In New Hampshire, the first cold snap has a way of finding the weak spot in your home. For a lot of families, that weak spot is an aging water heater. It works fine all summer, then quits on a January morning when everyone needs a shower and every plumber in the area is booked.
The good news? No worries. With a little planning, you can replace your water heater on your schedule, not on the day it fails. Here’s why fall is the best time to do it.
When temperatures drop, the water coming into your home gets colder. Your water heater has to run longer and work harder to bring that water up to temperature. At the same time, your household uses
more hot water: longer showers, more laundry and holiday guests. That extra strain is often what pushes an old, worn-out unit over the edge.
Most traditional tank water heaters last about 8 to 12 years. Tankless units can last longer with proper maintenance. Hard water, sediment buildup and skipped maintenance can all shorten that lifespan.
Not sure how old yours is? Check the label on the side of the tank. The manufacture date is usually printed there or built into the serial number. If your water heater is 10 years or older, it’s time to start
planning for a replacement.
• Rusty or discolored hot water
• Rumbling, popping or banging noises from the tank, a sign of sediment buildup
• Water pooling around the base of the tank
• Hot water that runs out faster than it used to
• Energy bills creeping up with no other explanation
• Repairs that keep adding up
One of these on its own doesn’t always mean you need a new unit. Two or more, especially on an older
water heater, is your cue to call a pro.
When a water heater fails in the middle of winter, you’re dealing with more than cold showers. A leaking or burst tank can damage floors, finished basements and anything stored nearby. You may wait days for service during the busiest season, and you end up taking whatever unit is in stock instead of choosing the one that fits your home best.
Replacing your water heater proactively flips that around. You choose the right size and type, pick a day that works for you, and avoid the stress and water damage of an emergency.
A planned replacement gives you time to consider an upgrade. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand and take up less space, while traditional tanks typically cost less upfront. Not sure which is right for you? Read our guide: Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Flow Pro Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a local, family-owned company based in Manchester, NH, with over 30 years of hands-on industry experience. We install and repair water heaters for homeowners throughout the area, and we make getting a quote simple:
1. Fill out our contact form so we know who we’re talking to.
2. Briefly explain what’s going on with your water heater.
3. Attach a picture of your water heater and its label. This helps us give you an accurate quote without a visit fee.
4. Give us 24 hours. In most cases we’ll get right back to you.
Learn more about our water heater installation and repair services.
If your water heater is getting up there in age or showing any of the warning signs above, now is the time to act, before the cold weather does it for you. Call Flow Pro at 603-203-2996 or request your quote online today. We’re available 24/7.