A standard water heater has an average lifespan of between 8 and 12 years. With regular maintenance, the water heater can last up to 20 years. But most water heaters don’t even make it to their tenth year because of factors that accelerate their deterioration.
These factors include a high rate of sediment buildup inside the tank (which causes it to corrode faster), problems with the TPR valve (which can lead to overheating and explosions), and failure to maintain the water heater properly or at the right time.
As Mike Dunfee Management professionals say when the cumulative cost of fixing the issues in an old water heater becomes nearly as high as the price of a new water heater, you know it is time to replace it. However, when replacing an old unit, there are mistakes you must avoid to get the most out of your new water heater.
8 common mistakes to avoid when replacing your water heater
Choosing the wrong size
The best time to review your home’s hot water needs is when you are about to replace your water heater. This period provides the perfect opportunity to check out new water heater technology and explore ways to make your hot water system more efficient. Some options you want to consider are tankless versus storage, electric versus gas water heaters, and whether you should install a single large water heater versus two or more smaller units.
Overlooking energy efficiency
Newer water heaters are significantly better at conserving energy than older models. It would be a grave error to not think of reducing your home’s energy consumption when buying a new water heater. Typically, you want to buy an Energy Star-rated water heater. These units have met the strict energy efficiency guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency. You can recoup the money spent on the new water heater with an energy-efficient water heater.
The new unit is incompatible with the existing plumbing
Your existing water pipes must have the capacity to meet the requirements of the new water heater to ensure that you have enough hot water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing. If the new water heater is incompatible with the existing plumbing, you will have more incidences of pipe leaks. Even if these incompatibilities do not result in pipe damage, they can impair the performance of your new water heater.
Ignoring local building codes
In some states, you need a building permit to install a water heater tank. But even in places where this is not a requirement, there are building codes that specify the right way to install a water heater. Failure to abide by these building codes and regulations will lead to code violations and create safety issues in your home. Many water heater emergencies in the house are due to code violations.
Skipping professional installation
There are many tasks in your home that lend themselves favorably to DIY efforts, but a water heater installation is not one of them. The reason is not just because installing a new water heater can be time-consuming. It is also because of the potential damage that unprofessional water heater installation exposes your home to. This danger includes the risk of property damage and loss of life.
Failing to consider maintenance requirements
Water heaters require maintenance; proper maintenance is the biggest factor in the overall performance of your water heater. When buying a new water heater, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the maintenance needs of the system you want to buy. If the maintenance regimen for the new water heater is too difficult, you may have to opt for one that is easier to maintain.
Ignoring warranty options
Another thing to look out for with your new water heater purchase is the warranty options for the particular system you are interested in. A new water heater doesn’t come cheap, and the cost of maintaining the unit can add up very quickly. That’s why you want to take advantage of all available warranties on labor and parts. But to do that, you first have to ensure that the warranty even exists.
Not disposing of the old water heater properly
There is a right and a wrong way to dispose of old water heaters. Water heater tanks contain hazardous chemicals that kill wildlife, damage soil, and contaminate water bodies and groundwater systems. If the water heater is disposed of correctly, the components can be recycled to prevent environmental contamination. Before you get rid of your old water heater, find out what the local laws and regulations say.
You can avoid most of these mistakes if you talk to a professional plumber before replacing your water heater. The cost of hiring a plumber is incomparable to the harm that any of these mistakes can cause you.