One of the most critical appliances in your home is the water heater. You rely on this piece of equipment for everything from washing dishes to washing clothes to bathing yourself, so it really is an integral part of the home. It can also be an expensive one to repair and replace, so you want to make sure you’re well informed about what to watch for when it comes to water heater replacement in Grand Rapids, MN.
Luckily, there are warning signs of water heater failure you can inform yourself about, and the licensed technicians at Rapids Plumbing & Heating Inc. are ready to provide additional details as well as the repair and maintenance services you need.
Tank or no tank?
Many homeowners have traditional tank water heaters, which are certainly useful but also tend to have shorter lifespans. Water heater installation in Grand Rapids, MN is increasingly geared towards tankless water heaters, which tend to have lifespans that can be as much as double those of traditional tanks. Tank water heaters break down because of a rod on the interior that attracts all corrosive particles to it. While this saves your heater, over time that rod becomes less and less effective until eventually the sediment settles in the tank instead, leading to the corrosion and destruction of the lining of the tank.
General rule of thumb
A lot goes into figuring out how long a water heater can last, including the type, make and model of the unit, its overall quality and how well it’s been maintained by qualified professional technicians. The rule of thumb that we have our clients work with when it comes to water heater replacement in Grand Rapids, MN is that most water heaters are going to last somewhere between eight and 12 years. So, at around the 10-year mark, it makes sense that you’ll want to start looking out for any signs of distress or failure. These can start to sneak up on you in the form of strange noises or even small leaks, which are signs that something bigger might be coming down the pike, leaving you with big spills and big bills.
Watch for warning signs
As you’re considering whether water heater replacement in Grand Rapids, MN is in your forecast, there are some warning signs you can watch for to help you decide. For example, banging or rumbling noises can be signs of trouble, as can colored water (usually red or yellow)—the discoloration indicates problems with the tank if it appears only when you’re running hot water out of the tap.
When it comes to water heaters, it really pays to be able to identify these warning signs. If you can nip issues in the bud before they get out of control, you’re likely to save yourself a lot of time, money and hassle down the road. Calling a qualified technician is always a good idea if you want someone to take a closer look at the unit—reach out to Rapids Plumbing & Heating Inc. any time for an inspection and an estimate!