Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

The functional lifetime of most water heaters is about 10 years, according to the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. As your water heater ages, you may begin experiencing problems with the appliance. How can you tell the difference between a small issue and a large-scale problem that means the water heater must be replaced? Keep reading to discover whether repair or replacement is the best solution to your problem—and don’t forget to consult your plumber if you need more personalized information and advice.

Frequent Repairs

Is this the first time you’re calling your plumber about your water heater, or the third service request in less than a year? Frequent repairs cost money that you could be putting toward a new water heater. The older you water heater gets, the more components will wear out and require repair or replacement. If you have been racking up water heater repairs lately, you may want to consider the benefits of replacing the appliance entirely. Even minor fixes can add up in terms of money and time. A new water heater won’t require constant vigilance or repairs, and will last for many years with regular maintenance.

Leaks

There are two likely culprits when it comes to leaks in your water heater: the temperature-pressure-relief (TPR) valve and the storage tank. If you see water dripping from your water heater or often find puddles beneath or around it. Replacing a leaky TPR valve is a quick, simple, and cost-effective repair contact your local plumber for a quick visit. Alternatively, the leak could be coming from your water heater’s storage tank. If you observe water leaking from the tank, this is a sign that the entire water heater must be replaced. Leaks in the tank develop over time as minerals in your water build up on the sides of the tank, causing it to corrode. Talk to your plumber about installing a new unit and taking steps to keep it clean and maintained.

Dirty Water

Are you finding that the water coming from your home’s hot water taps appears dirty or rusty? In most cases, this problem is caused by sediment buildup inside your water heater’s tank. This can be solved by having your water heater drained to flush out any sediment that may be inside. Call Andy’s Statewide to learn more.

If you are looking for a new water heater in Michigan, call Andy’s Statewide to make sure the job is done properly. Check us out on the web to explore our water heater services throughout Ann Arbor and Detroit. You can also use our website to request a service call or contact an experienced plumber or HVAC technician about your plumbing, heating, and cooling needs.