Hot water is something you probably take for granted. After all, it comes out of your faucets when you turn them on. But your home relies on a hot water heater, and water heaters don’t last forever. A typical water heater only has a lifespan of ten years. So when your home water heater stops working, you might wonder if it’s better to fix or repair it.
Check out this guide to learn more about water heater problems and how to handle them.
Common Home Water Heater Issues
The worst problem you can experience with a water heater is discovering you have no hot water. However, this is only one of many problems you might have.
Here is a list of some of the common hot water heater issues homeowners experience:
Water Leaks
You must address the issue if you discover water near your water heater. While a water heater might produce condensation, you shouldn’t find standing water near the device.
Water can leak out of a system for numerous reasons, but you shouldn’t ignore this problem. Unfortunately, leaking water is a problem that will only get worse.
Discolored Water
Your water heater might also produce discolored water. If your water looks discolored, you’ll need to address the issue. Therefore, contact a plumber if you notice changes in your water quality.
Discolored water might occur from hard water. This is just one issue you could have from hard water.
Water Isn’t Hot Enough
Next, you might notice that your water isn’t as hot as it should be. You can control the temperature of your water. However, your system might have issues if it suddenly stops producing water that is hot enough.
Not Enough Hot Water
It’s also a problem when a water heater produces hot water but not enough. For example, you might have hot water at the start of your shower. But you might not have enough for the whole shower.
Loud Sounds
Some homeowners hear loud sounds from their water heaters. This problem is generally the result of sediment build-up in the system, but it can also occur for other reasons.
Low Pressure
You might also know you have a problem if you suddenly have lower water pressure than usual. While this isn’t usually a sign of a water heater problem, it can affect your water heater.
Low pressure can occur from restricted pipes, which results from hard water. Hard water entering a water heater leads to sediment build-up and other issues.
Repairs Water Heaters Might Need
So what should you do when your water heater experiences one of these problems? You’ll need to call a company that offers plumbing repairs. Then, they can diagnose the problem and offer some options.
Here are some of the potential repairs your water heater might need:
Heating Element Repairs
Water heaters contain a heating element. This device heats up and then heats the water. However, heating elements can stop working.
You’ll experience problems getting hot water if this occurs. You might have some hot water but not enough, and a plumber will fix this problem by replacing the heating element.
Bad Thermostat
A water heater also has a thermostat, which regulates the temperature. A bad thermostat can cause issues with the water-heating process, so you might need to replace this part.
Water Heater Flush
A plumber can flush a water heater if it contains sediment or debris. However, too much sediment in a water heater interferes with the water-heating process.
The best way to solve this issue is by flushing the system. Flushing the system removes the sediment, leaving the tank clean.
Loose Components
When a water heater leaks, it’s likely due to a loose or bad component. For example, the bolts that hold the heating element in place might loosen, leading to leaks.
Water heaters also have gaskets. However, a worn-out gasket might lead to a water leak. Additionally, water tanks can develop holes in other areas.
Plumbers might replace these parts when performing water heater repairs.
Signs to Replace Your Water Heater
Now that you know the common issues and water heater repair services, you might still wonder whether to fix or replace it. You should ask a plumber before deciding.
The plumber will provide expert suggestions and advice, and they base their advice on several things.
First, they consider the system’s age. As mentioned, a water heater only lasts around ten years. So a plumber will determine the system’s age before offering advice.
If your system is reaching this age, replacing it is probably the best option.
Secondly, the plumber will calculate the repair costs. Plumbers can fix minor issues for relatively low costs. As a result, they might suggest repairing your system if it needs minor, inexpensive repairs.
On the flip side, they might suggest replacing it if it will cost a lot to fix. This is especially true if the system is more than six or seven years old.
One advantage of replacing a water heater is choosing an energy-efficient system. While replacing a system costs more than repairing it, you might consider the money you’ll save by improving its energy efficiency.
Another top advantage of replacement is that everything will work properly. You likely won’t have any issues for a couple of years, and the system will produce all the hot water your household needs.
Hire a Plumber in Montgomery, AL
Are you having problems with your home water heater? You can get the help you need to fix or replace it by contacting us at Clark Heating, Air Conditioning, & Plumbing.
We service the Montgomery, AL, area and offer heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and other HVAC services. You can reach us through our website or call us at 334-449-7936.
