How To Decide Between Water Heater Repair Or Replacement | Harvey, LA
Water heaters are an essential part of your home’s plumbing system. They avail hot water for bathing, cleaning, and doing laundry. However, when your water heater starts to malfunction, it can be a nuisance and cause stress in your day-to-day life. If your water heater has issues, it may be time to consider a repair or replacement. In this guide, we will discuss the signs that indicate it’s time for a water heater repair or replacement for your Harvey, LA home.
bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans has been providing water heater repair and replacement services to homeowners in Harvey, LA. Our water heater repair technicians are backed by years of experience and are highly trained to diagnose and repair almost any issue related to your water heater. We are also licensed and insured to ensure your project is completed safely and to the highest standard.
Common Water Heater Issues
Water heaters can have a variety of problems that may call for repair or replacement. Some common issues with water heaters include:
1. No Hot Water
A lack of hot water is one of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with your water heater. You turn on the hot water tap, and there is only cold or lukewarm water coming out, or your shower was warm and quickly turned cold despite you being the first to use hot water that day. A lack of hot water or water that turns cold suddenly could be due to the following issues:
Thermostat settings: Your water heater may not produce enough hot water because the thermostat is not set to the right temperature. If you were recently working around the thermostat, you might have accidentally changed the settings or moved into a new house where the thermostat setting was too low. This is an easy fix; change the thermostat to the desired temperature. Ideally, a water heater thermostat should be set to 120°F degrees. After adjusting your thermostat, allow the water heater to heat for about an hour and check for hot water.
Heating element: If your thermostat is set right and there is still no hot water, you may have a faulty heating element. With an electric water tank, the heating element (a coil inside the tank) is responsible for heating the water. Sometimes it can burn out or malfunction, causing your hot water to be cold. On the other hand, a gas-powered water heater relies on a pilot light that ignites the burner to heat the water. If there is no flame, it could be because the pilot light is not working. You can call a professional water heater repair to diagnose and fix that problem.
Tank size: If your tank is too small for the household, it may fail to deliver enough hot water to run the dishwasher, do a load of laundry, and take a shower. It is critical to note that choosing the appropriate size water heater for your property is based on the amount of water usage and the number of people in your home. If you note that your unit can’t keep up with the demand, it may be time to upgrade to a larger tank with a higher capacity.
2. Strange Noises from the Tank
Water heaters are generally quiet and should not make much noise. However, if you notice loud or strange noises from your tank, this could signify a problem that requires water heater repair service. Some weird noises you may hear from your unit include knocking, rumbling, or clanging. These sounds are caused by sediment build-up inside the tank, preventing the water heater from running efficiently.
Over time, minerals and sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. And if your home is in a region with abnormally hard water, this issue can form much faster. These build-ups can corrode the tank, reduce the amount of hot water in your home, and cause strange noises. If you hear strange noises from the tank, call a water heater repair pro to inspect and flush the tank.
3. The Water Heater is Leaking
A leaking water heater can be a sign of a big problem and shouldn’t be ignored. The unit typically comprises components such as an inlet and outlet pipe, temperature relief valve, drain valve, and tank. If any of these components are loose or faulty, they can cause the water heater to leak. It may also start leaking due to corrosion, especially if the tank has been around for years. A leaking water heater requires professional attention to diagnose and fix the issue. An experienced water heater repair pro can inspect the tank, determine the source of the leak, and make any necessary repairs.
When to Replace Your Water Heater
Sometimes, a water heater repair won’t be enough to fix the problem, and a replacement might be necessary. You should consider buying a new unit if it’s more than ten years old, or the repair will cost more than half the value of a new water heater. Water heaters have an average lifespan of 8-12 years, so if your water heater is nearing the end of its useful life, you should consider replacing it.
Additionally, replace your water heater if the size is no longer ideal for your household or if you want to upgrade to an energy-efficient model. An energy-efficient water heater will give you hot water faster and reduce your energy bills significantly.
Finally, if your water heater produces reddish-brown water, you should consider getting a replacement. The reddish-brown water is a sign of rust and corrosion, which means the unit is beyond repair and must be replaced. Not to mention, the water is not safe for consumption.
Are you in Harvey, LA, and need a water heater repair or replacement service? bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans can help. Call us today at 504-229-4848 for a free consultation and no-obligation quote.
Priority Service