Water heater replacement — is there anything else that’s more frustrating? You might well be caught totally by surprise. Stepping into the shower only to learn there’s no hot water. Or, it could come slowly over time. Where intermittent signs bode badly for the future. Whatever the case, if you’re faced with water heater removal that means you have two big challenges on your hands. First, is finding a replacement without spending a fortune. Second, is what to do with the old unit. So, read on to learn more about water heater replacement.
Failure Signs to Heed
If you’re unsure whether or not your water heater is failing it helps to look for a few telltale signs. Of course, the most obvious is that it runs (you can hear it cycle on and off) but it doesn’t actually heat the water in the tank. That could point to failing or bad heating elements. Another sign a water heater is dying is that it leaks (duh). The tank’s integrity might be compromised.
The average lifespan of a water heater is between 8 and 12 years. When it comes time to replace yours, chances are, you’ll pick the same type of unit — either gas or electric. The key is picking the most efficient water heater large enough to handle your needs. An average family of four with two showers will use a 65 gallon unit, but the experts at your local home center can help you come up with the best size. --DIY Network
Strange noises — which are caused by hardening sediment — that too is a bad sign. Or, if water does heat but no longer to the desired temperature, that also means trouble. Now, if you spot any of these problems, it’s time for a replacement.
Water Heater Replacement in Englewood
Of course, water heater removal isn’t really all that difficult. But disposal is a whole other matter. That’s where you’ll face the biggest challenge because it’s not acceptable for the local trash collection. So, you’ll have to call a junk hauling service to take it away. Here’s how to start the water heater replacement process:
- Turn off the power. Whether it's powered by electricity or gas, you need to first shut off the power source before you go any further. Check to see that it's off before you proceed to avoid injury.
- Disconnect the water supply. You'll also need to disconnect the water supply, just like the power. Shut off the water supply to the unit, as well as the lines running from the unit into the house.
- Drain the tank dry. Next, you'll need to drain the tank. Use a garden hose and attach it to the drain spigot. Open the spigot and let the water drain out of the tank. (This will likely take some time.)
- Carefully pull the water heater out. Once the tank is empty, then you can begin to uninstall it by disconnecting the lines and moving it out of place. Exercise caution as the unit, even when empty, will likely be heavy and awkward.
For water heater removal in Englewood, just phone 800-433-1094 or visit AAA Rousse Services.