If you’ve purchased a home in the last decade, and have not replaced your hot water heater, you’ll want to check it routinely to avoid possible property losses and insurance claims. Hot water heaters have a lifetime- after the age of 10 most begin to deteriorate, leading to canister leaks, which, if not remediated, will rupture and water damage floors, walls, and anything stored nearby.
First, check the serial number to determine the age of your heater. This will be on a sticker near the top of the unit. This will be a letter followed by possibly many numbers, but all you’ll need is the first letter and following two digits, i.e.: A07. This translates to January, 2007. Here’s another example: H10, or August, 2010.
Here’s what to look for:
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Rumbling when operational. This means that sediment inside the tank is building up and hardening. Over time this will cause the tank to develop leaks, at which point, unit replacement is the only option.
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Water pooled around the water heater. First check the tank fittings and connections and make sure these are not the culprit. If they are dry, it’s time to replace your water heater.
Damage from a burst water heater can range from water soaked possessions to catastrophe. The cost to replace your unit will not be cheap, but it is far cheaper than the worst outcome, so if your unit is leaking, do not delay in calling a plumber or water heater specialist. If you’d like an assessment of the condition of your home’s heating, roof, plumbing and other components, talk to us about a thorough home inspection for your complete peace of mind.
