Water Heater Repair or Replace, How to Know Which to Choose?

Water Heater Repair or Replace

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Water heater repair or replaceWe got so used to hot water heaters that we sometimes take them for granted and do not take a proper care of these appliances until something goes south. In order to have constant flow of hot water at your home, your water heater needs to function correctly at all times.

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Since the water heaters are exploited daily, they wear out over time. It’s always hard to know for sure whether you need to repair or replace your expensive appliance. On the one hand, you don’t want to spend extra money on repairs and upgrade if your water heater has served its term, but on the other hand, you wouldn’t want to spend a significant amount of money on a new unit if it is still usable. 

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Hopefully, the following key factors will help you determine whether you need to repair or replace your water heater.  

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1. Inconsistent Temperature

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Most hot water heater tanks are programmed to operate somewhere between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is adequate temperature for a lot of different activities at home from showers to dish washing. If you noticed any inconsistencies in maintaining this temperature by your water heater, check your water heater’s thermostat settings. If they fall into the mentioned temperature range, but the water is either too hot or too cold, that is a sure sign of heating element failure. In this case the replacement will be necessary.  

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2. Age of the water heater

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Conventional water heaters usually last up to 10 years and tankless water heaters can last over 20 years. Check the water heater manual or examine the unit to see when it was manufactured. 
n If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, it would be wise to replace it instead of repair – especially if the repair is expensive. It is not wise to have an old water heater undergo a major repair. 

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3. Increased water heating bills

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If you noticed that your water heater has become less energy efficient lately and as a result works longer and harder to heat water, this fact will directly contribute to higher energy bills. Therefore, if your water heater is old and worn-out and no longer produces hot water at the same level as it used to, it might be more cost-efficient to get it replaced instead of repaired4.

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4.  Leaks

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Leaks are another factor pointing out that you need to replace your old water heater. After long term service leaks are unavoidable and the most dangerous, since even a tiny hole can cause the water heater tank structural weakness and lead to ultimate tank destruction. Small leaks can often be disguised as condensation marks or splashes from an outward water source. If you discover a leak, no matter how small, call the experts from Norwalk/La Mirada Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning to inspect your water heater for internal damage or corrosion.

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Some things can go wrong with your water heater, because it contains a few moving parts. In the following cases repairing will be more reasonable and rather inexpensive.

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  • Pilot light on gas water heater flickers out
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  • Circuit breaker for an electric heater trips
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  • Burner or heating element breaks
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  • Thermostat fails
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  • Valve sticks
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When your hot water is no longer hot enough or your water heater tank sprung a leak, call our expert water heater technicians at Norwalk/La Mirada Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning. We will send a friendly, polite and experienced plumber to your home to repair or replace your gas or electric water heater. We always provide fast, affordable, reliable and expert service you and your family can trust. Contact us today for additional info.