At Duran & Sons Universal Plumbing & Rooter, we know that water heater tanks can fail at any given moment and cause a flood in your home. Whether you wait until an emergency occurs or are ready for a replacement, you want to find to a find a solution that will last a long time. So prior to purchasing a new water heater tank, here are some questions you should ask.
How Old Is Your Water Heater?
The initial step in purchasing a new water heater is to learn about the one you currently have. Begin by looking at the stickers on it that say when the tank was installed. Standard tank water heaters generally last 8-10 years. As the tank ages, buildup of minerals and sediment within develops. Despite the manufacturers’ recommendation to drain and clear this sediment every year, many homeowners don’t do so. This causes sediment to reduce the water availability in the tank, thus eroding the component parts and eventually lead to rust.
What Kind Of Water Heater Do I Have?
The next step is to determine is the type. The three most common water heaters are natural gas tank water heater, electric tank water heater and tankless water heater. Uncertain about what kind you possess? If there is a vent pipe which goes up from the water heater and either exits the house above or on an angle, then it’s a gas water heater.
What’s The Size?
Standard tank water heaters come in various sizes, from the typical 40 and 50 galloon up to 75 and higher. The size will be marked on your tank.
Am I Satisfied With My Hot Water?
Let’s say you currently have a 40 gallon natural gas water heater and you end up replacing it with an identical one, however, the hot showers proved to be too short. If you are looking for an endless of hot water, then the best solution is to install a tankless water heater, which also saves over 40% annually on your water heating bill. Another additional benefit is that they can last 15-20 years, which is five to 10 years longer than your average gas or electric water heater tank.
For more information about water heater systems or other plumbing tips, be sure to contact our San Fernando Valley plumbers at Duran & Sons Universal Plumbing & Rooter. We are available 24/7!