How Long Should Newly Manufactured Water Heater Tanks Last?

No one enjoys turning on the shower (especially in winter) to find that their water heater tank has finally given out. How long do water heater tanks last in Umatilla County, OR? Here’s how to tell whether your water heater tank probably has a few years left, or if you need to replace it.

How long a water heater tank should last

Depending on the kind of tank—and whether it’s showing signs of wear and tear or excessive usage—you should be able to get about eight to 12 years out of a water heater tank. If you have a tank, there’s a special rod inside that’s designed to attract all corrosive particles. The rod uses electrolysis to perform this duty.

When the rod has attracted too many corrosive particles, it’s time to replace the tank (or rod, but usually it’s more economical to replace the entire thing). If you don’t, the corrosive particles will settle at the bottom of the tank and start destroying the lining. Once you notice corrosion forming inside the tank, you’ll need to replace the entire thing.

On the other hand, if you have a tankless water heater, you’ll probably get a couple decades or more out of the system. Since they don’t have to continuously maintain a hot water supply, they’re less likely to corrode quickly—however, they don’t have a rod to collect corrosive particles, and will indeed need to be replaced over time.

How to tell if it’s time to replace your tank

If you have a water heater tank, there are a few ways you can tell it’s time to replace it:

• Cold or lukewarm water: The most obvious sign is cold or lukewarm water when you need hot water the most. This usually means there’s some issue that won’t allow the water heater to heat or retain hot water.
• Rust and corrosion: Look for corrosion around your inlet/outlet connections as well as your pressure relief valves. Corrosion and rust can build up around these areas over time, which will affect how well your water heater tank can function.
• Strange noises: Strange noises are usually a death knell for any piece of machinery, and water heater tanks are no exception. This is actually a sign that hard water sediment has built up over time and the deposits are banging around the tank. As soon as you hear these noises, you need to replace your water heater.
• Pooling: If you notice water pooling around your water heater tank, that’s a sign that you need to go ahead and replace the whole thing. Water pooling indicates that there are cracks or fractures in the tank, which not only allow leaks, but can jeopardize the structural integrity of the whole tank. If you notice this occurring in your home, replace it at once.

For metal fabrication, machining and custom welding, or if you have questions about the lifespan of your water heater tank in Umatilla County, OR, call NW Metal Fabricators Inc. today.

Categorised in: Metal Fabrication

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