Your water heater is the unsung hero of your home. You might not think about it much, until it stops working, but it’s there for you every time you take a shower or wash dishes. While you can sometimes make minor repairs to extend its life, it’s inevitable that the water heater will eventually need replacing. The best way to avoid a water heater emergency is to plan ahead. That’s why United Plumbing recommends a replacement every 8 years.

How Do You Know When It’s Time?

If your water heater is leaking, making strange sounds or taking a long time to produce hot water, it may be time to replace it. Likewise, if you have to constantly run the water hose to drain the tank to prevent it from overflowing.

Other telltale signs are a corroded metal tank or an overworked heating element. The latter is a sign that the anode rod needs to be replaced. It’s a small metal rod that scavenges the sediment from the bottom of the tank to protect it from corrosion.

Choosing the right size of new water heater is also crucial. The first hour rating (FHR) on the tank will give you a realistic estimate of how many gallons of hot water it can produce in an hour. The FHR will help you choose a size that matches the demands of your household and saves energy.

There are two types of water heaters: tank and tankless. Tank-type water heater replacement Beaverton have a large, insulated storage tank that holds hot water until it’s needed. The tank is heated by gas burners below the tank or electric elements suspended inside the tank. An adjustable thermostat regulates the temperature and a pressure-relief valve prevents an excessive build-up of pressure in the tank.

Water from your faucets enters the bottom of the tank and is heated by the heating elements or the gas flame. As it heats, the water rises to the top of the tank. A dip tube then carries the colder, less-hot water back to the bottom of the tank to be reheated.

If the dip tube becomes worn out or leaks, cool water will mix with the hot water and the result is lower overall water temperature. Replacing the dip tube is typically a fairly easy DIY project for homeowners who are comfortable with using basic tools and following directions. However, if the water heater is located in a difficult-to-reach place, a professional plumber will need to handle the installation. If you decide to go with a professional, it’s important to understand the scope of work involved and any possible extra costs such as a permit for changing water lines or gas connections. Local plumbing codes vary by region, so call your local plumbing inspector to find out if a permit is necessary. Some installers will handle obtaining the permit for you and include it in the final cost. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for a permit on your own.