However, the hot water will eventually run out, and you’ll need to wait for a time or two to replenish it. Tankless models can heat water immediately.
Tankless Water Heaters
Pros
Longer lasting Tankless water heaters typically last for 20 years when properly maintained. It is double the traditional hot water tank lasts.
Instant hot water Tankless water heaters warm the water immediately when you need it, so you don’t have to wait for its temperature to go up after taking long showers.
Lower monthly expenses Water heaters are around 22% higher efficiency than water heaters, meaning you’ll save some money each year on your monthly expenses.
Tankless heaters that are space-saving do not take up much space, making them an ideal option for homes with limited space. It is hard to find.
Cons
Will not be able to warm enough water for large-scale households. Suppose you have a more significant number of residents living in your home and are using hot water at the same time. In that case, the tankless water heater will not be capable of keeping up with it and will result in uneven temperatures.
Purchase and install. The initial price is high – tankless water heaters are more costly than traditional models of water heaters. However, because they last more than conventional heaters, the initial expense eventually covers itself.
Are you ready for a brand new water heater, or do you need repair for yours? For all your installation & repair needs, call Ottawa Plumbing Service at (613) 317-1682 or email us at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com today.
