What areas do you service?

We service Brevard County, Melbourne, FL, and Florida’s Space Coast

What are your products and services?

General Services (Plumbing) as well as Kitchen and Bathroom services

Do you take online appointments?

No, For appointments, please call 321-795-7878

Do you offer coupons and promo codes?

First Responder, Military & Senior Discounts

When Should I Replace My Water Heater?

By Brevard's Best Plumbing | January 17, 2017 |

One of the most frequently asked questions that we get is “How do I know when it’s time to replace my water heater?”

There’s never a convenient time for your home water heater to go on the fritz. If you are like most people, you probably do not give your water heater a second thought until suddenly there’s no hot water, which then prompts you to schedule a water heater repair. Some water heater repairs can be minor and inexpensive. However, some issues might signal it is time for a replacement. Your water heater will often give you clues that it is time to replace it instead of repair it.

Old Age

As your water heater ages, the likelihood that it will break down will greatly increase. You’ll want to check your manufacturer’s warranty to confirm the life expectancy of your tank. Most tank-type water heaters will last between 8 to 10 years. With regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank and draining sediment from the tank, your tank might last a few extra years, but the replacement point for most water heaters with a tank is about 10 years. A tankless water heater has a much longer lifespan, with some having lifetime warranties.

Check for Electrical Issues

Regular water heater maintenance will extend the life of your unit. You may find that you have a faulty part such as a pressure relief valve or heating element that needs replacement. These are fairly simple repairs that will cost much less than the entire unit. It’s also always a good idea to confirm a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse isn’t the cause of your cold water.

Water Looks Rusty

While the exterior of your water heater tank can rust or show signs of corrosion, so can the interior. A telltale sign is that your hot water will look rusty coming out of the tap. Once a tank starts to rust, a water heater repair will not be possible. It is only a matter of time before the tank will start leaking. As soon as rust or corrosion is found, you should immediately replace your water heater to prevent expensive water damage if the tank leaks or bursts. Depending on the type of water your home has, you may find that the life of your water heater is cut short. Water with heavy elements or hard water may cause a bit more damage.

Tank is Leaking

If your tank is already leaking, it’s time to replace your current water heater. Water damage may have already occurred to your home and you will want to avoid additional damage to walls, floors, and ceilings.

Not Enough Hot Water

You may notice that your hot water just doesn’t seem as hot as it used to be or you suddenly have no hot water at all. A water heater repair might be needed to replace a broken thermostat or heating element. However, it may also mean that your water heater can no longer keep up with the demand for hot water in your home.

Choosing a New Water Heater

Choosing to replace your water heater instead of repairing an old water heater is often more cost-effective. Newer models are much more energy-efficient and will help you save money on your utility bills.

Most people think about showering comfortably when they consider whether it’s time to replace a water heater. There are other ways you use hot water. Your tank must be able to service your washing machine to wash a load of laundry in hot water, as well as your dishwasher, and shower. Many times people want to run a few things at once or with overlapping times. This means your tank must be properly installed as well.

It’s important to factor in labor costs, electrical wiring, updates to plumbing codes, the cost of the heater, and future utility expenses as you decide on a new water heater. Improper installation could increase your energy consumption each month.

Review Energy Star ratings to find the best options for gas water heaters and electric water heaters. To reduce costs when you replace your water heater it’s best to stick with the same type of system you have rather than switching and including additional work like laying gas lines. However, if you want to explore switching from a conventional water heater to a heat pump or tankless water heater there’s no better time than when you need to replace the unit altogether. Your fuel source for your hot water supply will impact your utility bill, so you need to take that into consideration.

For water heater repair and installation in Melbourne, FL contact Brevard’s Best Plumbing for fast, reliable service. We are licensed and insured to service and install LP gas, natural gas, electric, tankless, and hybrid water heaters. Contact us for your residential or commercial water heater needs throughout Brevard County.