Dealing With Water Heater Damage
A broken water heater can be a major inconvenience. Not only will you be unable to take hot showers or baths, but you may also find yourself with a large bill if the water heater needs to be replaced. Keeping that in mind, you may be wondering if you can save a little bit of time – and money – by scheduling a water heater repair. However, once a water heater has seen a little bit of damage, is it really worth having it repaired? Perhaps it would just be better to get a water heater replacement. There are many situations in which a water heater repair can still be a good idea. That is one of the big reasons we offer water heater repair in Asheville, NC as a part of our emergency plumbing repairs. So how do you know when to choose a repair and when to choose a water heater replacement?
Understanding Water Heater Lifespans
Traditional water heaters usually have a lifespan of around 8-12 years. Meanwhile, tankless water heaters can last for about 20 years. These are just averages, however – some units may last much longer, while others may succumb to problems well before they reach the end of their lifespan. When your water heater starts to show signs of wear and tear, it is a good idea to have it checked out by a professional. The lifespan of a water heater can vary depending on the quality of the unit, how often it is used, and the maintenance that is performed on it.
If you are experiencing problems with your water heater and it is within this general range of age, a water heater repair may be the best option for you unless there is some other issue with the fixture. That’s because even with the repair, it is unlikely that you are going to need to replace the water heater for several more years. This means that the water heater repair will still be the less costly option.
However, if a water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan or if it has passed the end of its lifespan, a repair likely isn’t the best solution. In this case, you probably want to work with your plumber and get a water heater replacement. That’s because even if a water heater repair is possible to get it up and running again, there are likely to be more issues with the water heater sooner rather than later. When these problems come up, you will either need to pay for more repairs or you will need to go ahead and schedule your water heater replacement.
Common Water Heater Issues
There are a wide variety of problems that can arise with water heaters. Some of these issues, like leaks, may even count as emergency plumbing repairs. Knowing the most common water heater issues is another thing that can help you determine when a water heater repair is likely to be needed. Some of those common water heater issues include:
- Leaking: One of the most common problems that people experience with their water heaters is a leak. If you have a leak in your water heater, it is important to act quickly and have the problem fixed. A leak can lead to a lot of wasted water and it can also cause damage to your home.
- Not Enough Hot Water: If you find that your water heater isn’t providing you with as much hot water as it used to, it may be time for a repair. This is especially true if you’re experiencing a sudden decrease in hot water.
- Water Is Too Hot: In some cases, the water heater may be providing water that is too hot. This can be just as big of a problem as not enough hot water.
- Making Strange Noises: If you notice that your water heater is making strange noises, it could be a sign of sediment build-up or another issue.
In addition to these things, there are also some signs that a water heater has experienced a lot of wear and tear. When you are experiencing these kinds of issues, it is far more likely that it may be time to schedule a water heater replacement.
Rusting or corrosion of the water heater is a common sign that the fixture may be beyond repair. If you see this kind of damage on the exterior of your water heater, it is a good idea to reach out for professional help to assess the problem and determine the next steps to take. Likewise, it is a good idea to pay attention to your water quality. If you experience problems such as discolored water or strange odors when you turn on your hot water, it could be a sign of rusting or corrosion inside the fixture and another indicator a replacement may be needed soon if not right away.
Proper Water Heater Maintenance
Water heaters are an essential part of any home, and they need to be properly maintained in order to function properly. One of the best ways to prolong the lifespan of a water heater is to ensure it receives regular maintenance. Maintenance for a water heater generally includes tasks such as flushing the unit
Flushing the water heater is the process of draining all of the water out of the tank and then refilling it. This helps to remove any sediment that has built up in the bottom of the tank, which is important because allowing sediment to build up in the tank can lead to a number of problems.
Even if you aren’t experiencing the immediate need for water heater repair, it can still be a good idea to reach out to a professional regularly for help with your water heater. A little bit of maintenance as well as water heater repair when needed can prevent the need for a water heater replacement for a long while.
Scheduling Your Repairs
These are just a few of the most common water heater issues that people experience. If you are having any problems with your water heater, it is always a good idea to reach out for help right away. Only a professional will be able to identify the best steps to take when you are dealing with water heater problems. For water heater repair in Asheville, NC, we can be there for you.
