As with all major home appliances and systems, your water heater doesn’t last forever, but there may be times when you can repair an issue instead of replacing the entire unit. So, how do you know whether it’s time to repair or replace your water heater? Let’s look at some factors.
When to Repair Your Water Heater
One of the first signs we look for when examining a water heater issue is whether the unit is leaking or isn’t properly heating the water. In both of these cases, we might be able to repair the unit and save you some serious cash.
If the water isn’t heating up to your desired temperature, it could be an issue with the thermostat. This is something your plumbing technician can troubleshoot. With electric water heaters, we’ll check to see if it’s getting power, flush the heater to remove sediment, and reset the thermostat. We might also replace the heating element and raise the thermostat’s settings. For gas heaters, we’ll do most of the same steps as well as clean the gas burner and thermocoupler.
Other fixable issues include:
- A leaking pressure relief valve
- Leaking pipes
- Hissing noises
Each of these requires different steps, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary for a trained plumber.
When to Replace Your Water Heater
Some issues simply can’t be resolved. Your technician may recommend a water heater replacement if:
- There’s visible corrosion, which indicates your water heater is on its last leg
- There’s rust in the water
- There are rumbling noises, which indicate your water heater is struggling to operate
- Repeat issues continue to occur
If your water heater is more than 10 years old, repairs usually don’t make good financial sense. The repairs will only get more frequent, and you could put that money toward a new water heater that won’t need repairs for years to come.
The longer you wait to replace a faulty water heater, the greater the risk of a catastrophe. Water heaters that are at the end of their life could rupture and flood your home, leaving costly damage in their paths.
We’re Here for Your Water Heater Repairs & Replacements
Whether you have a small issue to fix or it’s time for a full replacement, our experienced Plumb One plumbing team has you covered. We start every job with an inspection to determine the scope of the issue, then we’ll provide your options and suggestions so you can make an informed decision.