Hot Water Heater: How can you tell when it is time to replace yours?

We install many new hot water heaters each year – all over Minneapolis/St. Paul, from Maple Grove to Edina. So we wanted to share with you a few ways to tell that it is time to replace your old hot water heater.

1. Age. It is wise to look at how long your hot water heater has been working. The life expectancy of a gas hot water heater is approximately 8 – 12 years, while the life expectancy of an electric model is 10 – 15 years. Lastly, tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of about 20 years.

2. Flooded area around the water heater. At the end of the water heaters life you will find a growing puddle of water around it. This is a pretty clear sign that it is time to replace it.

3. Water is not as hot or you run out of hot water quickly. You will notice that your hot water is not lasting as long as it used to when the hot water heater was functioning correctly.

The reasons listed above are all basis for calling a plumber to discuss the possibility of needing a new hot water heater.  Call us here at Nowthen Plumbing and we will help you figure out your replacement needs – such as what size and style will accommodate your lifestyle.

The first thing we will discuss is how much hot water you use on a daily basis, especially during those peak hours. Next we will look at what type of hot water heater fits your needs. Most often it is best to stick with what you have installed already.

Although we are very quick at installing new hot water heaters it is wise not to wait until the last minute to replace it, unless you don’t mind cold water of course.