If you’re a homeowner, you may be wondering how much longer your water heater will last. Did it just start to make noise? Is there a leak? If so, then this blog post is for you! We’ll discuss the life expectancy of a water heater and some best practices that should be followed in order to extend its lifespan.
It’s no secret that homeowners have grown accustomed to living with old appliances. This includes their water heaters which are usually replaced after only 10-12 years on average (with some exceptions). After all, we don’t want our homes flooded with cold or hot water because of an unfortunate incident at home, like clogged pipes or faulty wiring. That said, it’s important for everyone to know more.
For example, what does your water heater actually do?
- Allows your home to use less energy
- Provides you with hot water faster
But it doesn’t stop there- your water heater does so much more!
Let’s start with the basics. The water heater’s thermostat controls the temperature of the water inside the tank. The recommended water temperature setting by most manufacturers is between 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is recommended because it’s hot enough for household use without the risk of scalding. Of course, if you have children in your home, you may want to keep it at a lower temperature. If you’re like us, let the water blaze, baby!
Here’s a helpful fact: Setting your water heater to a lower temperature will save energy and you can even turn down the temperature before you go on vacation to save energy.
PRO TIP: Look at the bottom of the tank and you’ll find a dial or knob to adjust the temperature. For an electric water heater, you’ll have to pull a protective cover off to access the dial.
Fun Facts:
- The average lifespan of a storage-tank water heater is 11 years (with proper maintenance)
- The average person uses about 64 gallons of water a day
- The average family will spend $400-$600 each year to heat their water
What kind of water heater is best for your family? When it is time for you to replace yours, think about family size, if you want hot water stored or on-demand, and the amount of energy it will take your heater to produce hot water. Lastly, what will your energy bill look like?
3 Main Types Of Water Heaters We Recommend Using:
The most popular type of water heater is the Conventional Storage Tank Water Heater. This type of heater stores heated water in its tank until you are ready to use it. You will need to clean this tank twice a year to remove mineral buildup.
The Tankless Water Heater uses coils to heat up your endless supply of hot water. This type of tank is great for large families that need “on-demand” hot water available. Cleaning this tank is a little trickier as the parts are smaller. Although there is no tank, you should still clean your tankless water heater at least once a year to remove mineral scale and avoid corrosion. Talk to your plumber about how to properly clean your tank.
A Heat Pump Water Heater is a hybrid that can help save money on electricity because it doesn’t directly generate heat. This heater is unique because it uses heat in the air and in the ground to heat the water.
What Should You Do If Your Water Heater Breaks?
Stop the Water- Locate the cold water supply pipe. This pipe leads from the main water line into the top of the water heater. When working properly, the water stops flowing when the tank is full, but because of the burst, the tank pushes the water out into the room as soon as it comes in from the pipe. Turn off the cold water supply line by twisting the valve clockwise until it cannot turn anymore. This will stop the flow of water that continues to fill the hot water heater and spill out from the burst seams.
Shut Off the Power- The electric or gas heating element can pose a new hazard to your home if it continues to run. It can stay heated long after the water has leaked from the tank. This can waste energy and in the worst-case scenario, start a fire. Locate and flip the breaker for the hot water tank in your electrical breaker box.
PRO-TIP: If the hot water heater is gas-powered, shut off the gas line leading to it, and vacate the home until the natural gas smell is completely gone. Call your gas company if you are unable to identify where the leak is coming from.
Cleanup- Take photos before you start to clean up. You will need them for your insurance claims. Remove any undamaged furniture, boxes or other salvageable items from the water-damaged area. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the standing water from the area around the tank and any carpeted areas where the water has seeped. Start your dehumidifier, if you have one, to inhibit the growth of mold.
Make an Insurance Claim
Contact your insurance agent or company to make a claim. Even if you do not think that you have suffered a loss, the insurance company will likely send out a team of restoration experts to draw the excess moisture from your walls and flooring. Do not throw away your hot water tank. The insurance adjuster will need to see it to determine the cause of the burst and whether the company will pay for damages that the burst caused.
In closing, it is safe to say that water heaters are essential to every home. Your water heater is a crucial piece of equipment in your home and it’s important to know what it does. A water heater heats up the cold tap water that you use inside or outside of your house so that you can enjoy warm showers, clean dishes, and drink hot beverages without having to cool them down with ice cubes. There are many types of different kinds of heaters out there but they all accomplish the same thing – heating up water!
We recommend researching the best brands because not every brand has been made equal. It’s also important for homeowners to be aware if their unit needs any service or maintenance before an issue arises as these tasks need done more frequently than people think about until there is an emergency situation. Don’t be that guy…
Get your water heater serviced regularly to prevent expensive disasters or repairs.