Your water heater is an important appliance in your home. It ensures that you get nice, warm water when you are trying to take a shower, cook, and clean. You may not give the water heater a lot of thought when it is working well, but when it stops working, you are going to notice in no time. And when that happens, it is time to call in the professionals and have them come fix the water heart or decide that it is time to replace it.
If your water heater is only a few years old, then it is likely that the professional plumber will be able to come and do a few repairs and make it all better. But if it is older and has a lot of signs of wear and tear, it may be time to work with the professional to get the water heater replaced, rather than wasting money on all the repairs again and again.
But what are the signs that you should look for when it is time to decide whether to repair or replace the water heater for your home includes:
Its Age
Just like with any other appliance in your home, the older it gets, the more likely it is that you will need to replace it rather than repair it. Most of the tank water heaters that you will purchase will be good for 10 to 15 years, while a tankless water heater can go for a few more years, usually between 15 to 20. If your water heater is getting close to, or has surpassed, that lifespan, then you will probably want to invest in something new.
Leaks
If your current water heater is leaking, then it is pretty much beyond repair and you need to look into some replacements. You will know a leak is going on when there is some water pooling around the base of the water heater. You will need to call the professionals here. Some small leaks can be repaired, but if the leak has come from the actual tank, then it is time to get a replacement to keep the water nice and hot.
Rust and Corrosion
You do not want to find a lot of rust and corrosion around your water heater. This is a big sign that there is some deterioration going on with the tank and that it is going to fail you in no time. Once the tank starts to rust, it is not going to take long before it goes all the way trough and you get a leak. The best way to help with this is to do some maintenance that is necessary each year, such as flushing the tank.
Inadequate Heating
This is often one of the first signs that the water heater is no longer working. No one wants to be in the shower for just a few minutes and then have it turn ice cold on them. You want to have a nice, hot shower or bath the whole time. If the water heater is no longer able to provide the amount of hot water that you want, then this is a sign of a few internal issues, but is most likely due to a failing heating element along the way.
Strange Noises
Your water heater should be nice and quiet the whole time. If you hear any strange noises like rumbling, cracking, and popping from the water heater, then this is a sign that something is wrong with the water heater. In most cases, this is a sign that the water heater has some sediment buildup within the tank. This extra sediment can reduce the efficiency of the heater and will lead to some problems with the water heater in no time.
Higher Energy Bills
When your water heater gets older, it is going to be less efficient with the amount of energy that it needs to use to get the job done. If you notice a big increase in your energy bills, it is a sign that the water heater is no longer working that well and may die out before long. It may be time to look into some of the newer options that are more efficient and will help to lower your overall utility bill.
Frequent Repairs
And finally, there are only so many repairs that you are able to make to your water heater. If you do too many of them, then it is costing you more than the water heater is worth. You may get ahead by just purchasing a new unit instead. If you find yourself calling in the professionals often to fix the water heater and it is no longer in warranty, then it may be worth your money to invest in a new water heater and not have to deal with the repairs any longer.
Remember along the way that these signs are meant to be more of general guidelines and your individual water heater may react differently. If you are considering whether to replace or repair your water heater, then it is always a good idea to consult with a professional plumber and get them to do an inspection of the unit. They can look for signs that the water heater is on its last legs and give you recommendations on how long it will last, the best type of water heater for a replacement, and how much it will all cost.
When you have a major plumbing issue around your home, it is a good idea to look for a plumber near me to find a professional who can step in and take care of all your plumbing needs. Our team is here to answer all of your questions and come check out any problems that can show up with your plumbing around the home. No matter how big or small the issue is, we can be there to get it fixed and keep your home safe and secure. Contact our team today to see how we can help you with all of the plumbing in your home or office.
