Water heaters, much like boilers, can survive for many years without encountering anything worse than an occasional repair need. If you make sure that your water heater receives annual maintenance to keep it in good shape, there’s no reason it shouldn’t survive for 20 years or more supplying you with a constant flow of hot water.
But nothing lasts forever, and even the best cared-for water heater will one day start to decline and eventually fail, requiring new installation. When that time arrives, get in touch with Advantage Airtech and speak to one of our specialists about our water heater services in Whitby, ON. We can help you find a new water heater that will do a superior job keeping your showers hot and your dishes clean.
What Causes Water Heaters to Wear Down?
The most common cause for an aging water heater to wear down is corrosion. Corrosion occurs wherever water and metal meet in the presence of oxygen. Water heater manufacturers design their product to resist corrosion as much as possible, and as long as you regularly replace the anode rod at the top of the tank (which prevents the oxidation in the tank that causes corrosion) you should never have to worry about water heater corrosion until late in its life cycle. Eventually, reaction with chemicals and sediment in the water will cause corrosion to develop inside the tank, and when that happens, it’s time to replace the heater with a new unit. If you have hard water in your pipes, this will probably happen sooner. (We suggest that you have a water softener installed for your home if this is the case.)
Sediment in general will cause a water heater to wear down. Sediment is any particle in the water that doesn’t dissolve. This includes minerals, sand, and dirt. A layer of sediment will start to build up in the tank. Regular tank flushing will usually eliminate this, but as the heater ages, more and more sediment will remain in the tank each time. Eventually, the sediment will start to clog valves and reduce the space in the tank until it starts overheating. Sediment will lead to a water heater producing less and less hot water.
You’ll know it’s time to replace your old water heater when you no longer receive sufficient hot water from it. With younger water heaters, repairs will usually fix the problem—but if you have a heater over 15 or 20 years old, it’s usually a sign it has worn down past the point of fixing.
Replace Your Old Water Heater With An Even Better One
Call Advantage Airtech when you are ready for a new water heater. Our technicians can recommend many advanced water heaters that they can professionally install, including tankless water heater systems. You’re certain to find the ideal water heater for your needs. When you’re in need of heating system services in Whitby, contact us today.
