Although the weather is warm throughout the year in Tampa, you still need hot water for washing dishes, clothes and yourself. It’s also important for cooking and other tasks that are vital to everyday life. Therefore, it’s critical that you have a functioning water heater inside of your Tampa home, and it’s also critical that you know how long it should last.
What Type of Water Heater Do You Have?
A conventional water heater that uses a tank to store water will typically last about a decade when properly cared for. The same is true of a tankless coil or indirect water heater. However, tankless systems tend to last for about 20 years, and this is also true of solar systems that use the sun’s energy to heat water.
How to Maximize a Water Heater’s Useful Life
The easiest way to increase your water heater’s useful life is to adequately maintain it. This includes getting an annual inspection and having the tank flushed every year to remove sediment and other buildup inside of the tank. It may also be possible to fix broken or defective components such as the thermostat or temperature and pressure (T&P) valve to get the most from your unit.
Signs That Your Water Heater Is About to Expire
If you have a product that uses a tank, you won’t be able to spot internal rusting or most other physical problems that cause a water heater to stop working. However, you may be able to infer the presence of rust or other issues because reddish or brown water escapes from it. You may also notice inconsistent water temperature or pressure, and you may also hear whistling or rattling noises when a faulty water heater is in operation.
In some cases, you may notice that the T&P valve is stuck, which means that heat and pressure aren’t being allowed out of the tank. Conversely, it may allow all of the water to escape, which can cause a flooding hazard as well as cause excess wear on the product.
No Water Heater Lasts Forever
It’s important to understand that no water heater is going to last forever no matter how well it was built or how well you maintained it. In some cases, replacing an older model makes sense because it allows you to buy a more efficient product. Modern water heaters also tend to be easier to operate and offer greater levels of protection against pressure and heat buildup.
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for Help Today
You can call Benjamin Franklin today to learn more about which type of water heater is best for your house. We can also repair or maintain your existing unit to ensure that you get the most for your money.