Should I Replace My Water Heater or Just Repair It?

​Do you have problems with your water heater? Is it not producing efficient heat or are there spills and leaks? Then, you may be curious to know whether it is better to repair or replace your water heater.

A water heater has a service life expectancy of eight to twelve years according to a regular manufacturer's guide. This service life is dependent on the age of the device, the design of the unit, the quality of installation, the proper maintenance, and the water quality.

In this blog, we’ll run you through the best tips to make a well-informed decision about your water heater problems. Read on.

Factors To Consider 
If the age of your water heater is ten years old or more, has leaks around the tank's base or operates irregularly, it's clearly time for a water heater replacement. You could also decide to upgrade to a better energy-efficient model to reduce your energy costs.

However, when the problems are minor, it’s best to contact a plumbing company or a water heater company for your water heater repair or leak repair, whatever the case may be. Learn more about the factors to consider in the next section.

Water Heating Costs
Have you ever noticed how you have to keep turning the shower dial to achieve the same temperature?  This implies your device is becoming less energy efficient and struggling to achieve consistency, resulting in higher energy bills.

Plus, given that your hot water heater accounts for 14% of your energy bill, this is an issue you can't afford to overlook. Take it from us-  if your device is old and does not generate hot water at the exact level it once did, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.

Give us a call today at (559) 245-1717 for a free consultation and to arrange a same-day estimate!

Quick Check and Troubleshooting
​After taking into account the factors above, do a quick check and troubleshooting. You may do these easy steps by yourself, or if you want a more accurate result, contact a water heater company for your convenience.

Notably,  repairs and troubleshooting may be able to resolve the issues and save your current water heater. First, ensure that an issue with regard to electricity, like a tripped breaker or blown fuse, isn't the cause of the unit's failure before looking for a replacement. 

Repair Cost and Frequency
When your water heater fails, always do a cost-benefit analysis to identify whether repairing or replacing your water heater is the better option. According to the 50% rule, if your water heater repair charges 50% of what it will cost you to replace it entirely, you should replace your water heater than repair it.

Still, even if the cost of repair is equal to 50% of the cost of a brand-new water heater, you should consider the regularity of repairs and the age of your water heater. Ask these questions: Has your heater failed frequently in the last two years? Is it starting to reach the end of its service life? If this is the case, repair may be futile to your cause.

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COMMON PROBLEMS AND QUICK FIXES

The common issue with your water heater is that the water isn't as warm as you need it to be. This is typically due to a defective thermostat or heating element. When this problem happens, do these quick DIY fixes:

Check the power supply and reboot the thermostat by restarting it.

• To remove water sediments from the tank, flush the heater.
• Wrap the insulated pipes.
• Change the thermostat or heating element.
• Increase the temperature on your device.
• Replace the water heater's thermocouple and clean the water heater gas burner.

OTHER COMMONS ISSUES AND EASY SOLUTIONS

​Hissing or crackling noises indicate that sediment has accumulated in your tank. When there’s a huge accumulation of sediments, do the following quick DIY remedies:

• Drain or flush the water tank until it is clear. 
• Remove the elements and soak them in a pan of cleaning solution for an hour before scraping off the scale.
• Tighten the fittings on your leaking water pipes. If that fails, turn off the water flow and have the fittings replaced.

NOTE: These solutions don’t guarantee that your water heater will function back normally. It’s best to contact a water service for this need to avoid further damage.

GAS OR ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS MAINTENANCE

Whether you decide to repair or replace your water heater, it’s best to discuss how to maintain and help prolong your heater’s life- brand new or newly repaired.

1. Drain your gas or electric water heater at least twice a year to remove any accumulated sediment causing corrosion. This method improves efficiency as well.
2. Clean out your tank after draining the water heater.
3. Lift the valve's handle and let it snap back to check the pressure relief valve. This step should cause a burst of water to be released into the drainpipe. If it doesn't, replace the valve.
4. When you leave town, set it to vacation mode.
5. Check the water heater's anode rod on a regular basis, as it is an important component of the device.
6. It is also important to reduce the thermostat temperature from time to time. This method reduces tank damage caused by overheating.
7. For more seamless upkeep, contact a professional water heater service maintenance team. If you’re around Visalia, Tulare County, we offer our water heater services to you. We are the best in the area since 1990!

THE BOTTOMLINE: CONSIDER ALL THE FACTORS

In making a decision whether to replace or repair your water heater, consider its age, service life expectancy, the weight of its damage or leaks, the costs of repair, and the regularity of repairs.
 
While upgrading can be expensive upfront, it is even more pointless to continue investing in a water heater repair when the device becomes heavily defective. If your device has reached the end of its useful life, is less efficient, and is frequently requiring costly repairs, it's time to replace it.

GET PROFESSIONAL HELP

​Do you need assistance deciding what water heater to purchase? Do you wonder what works best between a gas water heater and an electric one? Or did you make the decision to replace it? 

Contact us today and we’ll help you decide through our assessment. We provide water heater services from water heater installation to water heater repairs around Visalia, Tulare County, California, and nearby areas. We also offer a free quote!

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FAQs

DO I NEED TO BE HOME DURING THE ESTIMATE OR TREE SERVICE?

No, you do not need to be present, however our team will just need a access to your property of course and will need to know the exact location of the tree or trees that you need service. After visiting your property, we will reach out to you to let you know that the assessment is complete and give you a clear estimate. 

We do encourage you, however, to be present during the initial assessment/estimate so we can serve your specific wants more accurately. We understand that your time is valuable. If you do prefer to be present, we are happy to work with you to secure the right time.

Call us today for a no obligation consultation. We are confident that once you compare our quality, reputation, credentials, and fair pricing, you will choose Tri-Cities Tree Service for all of your future tree care needs.

SHOULD I REMOVE MY TREE OR JUST TRIM IT?

No job is too big or small for our tree services Johnson City TN team. We have both the heavy equipment and experience to remove quantities of large trees from your property. If you prefer, however, to save the trees, then we will do everything within our power to save your tree. For example, you may have shared many precious memories under a tree by your house, however, it has grown into the dangerous electrical lines above.

​We may be able to safely trim and shape the tree so you get to keep it without the hazard of it brushing on electrical power lines. There are times, however, where a tree has go to go due to the risks it presents. Whether it's roots are destroying your property, or it is decaying and its branches are at risk of falling on your property, we can help.

Give us a call today to speak with an expert. You will get a free consultation so you know your options and confidently move forward with a decision.

CAN I JUST CUT DOWN THE TREE MYSELF?

Even for smaller trees, tree removal poses a risk that could cost you more money down the road or cause serious injury. There is a reason why tree services companies exist - tree removal is often dangerous and needs to be done properly. The hazardous risks that come along with tree removal simply may not be worth saving the extra few bucks. From electrical lines, to accidental falls, to falling branches, even the most experienced team with professional equipment still face these very real risks. 
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Still unsure? Give us a call for a free assessment. We will give you a fair estimate, and let you know your safe options so you can make the best decision for your situation. 

WHAT IS THE TREE REMOVAL PROCESS?

Not all two trees are exactly the same. Many factors such as the type, size, and health of the tree, along with weather and the conditions of the surrounding area, play a role in the overall project.

Simply put, after you give us a call,

1. You get a free consultation over the phone. 
2. Our team visits your property to give a detailed assessment and free estimate
3. We schedule the best time (you do not need to be present) and tackle the project you agree to do!

Give us a no obligation, hassle-free call today! We're happy to help and really, just talk trees!

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