Will Your Water Heater Last Through the Holidays, or Will Your Wish List Get a Bit Longer?
While there’s never truly a convenient time to replace an appliance such as a water heater, the holidays are as close as a homeowner can get. Adding a new water heater to the holiday wish list takes away the other inconvenience that comes along with replacing one, the price tag. This article will break down the different signs that homeowners need to be on the lookout for that will determine if their water heater may be reaching the end of its life. There are a few different components to look at when assessing the condition of a water heater. For example, age, storage tank condition, and water condition are some of the most critical elements to consider when addressing the state of a homeowner’s water heater.
What Is the Average Life Span of a Water Heater?
First and foremost, what is the average life expectancy of a water heater? The most common type of water heater, tank water heaters, last an average of about ten years. So if a water heater is reaching that ten-year mark or has passed it, it is definitely time to consider replacing it. Suppose a homeowner is not sure of the age of their water heater. In that case, they can find the serial number provided by the manufacturer’s sticker on the upper segment.
It should include a code that may not look like a date at first glance but can be broken down. For example, if the serial number is “B169506974,” the B represents the month (it’s the second letter in the alphabet, which means that the water heater was installed in February). The following “16” represents the year, meaning that it was installed in February of 2016. Homeowners can also go to the manufacturer’s website for more information.
What Causes a Cracked Storage Tank?
There are a few reasons a homeowner’s water heater may have a crack in its storage tank. For example, as water is heated over time, it expands, adding stress to the heater’s lining, creating a crack. Water heaters can also have a build-up of calcified minerals that sit on the bottom of the tank that can crack the glass, causing a leak. No matter the reason, a crack in the storage tank is nothing to mess around with and will most likely mean the tank needs to be replaced.
Is Rust-Colored Water a Sign of a Broken Water Heater?
Last but not least, homeowners should be on the lookout for rust-colored water. As mentioned before, sediment and calcified minerals can build up inside the tank, and traces of rust and dirt can build up as well. This can get stirred up in the water, causing rust-colored water to flow out of the tank and into the house. Rust-colored water can also be caused by old rusted piping or rusting within the tank itself.
About Zing Plumbing
Zing Plumbing is a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company local to Tuscon, Arizona. Focused on quality repairs that last, this company provides a clean and friendly service. Built on lasting relationships, Zing plumbing is in it for the long haul with their customers. Give them a call for expert water heater services in Tuscon.
