If you are having problems with your water heater, there are two questions you must ask yourself:
Do I fix my water heater in Kansas City? or Do I call a pro for water heater repair in Kansas City?
The decision should come down to multiple factors, such as the age of the water heater, the price of repairing versus replacing, and the quality of the water that is coming out of your faucets and showerheads. This article will help provide some information, from some of the best residential plumbers in Kansas City, on the typical lifespan of water heaters and should be able to assist in your decision whether to replace your unit or go with a new one.
Traditional Tank Water Heaters
According to many companies specializing in plumbing services in Kansas City, a typical tank-style water heater should last approximately eight to twelve years. The lifespan depends significantly on how long the anode rod lasts inside the tank.
The rod attracts all corrosive particles inside the tank to keep them from getting in the water. Once the rod is severely corroded, it can no longer perform this function, and the corrosive particles begin to gather at the bottom of the tank. When this happens, you know that your water heater is ready to be replaced.
What are the Signs of Water Heaters that are Almost Done?
Although twelve years is the typical lifespan of a tank water heater, plumbers that specialize in water heater repair in Kansas City say that some units can last longer, as long as they do not show signs of breaking down. Some of the most common signs of a water heater breaking down are:
- Makes Strange Noises
- Leaks
- No Longer Heating Water Sufficiently
If everything seems normal with your water heater, feel free to continue to use it, even if you know it’s getting older. Just know that it may need replaced in the very near future, so keep monitoring your water quality closely.
Tankless Water Heaters
Since tankless water heaters do not continuously store hot water, they are less susceptible to corrosion and rust. This helps improve the lifespan of the unit compared to a tank-style water heater. Many of the best residential plumbers in Kansas City say that tankless units can last up to 20 years in some cases.
Although corrosion and rust are the biggest reasons why tankless units eventually stop working properly, corrosion and rust do not develop as quickly in a tankless unit compared to a tank-style water heater. You should still continue to monitor a tankless unit just like you would a traditional water heater, especially if you know it is nearing the end of its lifespan.
If you are having problems with your water heater and are saying to yourself, “I need to fix my water heater in Kansas City,” call the pros at Mac Wilson at (816) 768-0700 or contact us online today.
