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Consult A Plumber When Deciding Between Water Heater Repair And Replacement | Cibolo, TX

Consult A Plumber When Deciding Between Water Heater Repair And Replacement | Cibolo, TX

Although water heaters have seen improvements over the years, their life expectancy is still approximately seven to eight years. You may consider changing your water heater early because of a variety of factors. You might want to take advantage of current water heater technology, or need to change the water heater’s size sooner rather than later to cope with increased water demand. Sometimes, you might just be fed up with how often you’re calling for a water heater repair service.

How can you tell when your water heater is due for replacement? Although it is impossible to know for sure if your system needs replacement unless it is inspected by a professional Cibolo, TX, plumber, there are some signs to look out for. You can quickly spot a problem with your heater by checking it regularly and looking out for these signs. This will help prevent any serious damage.

Sign #1: Standing Water Beneath the Tank

Leakages in water heaters don’t always occur quickly and are often not obvious. A leak can be so subtle and slow that it is barely noticeable. You might not even realize you need a water heater repair service to fix a leak. One signal you might need to book repairs is if you see water in the drain pan that hasn’t shifted in some time. The drain pan can also overflow, causing puddles of water to sit beneath your water heater.

Water leaks that start small can often grow quickly, thanks to high water pressure. Water can cause serious damage to your home if not drained effectively. You should call a plumber immediately if you begin to notice water left in the drain pan or damp patches accumulating on walls or flooring. It’s possible that you need to book a replacement tank rather than book a water heater repair service if the damage is widespread.

Sign #2: Frequent Pilot Light Issues

A gas-powered water heater will have a pilot light that requires igniting to deliver hot water effectively throughout your home. Condensation around the pilot light, dust, and debris can all cause the pilot light to extinguish prematurely or refuse to ignite. In some cases, you will need to light it manually to resolve heating issues. Frequent issues with a pilot light indicates that the heater is nearing the end of its life. In this case you may benefit from a replacement instead of continuing with water heater repair callouts.

Although manually relighting the pilot light can help you get hot water back, it will not be a permanent solution. A pilot light repair service or manual ignition may temporarily resolve the issue, but you’ll have trouble keeping hot water flowing throughout your Cibolo, TX, home unless you replace your water heater or opt for more extensive repair and maintenance services.

Sign #3: Reduced Hot Water Production

Are you noticing that your water heater tank isn’t keeping up with your demands? Are you unfortunate enough to notice water temperature drops about halfway through your morning shower? Although this could be a sign of one or more problems, it is almost always a sign that your water heater is working too hard. Overworking your water heater can result in premature water heater repair. Not only that, but your heater may burn more fuel and cost more to run, resulting in energy bill spikes.

A build-up of sediment results in a lower hot water production, as it can cause blockages in pipes and acts as an insulation barrier that makes it harder to heat water. Sediment build-up doesn’t just affect water heaters fitted with storage tanks, it also affects tankless heaters. A simple remedy is to ensure your home’s water heating system is flushed through on an annual basis.

Sign #4: Dying Heating Elements

What about if you have an electric water heater? You are just as likely to see a lack of hot water and need water heater repair at some stage during its lifecycle. A complete loss of hot water can indicate that a heating element has failed. With a dual-element water heater, you will still see some hot water. If the only element or both elements have failed, you’re left without hot water.

Broken heating elements are usually a sign that it’s time to consider replacing your water heater. While you can often repair a defective heater element, which will extend the life of your water heater, it’s a costly endeavor. If your water heater has reached six to eight years old, you might want to consider water heater replacement over water heater repair, if the most costly elements have failed.

Well-maintained water heaters will last anything up to 12 years. However, it is sometimes cheaper to replace the unit than to repair it. You have to act quickly if your water heater isn’t working as expected. If you don’t, you could end up paying for costly property damages in addition to repair fees. Continue reading to learn more about why it is important to consider replacing your water heater in autumn or winter.

Here are three reasons why you need to consider water heater replacement over water heater repair this winter:

Hotter Water: As the temperature drops, your heater will need to work harder to supply warm water to your household. This can result in a lower temperature output overall, especially if components are failing. The cost of running an older heater over winter will only increase as time goes on.

Cost Savings: Modern water heaters use less energy, which means lower monthly energy bills. Replacing a water heater will also reduce the likelihood of requiring imminent repair during the coldest months.

Longer Life Span: Modern water heaters are more eco-friendly and efficient, and they have an average lifespan that beats older models. Efficient models put less strain on their internal components during normal operation.

If you find yourself in need of water heater repair or replacement, call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio. We’re local plumbers that serve Cibolo, TX, on a 24/7 basis.

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