When should you replace your home’s water heater?
If you’ve bought a house second-hand, you may not be sure how old the existing water heater is, although this information may be recorded in the seller’s declaration. You may also have recently noticed anomalies in its operation. In any case, read on to find out when to replace your water heater.
To find out the date of manufacture of your water heater, simply read its label or technical data sheet. Its lifespan depends on a number of factors, but after 10 years it will no longer be functional. For example, water containing high levels of sulfur, limestone or iron (often found in artesian wells) will damage your water heater more quickly. A low-end model will also tend to rust more quickly.
The most important thing when buying a new appliance is to make sure it meets Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards, particularly as regards the quality of the tank insulation.
Only one burnt element?
Over the course of its life, your water heater may break, but it doesn’t have to be replaced. For example, if the amount of hot water available decreases: while the whole family could wash one after the other without any problem, when it’s your turn, all that’s left is lukewarm water. Another possible breakdown is when you can’t get the water hot enough. In both cases, a burnt element may be to blame, and replacing it will solve the problem.
More worrying signs
However, there are some problems that usually require a complete change of appliance:
- The water appears cloudy and has a reddish coloration.
- There’s rust at the bottom of the tank (this may be a sign of a leak)
- There are droplets on the outside walls
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Tips to ensure a long service life
If you’re planning to buy a new water heater, you should be aware that the way it’s installed could affect its years of service. Construction standards must be met for electrical and plumbing installations. Transporting it to your property could also have an impact: to prevent breakage, it must remain upright during transport. The manufacturer may even void its warranty if the unit is transported improperly, for example, flat in the box of your truck. Also, if it’s fed by a well, it’s best to drain it every year to ensure the quality of the water (no maintenance is required for a water heater connected to the aqueduct). As for gas-fired appliances, they should be purged every year, or according to the manufacturer’s manual.
