Most hot water tanks last somewhere between 8 and 12 years. Some go longer, some don't make it that far. After 55 years in the business, we've replaced thousands of them, and there are a few signs that almost always mean it's time.
If your tank is leaking from the bottom, that's usually the end of the road. A small drip from a fitting can sometimes be tightened, but if the tank itself is corroding through, a repair won't fix it. The same goes for rusty water coming from your hot taps. That rust is coming from inside the tank, and once it starts, it doesn't stop.
If you're running out of hot water faster than you used to, the tank is losing efficiency. Sediment builds up on the bottom over time, and it makes the heating element work harder. You might hear popping or rumbling sounds when the tank is heating up. That's the sediment.
When it's time for a new one, you've got two main choices: a standard electric tank or a tankless system. Tankless heaters give you endless hot water and use less energy, but they're not right for every household. A larger family with multiple bathrooms might be better off with a high-capacity tank. We'll look at your home, your water usage and your budget and tell you straight what makes sense.
If your tank is getting up in years, don't wait for it to flood your basement. Give us a call and we can take a look before it becomes an emergency.
