SCHEDULE ONLINEWater Heaters: When to Repair and When to Replace?
Water heaters are one home appliance that is easy to forget, unless it stops working. Since most people enjoy taking warm showers and washing their dishes with hot water, repairing or replacing a broken water heater is a necessity. But, how do you know whether you need to replace or repair your water heater. A little knowledge about water heater repair Huntington Beach can save you significant money today and down the road. Here are some tips to help you understand when to repair and when to replace:
How Old is Your Water Heater?
One of the first clues a water heater needs more than repair is the age of the appliance. Most of them will not survive past 10 years. Today’s typical gas water heater might only last on average about seven years. An electric water heater might last an average of nine years. Of course, every water heater’s lifespan varies based on use, location, and maintenance. If you have an appliance that is older than 10 years, it might be time for water heater repair Huntington Beach, especially if there are any serious problems.
Are You Seeing Red?
After age, the next reason to replace a water heater is corrosion. Since water heaters, both gas and electric, are fabricated out of metal, they do what metal does when it comes in contact with water: they rust and corrode. The first sign of corrosion is if you notice rust-colored water coming when you use hot water. Most corrosion occurs by the valves that regulate temperature and pressure or at other joints in the appliance. Rust and corrosion cannot be repaired, so the only answer is to replace the water heater. After time, the areas of the tank that have corroded will begin to leak – which can create an entirely new level of problems.
Most people who experience rust and corrosion in their water heaters will get them repaired immediately, especially if their appliance is in the basement. Leaky water heaters in garages will not cause the same level of damage that a leaky basement water heater can cause. As always, it is best to do what works for your home and your budget.
Is Your Water Cold?
If your water is no longer heating, it is also a sign that you need more than just water heater repair Huntington Beach. In many cases, the heating element has broken or just worn out, which means that the tank needs to be replaced. If everything seem to be ok with the appliance and your water is just never quite warm enough, you might need a larger water heater to meet the demands your family is placing on it. If you have questions about this, we at Scott English Plumbing can help you make the right decision for your household needs.
Does Your Water Heater Drain?
Another issue that can lead to the need for water heater replacement is the inability for water to drain via the drain valve. Since most water does contain some sediment, it can build up in the tank, especially at the bottom. This can cause the drain valve to clog. The best way to prevent this issue is to actually flush the water tank annually. At Scott English Plumbing, we can help even with small water repair Huntington Beach issues like this. A little maintenance like this can extend the life of your water heater and stretch your home repair budget. Without an annual flush, water heater tanks can eventually develop leaks as the sediment moves around the tank.
Is the Water Heater Leaking?
Lastly, you will need more than water heater repair Huntington Beach if your water heater tank leaks. This problem often stems from something inside of the tank, rather than outside of it. Patching a water heater tank is rarely recommended, so replacement is usually the only option even if you find the source of the leak.
If you notice any problems with your water heater, the best thing to do is turn of the water and turn off the power to the water heater. Give us a call at Scott English Plumbing and we will help you resolve the problem. You can reach us at: (714) 987-9801 or 714-987-9801 or our HOA Hotline: 855-HOA-PLMR.