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Should I Repair or Replace My Water Heater?

Should I Repair or Replace My Water Heater?

When it comes to plumbing, you don't want to discover that the hot water heater is broken at three o'clock in the morning. The last thing you want to hear when you are getting your kids ready for school is that there is no hot water in the house. Mr. Rooter Plumbing can send an experienced plumber to your home to determine the problem. However, this happens rather frequently and is usually a result of a leak or clog. In addition, newer models are more energy efficient than older models (I'm sure I don't need to point this out). You may be faced with a decision of whether to get a water heater replacement or repair.

Water Heater Replacement

When it comes to hot water heaters, the decision to repair or replace them can be difficult. The cost of replacing a water heater is often less than the repair cost, but many factors determine that.

Water Heater Age

Age is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not your unit needs to be replaced. A water heater should last between 10 and 15 years before you begin experiencing problems with it. If you have an older unit repaired more than once, it may be time for a replacement.

Cost/Benefit Analysis

It's important to consider the initial cost of purchasing a new unit and how much energy the new unit will use compared to your current model. Newer models are far more energy efficient than older models, which means they will save you money on your electric bill over time. If the repairs cost 50% or more of the replacement cost, it is better to replace them. Also, upgrading with a solar water heater model makes more sense than repairing if you have solar panels.

Newer Models Are Far More Energy Efficient

Newer models are far more energy efficient than older units. They have been engineered to use less gas, which saves money and reduces greenhouse gases. The newer water heaters also have a longer life expectancy, so they will not need to be replaced soon.

Water Heater Leaks Need Replacing

If your hot water heater is leaking or has sprung a leak, then you will need to replace it. Water heaters that have leaks can cause damage to your floors and walls if left untreated. In addition, if the leak is severe enough, it could also cause a fire. A leaking water heater should be replaced immediately.

Water Heater Repair

Water heaters are one of the most common equipment in any household, yet they often get little attention until they break down. A water heater that’s not working properly can cause major issues with your plumbing and appliances, so it’s important to understand how to identify a problem and repair or replace your water heater if necessary.

Annual Flushing of the System

One way homeowners can prevent their water heaters from failing prematurely is by getting them flushed out yearly. This prevents sediment buildup in the pipes, which can lead to damage over time, and keeps your unit running smoothly without any issues.

Pressure Valve Test

A periodic pressure valve test is vital to catch potential leaks and protect against future expensive repairs.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Mr. Rooter Plumbing offers a wide range of repair services for your water heater. From replacement to maintenance, our technicians have you covered. Water heaters are essential to your home and can break down anytime. Even if you’re not experiencing any problems with your current unit, you must have an experienced technician inspect your equipment annually. During this process, we will ensure that all components are functioning properly so that when an issue does arise, we can address it as quickly as possible.

A hot water heater is one of the most overlooked appliances in the home. A system will operate fine for many years, but when one component fails, all others follow. The reason you need to get it replaced and not just repaired is that as soon as you repair one part, another part is more than likely going to fail in a short period of time. Most people don't realize this and don't want to spend money replacing their hot water heater. They don't realize that the amount of money it will take to replace your old water heater versus the cost of having multiple repairs done is a drop in the bucket compared to a replacement.