We've all been there. You turn on the hot water only to be greeted with icy cold water in return.
For most, this can be as simple as not giving hot water enough time. For others, this can be the beginning of a plumbing nightmare.
If there's an issue with your water heater, you might find yourself debating on whether it should be repaired or replaced. This can be a big decision, but we're here to help you make the call.
In this article, you'll learn if you should make the repair or invest in a brand new water heater.
What Are Some Common Issues That Might Need Repairs?
There are a few minor issues that you may have with your water heater that may need repairs. Typically, they won't have too much of an impact and they're easy to fix.
Firstly, you may find yourself with a noisy water tank. If your tank is abnormally loud out of the blue, you may be dealing with a problem with the heating element.
This is an easy fix that calls for a replacement of the heating element itself. Despite being simple, it's always best to call a licensed plumber to do it safely.
Another common issue you might find is that your water isn't very hot. If this is the case, the repair usually calls for turning up the thermostat on your water heater. This should fix the problem.
What Are Some Common Issues That Might Need Replacing?
Now that you know what might call for water heater repair, here are a few issues that can indicate that you need to replace them instead.
The first is low water pressure. When your tank starts to deteriorate, it can affect the pressure that you get when turning it on.
Usually, this means that you need a new water heater.
One of the most telling signs that indicate that your water heater has done its time is that it's leaking. If this happens, then you can be sure that you need a new water heater.
If you're dealing with any of these issues, it's important to call a professional as soon as possible.
How Else Can I Tell If I Should Repair or Replace?
Determining if you need to repair or replace can be difficult. The best way to figure out which route you should go is to consider a few different things.
When trying to make a decision, keep these important facts in mind.
How Old is Your Water Heater?
The age of your water heater should always be considered when deciding what you'll do next.
The typical lifespan of a water heater is up to 12 years. If your water heater is reaching this age, it may not be worth going with a repair.
Instead, you'll save more money and time by replacing the unit. You'll avoid those dreaded plumbing nightmares, too!
If it's a newer system, it would be much more cost-effective to repair it so that it can last for many more years to come.
How Many Times Have You Needed the Repair?
If your water heater has needed many repairs for the same issue, it can be more beneficial to replace it.
These repair costs will add up over time and could end up costing you even more than what a replacement would. By replacing instead, you'd have a fully functional water heater that wouldn't need the constant repairs.
In this case, the replacement might be worth it for you.
Is Your Unit Energy-Efficient?
Did you know that replacing your water heater can save you money? The energy efficiency of your unit can make a big difference in your utility bills.
If you're noticing a significant increase in your bills, aside from a hidden leak, your water heater could be the cause of it. Sometimes, the best way to combat this is to replace the entire unit with a new one.
Your old unit may draw too much power, adding to your bills each month. A new one will be much more energy-efficient and it will save you more money.
Do You Still Have a Warranty?
Warranties can be very helpful to you if your water heater needs repairs. If you're still under warranty with the manufacturer, it's much more beneficial to get it repaired.
If you're not covered, you'll want to consider the points we mentioned above. This can help you to make the decision on what is best for your situation.
What Type of Repairs Do You Need to Make?
Some repairs can be heftier than others. When considering repairing or replacement, you should always consider the price as well.
If a repair costs a little too much, then it may not be worth it in the long run. When repairs run you almost as much as a brand new water heater, then it can be better to do a replacement instead.
You'll benefit from having a new unit that will be much less likely to break and save you money and time later on.
How Can I Avoid a Plumbing Nightmare in The Future?
Plumbing nightmares can get the best of anyone, even those who take the utmost care of their equipment. Despite this, it is still possible to lower the chances of these issues occurring.
One of the best ways to do this is by making a maintenance plan. This will allow you to keep your water heater in top shape so that it's less likely to have problems.
With regular cleaning and maintenance, these plumbing nightmares will be a thing of the past.
SOS: My Water Heater Needs Repairs or Replacing
When a plumbing nightmare strikes it can be tough to deal with. But with this knowledge, you're prepared to decide when the plumber asks you the question: "Do you want me to repair it, or replace it?"
At Mr. Rooter, we're proud to serve you in the Austin area. You can call us anytime a plumbing nightmare strikes.
If you're looking for service, get a free estimate from us today!