Is it Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

As a homeowner in Los Angeles, you have plenty of home maintenance items on your to-do list. A water heater is one of those appliances that’s out of sight… and too often, out of mind. The fact is, we depend on our water heaters for many daily household tasks. Hot water is a requirement for clean laundry and sanitizing dishes, not to mention cleaning our own bodies! No one wants a cold shower. You may wonder when the time is right to replace your water heater. We’ve got you covered with this blog!

How Long Should a Water Heater Last?

Every appliance has an approximate duration of useful life. Most water heaters last for about 10 years. If you’ve had your water heater regularly serviced, it can last much longer. 

But age is just a number, right? Unfortunately, much like vehicles, any home appliance will start degrading in performance from the very first day you use it. So even if your water heater is 20 years old and still working, it’s likely that there are some invisible costs associated with running an older water heater, such as reduced energy efficiency. 

Don’t know how old your unit is? You can find the date of manufacture on the equipment nameplate. Also on that label you’ll find the brand name and serial number, which can help identify further details about the equipment. Take a picture on your smartphone of the equipment nameplate – it’s not only helpful for your own reference, you can text it to us when scheduling service to help ensure we have all the right materials on hand.  

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Replacement

Besides the age of your water heater, there are some sure signs that it’s time to replace. 

• Rust in your water – Rust is a sign of corrosion – and that’s a problem that needs addressing immediately. If you’re seeing rust in the water coming from any of your faucets, it’s time for replacement. Call us ASAP for an estimate!
• No hot water – Does it take forever for one of your faucets to produce hot water? That’s not normal! While there are several things we can do to troubleshoot, it’s possible that your tank is too small. In this case, reach out to a water heater installation professional like Brody Pennell for recommendations on how to proceed. 
• Cloudy water – If the hot water coming from your faucets is cloudy or milky looking, that could indicate sediment build-up. Sediment gets created when your water heater heats and reheats the water in the tank. Over time, sediment can grow thick on the floor of your tank, causing inefficiency and damage to your equipment. 
• Leaks – Water pooling around the floor of the tank is an indicator of a leak. Water leaks of any kind can damage your home, but because your water heater stores lots of water, take a water heater leak seriously. Although it’s possible the leak is coming from a loose fitting or connection, you should have a professional inspect your water heater storage tank ASAP for damage.
• Rumbling noises – Water heaters operate quietly under normal conditions, so if yours is banging, rumbling, or otherwise loud, it’s time to take action. 

Water Heater Replacement Professional in Los Angeles

Water is one of the most-used resources in Los Angeles homes. And most of the time – we need water to be hot! So if your water heater is giving you any problems – from noise to cold showers – call a water heater professional to have it inspected.

In Los Angeles, homeowners trust Brody Pennell for their water heater installations. We install high-quality Bradford White water heaters, both tankless and standard storage tank styles. Call our friendly team today for a no-obligation estimate on a new water heater for your home: (310) 896-4911.