Should I Replace My 15 Year Old Water Heater?

So you’re asking should I replace my 15-year-old water heater and you’re also wondering just how long you should leave it before you do replace it, well, this quick guide will help you to make that decision.

Any Visible Sign’s of Deterioration

This really is a good indication as to whether it’s time to swap out your water heater for a new model.

• Water leaking from rust spots around the tank, joints, or pipe connections.
• Damp patches below the water heater tank.
• Dripping water from the joining pipework.
• Corrosion to the tank or pipework joining the tank.

When water appears to be leaking from the tank itself, or rusty and corroded pipe connections to the tank are present then this really is the time to get your 15-year-old water heater replaced.

Water Heater Producing Discoloured Water

This is an easy one to spot and shouldn’t be ignored.

Firstly check to make sure that the cold water supply to your home is running clear by running a cold water faucet, if the water is running clear then you can eliminate the water supply as being the problem that’s causing the dirty or cloudy water.

If you notice that the hot water supplied from your water heater to the hot water faucet is dark or rusty in color then this is a sure-fire indication that the inside of your water heater is starting to rust away.

Even if you try flushing out the system to get rid of any sediment build up, this won’t cure the discoloured water problem because the problem is being caused by the rust and corrosion inside the tank.

When dirty, dark, cloudy, or rusty colored water is being produced from your 15-year-old water heater then, in this case, the answer to the question of “should I replace my 15-year-old water heater?” is yes, you should, it’s time for a replacement.

If It Ain’t Broke Don’t Try to Fix It

That’s how the saying goes, but should we really be thinking like that. Sure, the water heater is 15 years old and never had a problem as long as you can remember.

You’ve never had it serviced or done any kind of maintenance on it ever, it looks OK and heats OK and does what it’s supposed to do, so why swap it out now?

Good question and you’re doing a great job of convincing yourself not to bother replacing the water heater. But just because it’s “always worked well and still looks OK” doesn’t mean that it always will.

Fifteen years for a water heater is way beyond the expected 8 to 12 years that manufacturers expect their water heaters to last, that’s why you’d be lucky to get a 10-year warranty on a water heater.

We say, you just know that when the winter is giving all its got and you are really relying on that hot water heater, that’s when it’s gonna fail.

So get that 15-year-old water heater replaced, but do it before winter sets in, if possible swap it out in the summer when the weather is warmer so you won’t mind so much about not having some hot water for a day or so while the water heater is being replaced.

Here’s Why You Should Replace It

If you’re still wondering whether you should replace your 15-year-old water heater, there are a few things to consider. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider replacing your old water heater:

• Efficiency: Over time, water heaters can become less efficient, as they age and accumulate sediment and other deposits. This can lead to higher energy bills, as your water heater has to work harder to heat the water. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be less efficient than a newer model, and you may want to consider replacing it to save money on your energy bills.
• Performance: As water heaters age, they may become less reliable and start to have performance issues. This can include things like a lack of hot water, uneven heating, or strange noises. If your water heater is experiencing performance issues, it may be time to replace it with a newer, more reliable model.
• Safety: Water heaters can pose a safety risk if they are old or in poor condition. As water heaters age, they are more likely to develop leaks or other problems that can cause water damage or even a fire. If your water heater is more than 15 years old, it may be time to replace it to ensure the safety of your home.
• Upgrades: If you are thinking about upgrading your home, replacing your old water heater can be a good opportunity to improve your home’s energy efficiency and performance. Newer water heaters are more efficient, more reliable, and more advanced than older models, and they can provide better performance and savings for your home.
• Cost: While replacing your old water heater can be a significant investment, it can also save you money in the long term. A new water heater can be more efficient and reliable than an old one, which can save you money on your energy bills and reduce the need for costly repairs. In the long run, replacing your old water heater can be a cost-effective solution for your home.

In conclusion, there are many good reasons to replace your 15-year-old water heater. It can be more efficient, more reliable, and safer than an old water heater, and it can save you money and improve the performance of your home. If you are thinking about replacing your old water heater, it may be a good idea to consider the benefits of a newer, more advanced model.