Is Water Heater Repair Worth Your Time And Money? | Boerne, TX
Most people take their water heaters for granted and barely even notice their existence until that moment in which they are standing in the shower and get hit by a blast of ice-cold water. That’s when they start wondering whether it’s time to get it repaired or have it replaced.
It is highly likely that the water heater in your Boerne, TX home has been running 24/7 since the moment it was installed. This can place untold amounts of stress on it and you shouldn’t be surprised when it breaks down, especially if you haven’t been servicing it regularly.
Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your Boerne, TX home, and it’s definitely not cheap to replace it. But is water heater repair the most appropriate action to take when it starts giving you grief? Or should you just take a deep breath and spring the cash for a new one? Let’s take a look at your options.
When Is Repair Warranted?
When your home’s water heater suddenly starts acting up, the first thing that will come to your mind is finding a water heater repair professional to get it fixed. But, is water heater repair really warranted or even the right thing to do in every case? Here are some reasons why calling a repair company is the most sensible thing to do.
- If the temperature of your water fluctuates, meaning that there are times in which it comes out at the right temperature and at others it is just tepid or even cold, it could mean something is wrong, and you may have to contact a water heater repair service. An experienced professional will run a diagnostic inspection of your unit to determine what could be wrong, and then suggest the best course of action. There are several reasons for your water heater to fail, including hard water deposits, which can accumulate over time, coating the water heater’s heating elements, preventing them from performing their job correctly. Keep in mind that if the only problem is with the heating elements, your tech will only have to replace them, but if the problem is more extensive, you may prefer to replace your water heater completely.
- Your water comes out looking discolored. While your water pressure may sometimes make your tap water look hazy or cloudy, once it settles it should not have any color at all and be completely transparent. If, on the other hand, your home’s hot water comes out looking a brownish or reddish color, or you can see black or dark-colored particles floating in it, your water heater may be having problems that could result in a potential health hazard for your family. When your hot water is discolored and doesn’t clear up after letting the water run for a while, could mean your water heater’s tank has rusted. In this case, you should always contact a water heater repair specialist to decide how much damage it has sustained. This will help determine whether it can be repaired or a full replacement is warranted.
- Your hot water doesn’t last long enough. Your water heater is supposed to keep water hot for as long as you are using it. This means that if you’re in the middle of a shower and it suddenly turns cold, something could be going on, and you will have to call a repair company for a diagnosis.
- Strange noises are coming from your water heater. Under normal circumstances, your water heater may make a buzzing sound that soon starts diminishing until you can only hear a mild rumble coming from the tank. While it may seem like the tank is going to explode, this type of noise is normal and nothing is going to happen to your water heater. The problem starts when your heater starts making loud banging or popping noises, and then you should start worrying. While most times a water heater makes strange noises due to accumulated scale and mineral deposits, it also could mean something serious is brewing, so make sure to call a water heater repair specialist to verify whether the issue can be fixed or you could need a replacement heater.
- Your tank is corroded and/or leaking. When this happens, there may be no possible solution, except to replace your water heater. Even so, you should first call a reputable water heater repair company to inspect the unit and determine if it is possible to implement a temporary fix, or you need a new water heater right away. Keep in mind that water heaters only have a lifespan of an average of 10 years, so if yours has already been working for longer than that, your best bet may be to simply replace it with a new model. Otherwise, you may just end up spending more money on continuous repairs.
Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace
Once you have a diagnosis from a professional water heater repair professional, it is up to you whether you want to replace your water heater or simply have it repaired. One of the most important factors to consider when making this decision is the age of your water heater. If it’s been in service for many years and close to the end of its useful life, you are probably better off finding a new one. But, if your water heater is relatively new, it may be well worth it to attempt to repair it. Even so, regardless of whether you repair your existing water heater or opt for installing a new one, you should always make sure you provide regular maintenance to keep it working at its peak performance for a very long time.
If you are having trouble with the water heater in your Boerne, TX home and are in need of water heater repair services, don’t hesitate to give bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio a call today!
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