How Long Does A Water Heater Last?

The water heater in your Stillwater home provides a service that many homeowners take for granted until it no longer delivers that much-needed hot water. Then, suddenly, you realize that this vital piece of equipment could be reaching the end of its reliability or, at least, needs some attention from the licensed plumbers at Paul Bunyan Plumbing And Drains. So you place a call to 612-340-1444 to request an appointment. But you still have questions regarding this appliance. And the most pressing question is how long should your water heater last?

The Average Life Expectancy Of A Water Heater

Most manufacturers agree that a water heater should be reliable for eight and 12 years. But that blanket statement is only valid if the unit was installed by a licensed pro such as a plumber from Paul Bunyan Plumbing And Drains. In addition, the water heater should have received annual care and maintenance that included draining and flushing the holding tank. And it is also essential to inspect and replace the anode rod as needed to ensure the integrity of the water heater holding tank.

So if you have been seeing a licensed plumber from Paul Bunyan each year when your water heater was serviced, you can expect a decade or more of service. However, if you have no idea how to drain and flush the holding tank and have never hired a pro to handle the task for you, be prepared to replace your neglected water heater any time after its fifth birthday.

Some Common Signs Of Water Heater Woes

Most of us give little thought to our water heater unless we are forced to endure a cold shower. However, there are many issues that can arise other than the unit failing to deliver hot water to your shower and other faucets in the Hastings house. Some of the most common signs of a water heater issue include:

• Hot water contaminated with particulates, flakes, or sediment
• Hot water that has no constant temperature
• Hot water that is yellow, tan, or rust-colored
• Hot water that has a foul odor or taste

These issues hint that you need to call 612-340-1444 for professional water heater service from the licensed plumbers at Paul Bunyan Plumbing And Drains.

Other Tell-Tale Signs Of Water Heater Trouble

You might also discover a water heater issue when visually inspecting the unit or walking past it in socks or bare feet. If there is water puddling near the water heater, you need to call 612-340-1444 for a water heater inspection and potential leak repair. The good news is that if the leak is coming from a valve, drain, or piece of pipe near the water heater, the pros at Paul Bunyan Plumbing And Drains can often repair the leak for a fraction of the cost of a new water heater. However, if the water is oozing through a rusted area on the tank, the entire unit must be replaced. Unfortunately, there is no safe and professional way to patch a leaking water heater tank.