If you commonly experience water heater problems, one of your first thoughts may be to replace your unit. If you find yourself asking if you should repair or replace your water heater, it’s important to think about your appliance’s average lifespan, common water heater issues and the cost for a replacement.
Average Water Heater Service – Bozeman & Surrounding Areas.
The typical lifespan of a water heater is 7-9 years. However, the following factors can have a direct impact on how long your water heater lasts, including:
– Local water quality
– Maintenance schedule
– Unit make and model
– Quality of water heater installation itself
Common Water heater Problems
Gas or Power Supply Not Connected – Power and gas supply may sound like common sense, but check these things before troubleshooting your water heater. The first thing to look for on a gas water heater is for a pilot light. If your pilot light is on but the water isn’t heating, you may have a gas valve issue. Depending on the age of the unit, it may be worth investing in a new unit instead of spending money to repair a unit that has already seen its service life.
Electrical Issues – A blown fuse or tripped breaker could be why your water is no longer getting hot. Be sure to shut off the power supply before looking into water heater electrical problems. While resetting the circuit breaker or high-temperature cutoff may solve the problem initially, keep in mind that there could be a deeper issue.
Water Heater Leak – There is a big difference between a leak near your water heater and a leak from your water heater. Sometimes the piping near or the connections on your water heater can start to leak, making it seem like your tank is the culprit. The general rule of thumb is if the leak is above the water heater, piping is probably to blame. If you notice water coming from under the heater however, the tank will probably need to be replaced. Once a tank starts to leak, it is only a matter of time before of completely gives out and floods your home.
Needs Flushing – If too much sediment has built up in the water heater tank, you may need a water heater flush. An annual flush is an important part of water heater maintenance. Flushing your tank at least yearly will ensure that your water continues to be heated properly and will keep harmful and damaging sediment from building up.
Adjusting Thermostat Temperature – This method should should be used with care. Sometimes giving your thermostat a gentle nudge will dial in the temperature to your liking. Keep in mind however, that turning the thermostat past the recommended setting increases the chance of hot water related injuries.
If you have to turn your water heater far past the recommended setting to get hot water, something is generally wrong with the unit and it should be checked out by a professional. In many systems, the thermostat is your last or only line of defense against injuries related to thermal shock and scalding
Still wondering if you should repair or replace your water heater? Give Ranger Plumbing & Heating a call at (406) 586-6959.
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