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Is It Worth Repairing A Water Heater?

water heater repair
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Although the water heater is usually out of sight, its contribution to creating a comfortable home is invaluable, so it should be kept in tip-top shape. If you suspect that your water heater needs attention, a water heater repair may be necessary.

At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric, we have the technical expertise to identify the common causes of water heater damage — such as sediment buildup, corrosion, and general wear and tear — and the experience to provide effective repair.

In this post, we’ll share our knowledge of the signs that your water heater needs to be repaired, the benefits of repairing it, and guidelines on when to replace it.

water heater repair

Signs That You Need To Repair Your Water Heater

Have you noticed that your morning shower refuses to warm up? Your water heater starts popping or banging whenever it gets going? These are just two of several signs your water heater needs repairing.

Leaks

If you notice water pooling around the base of your water heater or dripping from the tank, then it’s time to call in the professionals. Leaks occur for several reasons, from faulty pressure relief valves and corroded materials to loose connections. Even minor leaks can lead to severe damage if left unattended. The sooner you address these leaks, the less costly the damage will be.

Insufficient Hot Water

When a water heater’s heating elements start deteriorating, it will impact your access to hot water. Sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank and a malfunctioning thermostat can also cause your water heater to lose efficiency.

Strange Noises

While water heaters are not completely silent, they typically make a gentle hum or low-level noise when heating water. If you hear unconventional popping, banging, or rumbling sounds, it’s a clear sign that your water heater needs repair.

Rusty Water

Discoloration is typically caused by corrosion inside the tank or the pipes. As the metal rusts, it contaminates the water supply, leading to metallic-tasting water and stains on household items. Over time, the impact worsens, and corrosion can lead to tank failure.

water heater repair

Different Parts Of The Water Heater

Different parts of the water heater may deteriorate or shut down. Rather than replacing the entire water heater, which can be costly, our professional team can assess which part of the apparatus is faulty and repair it efficiently.

Some of the most common parts of the water heater that may need repair include:

  • Heating elements or burner assembly that warms the water
  • The thermostat, which regulates the water temperature
  • Anode rod which prevents tank corrosion
  • pressure relief valve prevents excessive pressure buildup
  • Dip tubes that direct cold water to the bottom of the tank
  • Gaskets and fittings, which prevent leaks at connection points

Benefits Of Repairing Your Water Heater

The benefits of repairing your water heater move beyond having consistently warm, clean showers to include the following:

  • Save money by fixing a minor issue before it becomes more serious
  • Extend the lifespan of your water heater
  • Reduce energy consumption and improve the heater’s efficiency by ensuring optimal performance
  • Prevent inconsistent hot water supply
  • Prevent further damage from escalating
  • Reduce waste and the environmental impact of disposing of a unit that can be fixed
  • Maintain the warranty on your water heater

Water Heater Repair Vs. Replacement

There may be instances when a water heater replacement is necessary. However, before you make a costly decision, consider the following factors.

Age Of Water Heater

Most water heaters have a life span of 10 to 15 years, and if yours is on the older end of the spectrum, a licensed technician may recommend a replacement. Replacing an old and tired water heater could be more cost-effective than repairing it, but it’s best to get a professional’s opinion.

If the water heater has several years left to offer, it’s worth getting timely repairs to keep it functioning smoothly. Make sure that you check the warranty. Some repairs might be covered by the warranty, saving you out-of-pocket expenses. If the warranty is long past, it may be worth investing in a new, energy-efficient model.

Frequency Of Repairs

It’s always a smart choice to call our licensed technicians to check your water heater and get any problems fixed if you suspect an issue. However, there may come a time when the frequency of repairs is not worth the time, effort, and money. This is particularly true if you have an older heater that is no longer efficient.

Frequent repairs strain your budget, disrupt your daily routine, and cause frustration. Replacing the entire device may be a better, more efficient solution.

Energy Efficiency And Environmental Impact

Older water heaters are often less efficient and unnecessarily consume a lot of electricity, adding to your monthly electric bill and increasing your carbon footprint. If your water heater is draining your home budget and negatively impacting your sustainability efforts, then it may be best to replace it entirely.

By investing in a new water heater, you will benefit from long-term cost savings and make a positive contribution to the environment.

When replacing your water heater, you may want to consider a solar water heater, which boosts your efficiency and lowers energy costs even further!

Severity Of Issues

Some problems are minor and can be fixed quickly without minimal risk of future complications. For example, a broken heating element is easily identified, and fixing it is cost-effective and extends the unit’s life. However, some problems are more serious and may render the water heater beyond repair. For example, significant leaks or a cracked tank can have costly and inconvenient repercussions. In these instances, it’s better to replace the entire unit.

Our technicians have the knowledge and skill to assess the problem and make practical and cost-effective recommendations.

Repair (Or Replace) Your Water Heater With Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric

If you suspect that your water heater needs to be repaired, call us at 1-800-475-1504, and one of our licensed technicians will provide a professional assessment.

With Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric, you can trust that your team has the knowledge and experience to offer accurate and efficient advice, and the repair and replacement skills to follow up.

We have been trusted in South Florida for reliable service since 1983.

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