Summer’s end in Southern California means cooler weather is near. Check your water heater before winter arrives. Cold temperatures reduce its efficiency and performance. The colder water takes longer to heat, and if your heater is in a cold area of your home, it works harder and may fail, especially if it is old. Check your water heater now and prepare it to survive the cold winter days ahead.
How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
How long you can expect a tank water heater to last can depend on factors like what brand it is, how efficient it is, and whether it is gas or electric. Cheaper, less efficient units sometimes only last for six to eight years before they give out. If you have a higher-quality gas unit, you can usually expect to get around 10 to 12 years of life out of it. Electric units tend to have the longest lifespan and will usually last for 12 to 15 years.
If your water heater is around 12 years old, we recommend replacing it as soon as you can. One reason is that it will save you money on your energy bills. Many new units are much more efficient. Older units often have problems that make them less effective.
Another concern with an old water heater is that it could start leaking at any time as a result of the inside of the tank rusting and corroding. If you see a leak in your water heater, act fast. Schedule a replacement right away, even if the leak seems small. That’s because there is a chance that the tank will end up bursting and causing serious flooding.
What Temperature Should You Set Your Water Heater at for Cold Seasons?
Some think you should raise the water heater’s temperature when it’s cold outside. They believe it keeps the water hot enough. But this isn’t necessary. A healthy working water heater keeps water hot, even if the incoming water is colder. It can handle any temperature setting without problems. By turning the temperature up, all you’re doing is forcing the water heater to do more work and increasing the amount of energy it uses. Setting the temperature higher can also shorten the lifespan of your water heater.
Generally speaking, you should always leave your water heater set to at least 120 degrees and no higher than 140 degrees. If you want to get more life out of the unit and keep your energy bills lower, 120 degrees is the best option. You never want to go any lower than that, or else the water won’t be hot enough to kill any bacteria that start growing in the tank. Any higher than 140 degrees increases the risk of scalding, especially for young children. In fact, even water that’s 140 degrees is hot enough to cause second- and third-degree burns in as little as five seconds.
The Importance of Flushing Your Water Heater Before Winter
Plumbers always recommend flushing a traditional water heater at least once a year or twice a year if your house has hard water. It’s smart to do this before cooler weather comes. It helps avoid problems and lets it run better, reducing wear and tear. The purpose of flushing a water heater is to remove all of the mineral sediment that collects inside the tank. Over time, sediment buildup can lead to issues such as a gas water heater heating at a reduced rate or you running out of hot water in a shorter period.
Gas water heaters heat from the bottom, and the heat from the burner flows straight into the water. Sediment absorbs heat, making the unit run longer to heat the water. When sediment absorbs heat, it creates hot spots at the tank’s bottom. These hot spots can weaken the steel, raising the risk of leaks or tank failure.
Sediment buildup makes your hot water run out faster. It takes up space, so the tank holds less water. Flushing the tank yearly usually prevents issues. But if you skip this for years, you’ll likely notice some problems.
Another reason annual flushing is key is that sediment can pile up in the tank. At some point, it will become too much to remove. This means you will face lower performance and efficiency until you choose to install a replacement.
Signs You Need To Have Your Water Heater Repaired or Replaced
It’s always important to watch out for issues with your hot water supply that can signal your water heater isn’t working as it should. Getting any problems fixed now helps to protect the life of the unit and avoid larger problems from arising. If your water heater is old and has problems, replace it. This way, you won’t have to wait for days without hot water while someone installs a new one.
Some things to watch for are your water not getting hot enough or being too hot. Another sign is if the water takes a long time to get hot after you run it. Also, listen for a loud knocking noise when the water heater is on. The first two issues often show that the temperature sensor or control is faulty. This can cause the unit to shut off too soon or run longer than needed.
If your water heater takes longer to reheat, it may need a flush. It could also mean there’s a problem with the gas burner or electric heating elements. A plumber can replace the burner or a failed heating element, but whether it’s worth the cost depends on the age of the unit. A knocking sound also indicates that a large amount of sediment has built up in the tank, and you need to flush it.
Prepare Your Water Heater for Winter
Let’s give your water heater a quick health check. We’ll start with the anode rod, as it sacrifices itself to stop tank rust. If it shows a considerable amount of erosion, we’ll replace it before corrosion spreads. Next, we’ll insulate the tank and hot-water pipes to hold heat longer and cut energy loss. You’ll get faster hot water at the tap and lower bills. Finally, we’ll test the temperature and pressure relief valve. It should lift with ease, produce a short hiss, and reseat without any drips. If it sticks or leaks, we’ll swap it for safety. We’ll leave everything snug, safe, and ready for winter.
Big League Plumbing is ready to help when you need any water heater services in San Pedro, CA, and other parts of the South Bay area. We repair and install both tank and tankless water heaters. This way, you’ll always have enough hot water for your needs. We offer free estimates, same-day service, and are available 24/7 for plumbing emergencies. If you’re having any problems with your water heater, give Big League Plumbing a call for prompt, dependable service.
