How To Decide Between Hot Water System Repairs Or Replacement

How To Decide Between Hot Water System Repairs Or Replacement

Regular use of a hot water system often results in some issues with it. People often get confused on whether to repair the loss or get a new water heater. If your heater leaks or is not heating up it is possible to fix the unit. Find out the signs with the help of expert opinion from Same Day Hot Water Service that indicate you need the hot water system repairs or replacement.

How Long Will Water Heating Equipment Last?

In the event that your heating system ceases abruptly, it can be a stressful event that can disrupt your life. With Lowe’s, you can have it fixed quickly or help in to find a replacement heater that is a bit old.

According to the manufacturer’s recommended service time, the lifespan of water heaters is 8-12 years. It varies based on the location and style that the heater is installed in, its quality of installation maintenance schedule, and the water’s quality. When your heater is older than 10 years old, has leaks around the tank’s bottom or if it is acting up irregularly it’s likely time for an upgrade. It is also possible to upgrade to an energy efficient model to reduce the cost of energy.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

One of the most frequently encountered issues that occurs with a heater is that it does not seem to be as heated as I wish the temperature to become. It is typically caused by the malfunction of a thermostat or a malfunctioning heating element. Make sure to check the following if the water temperature isn’t high enough.

Electric Water Heater

• Check that the power is turned on and then restart the thermostat.
• The heater should be flushed to remove any sediment that may be in the tank.
• Insulate the hot water pipes.
• Replace the thermostat or heating element.

Gas Water Heater

• You should be sure of the gas is plugged in and the pilot light is illuminated.
• The heater should be flushed to remove any sediment that may be in the tank.
• Cover the hot water pipes with insulation.
• Clean the burner of gas as well as change it with a thermocouple (a security instrument that turns off gas when the pilot flame is out).
• Increase the temperature setting on the thermostat.

Maintenance of Water Heaters

Water heaters today are designed to need minimal or no maintenance. However, these tips can prolong the life of your heater. Check out How to Maintain a Water Heater for additional tips for maintenance.

• The water heater should be cleaned twice every year to clear it of accumulated sediment, which is the cause of corrosion. This improves the efficiency.
• Check the pressure relief valve by raising the valve’s handle, then allow it to retract. It should then release a blast of liquid into the drainpipe overflow. If not, you can install an additional valve.
• Reduce the temperature setting on the thermostat until it is at 120 degrees F. This will reduce the damage to the tank that is caused by excessive heat.

If Replacement is Required

If you’re replacing your water heater, you could change it out with the same model of heater. But, you may want to think about upgrading to a bigger tank or tanks-free heater.

When Replacement Is Necessary

When you’re looking to purchase a heater for your water take note of these characteristics:

Gallon Capacity: 40-gallon as well as 50-gallon heaters tend to be the most popular.

Recovering Rate is the amount of gallons the heater can warm in an hour.

Dimensions: You might require a specific width and height in accordance with the place you’ll find the appliance in your house.

The Energy Efficiency Assessments: A label on the back should indicate the approximate annual cost for operating the appliance. High-efficiency models will reduce expenses and help save energy.

When you are making repairs or buying a new water heater examine the nameplate that is on the side of the unit you are currently using. There’s a wealth of information about the tank, such as its capacity, the insulation R-value, the guidelines for installation working pressure, serial number and model. If you’re using an electric water heater the nameplate should also indicate the power capacity and the voltage of heating elements.

This will serve as the foundation for your search for parts to replace or a brand fresh water heater. If you need help selecting the best water heater, go through our Water Heating Guide and then answer these questions to figure out whether or not you’d like to take on the task of installing a water heater by yourself.