When Do You Know That You Need Water Heater Repair Or Replacement? | Harvey, LA
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Local homes are incomplete without a water heater. Hot water is essential for all day-to-day activities such as cleaning, bathing, washing dishes, and more. Usually, water heaters last for years if you’ve maintained them well. But they come with a lifespan and need replacement if not functioning properly. After you see possible signs of its wear, you should get it replaced.
Just like most homeowners, you might not be aware of when to change your water heater. The following points are an indication to call for water heater repair services for replacing your heating unit.
Age of Your Water Heater
If your traditional water heater is more than ten years, you should consider replacing it. You can very easily find out the exact age of your heating unit by looking at its serial number. Replacing old heaters is beneficial as modern heaters are more energy efficient. And, it’s economical to replace your water heaters than go for frequent water heater repairs.
Rusty water coming out of your water heater signals corrosion and rust formation inside your heater. Many areas locally have hard water, which is the biggest reason for corrosion. Prolonged use of hard water in these units can lead to wearing the metal elements inside the heaters.
You can call a local water heater repair service to find if the water is coming from the heater or the pipes that supply water.
Water Leaking Out
If you see water leaking from your heater, then it’s likely a sign of its wear. Rust and constant heating can damage its internal parts. Rust leads to cracks and holes, which allows the water to seep out.
Continued heating can also expand the metals inside the tank resulting in cracks. Sometimes, loose fittings and water connections can also be a reason for water leaks, but only a repair expert can tell if it’s due to damages to your heater or leaking pipes.
You’re Not GettingEnough Hot Water
If you are experiencing inconsistent heating while bathing or doing dishes, it shows your current water heater can’t keep up with your water demands. And, you need to get it replaced.
Your local water heater repair plumber can resolve issues like incorrect thermostat settings, faulty heating elements, etc. But if they can’t fix them, you will have to replace them. If your tank capacity is not sufficient for your needs, you need to get a water heater with a bigger tank.
Loud Noises Coming From The Heater
Water heaters usually don’t make any noise. So, if you notice any strange noises coming from your heater, you should call a water heater repair plumber. A sediment buildup in your heater is the reason for the clanging or rumbling noise.
In areas like Harvey, LA, where the water hardness level is relatively high, it’s a common issue. The sediment accumulated inside your heater also affects its heating ability. Over time, it hampers the heater’s efficiency and damages its parts. This sediment bangs around the inside surface to make unusual sounds.
When replacement is the only choice, you should start looking for the options in water heaters to choose the type of water heater you need. You have three options to select from listed below.
Type of Water Heaters
Traditional Water Heater
It is the most common heater that you’ll find in most homes in Harvey, LA. It’s preferred because of its storage capacity as it can hold about 35 to 50 gallons of water. It gives a good flow rate, and you will get a consistent water temperature and a regular supply of hot water even during power outages. Almost all the water heater repair services offer traditional water heater installation.
A traditional water heater is simple to replace and has a low installation cost. But as it is bigger, it needs more space. Also, as compared to other options, its energy costs are higher. It usually lasts for about ten years, which is less than the tankless water heaters.
Tankless Water Heater
This kind of water heater is for those who have less water consumption as it can handle only a few gallons of water. The tankless heater heats the water as needed and when you use it. It is definitely energy-saving but is pricey at the same time due to its higher installation cost.
If you use about 41 gallons or less of hot water, demand water heaters would be more energy-efficient than conventional tank water heaters. However, as you use more water, the energy efficiency reduces to 8 to14%.
You’ll need to go for regular maintenance from a water heater repair service, but it lasts more than the traditional heaters. Once installed, you don’t have to worry about its replacement for at least 20 years. It can even work for some extra years after replacing some parts.
Solar Powered Heater
A solar heater is the most energy-efficient of all water heaters, and if you want to save some serious energy costs, this is the option for you. It lasts long and needs little maintenance only once in 2 to 3 years. It has a tank similar to the conventional tank water heaters.
This heater requires installing solar panels, which is an added cost if you don’t have solar panels already installed at your place. The upfront installation cost is one of the downsides of a solar-powered heater. Also, its performance is dependent on the weather as you will not have a sunny day during winter.
Once you have decided on the heater based on your budget and needs, it’s time to call a water heater repair service for the installation.
Call Local Water Heater Repair Service For Replacement
If your water heater fails for some reason, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. You can call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of New Orleans for professional help. Our team has the expertise to replace various models and sizes of water heaters. Whether you want to install a traditional tank or tankless water heater, we’ve got you covered. Call us at 504-229-4848 for inspection by our plumber and give you an estimate.
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