Unfortunately, water heaters don’t last forever. If you live in your home for many, many years, you might have to replace your water heater a couple times. At Ventura ASAP Plumbing and Rooter, we know there’s never a great time to replace your water heater. But you can plan ahead and not get taken by surprise.

Here are some tips for planning for water heater replacement.

Plan Ahead

Tank water heaters last 8-12 years. Some may last longer when they’re well maintained. Still, it’s best to start thinking about replacing your water heater about two years before the end of its predicted lifespan. This gives you time to research, save money for the purchase, and prevents surprises.

Even if you water heater isn’t showing signs of problems, it’s still a good idea to start researching your options well in advance. As water heaters age, they use more energy and this translates into higher energy bills.

Pay Attention for Problems

It’s easy to ignore potential problems because the water heater is out of sight. Most people go days or weeks without laying eyes on their water heater. Just because you don’t see your water heater everyday, you still use it multiple times throughout the day.

Staying alert for signs of a problem will help you narrow down the timeframe of when you can expect to replace the water heater. Common signs of a problem include:

Poor heating

Inconsistent heating

Rattling and popping sounds

Odors when hot water is used

Small repairs happening more frequently

Schedule Regular Water Heater Inspection Services

When was the last time you had your water heater inspected? Ideally, you should have the water heater checked once a year. During these inspections, your plumber drains the water heater, checks for bad parts, and gives you insight on your water heater’s performance.

Plumbers are pretty good at knowing when a water heater is approaching its final years. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an annual inspection. You get valuable information about the appliance and can start planning for the future.

Don’t Get Caught by Surprise

Wouldn’t it be nice to have hot water all the time and never be taken by surprise by an icy water stream? When you stay on top of water heater maintenance, you don’t have to be without hot water. You can schedule water heater replacement in Ventura on your schedule and not feel panicked or stressed.

If you have questions about your water heater, call Ventura ASAP Plumbing and Rooter today!