Even in a climate as warm as ours, access to hot water is important throughout the year. Rinsing dishes without hot water simply isn’t the same. It’s downright brutal! And of course, a complete lack of hot water would make for a somewhat daunting shower experience. Not to mention that you use hot water to run the dishwasher, wash clothes, and much more.
Still, water heaters do not come cheap. If you lose hot water, you might start to worry that your water heater will need replacement. Sometimes, this is the best—if not the only—option. So can your water heater be repaired?
Common Water Heater Problems
Water heaters break. They have components that can become overworked, or conditions within the tank can change the pressure and lead to certain common issues. This doesn’t mean that a broken water heater always needs replacement. Often, the repair is actually relatively simple for a plumber who knows what to do.
Here are some of the common water heater tank issues we see when we show up to inspect a water heater that is not supplying enough hot water, if any, or a water heater that is loud or leaking.
- Cracked or broken dip tube – The dip tube leads straight down to the bottom of a water heater to supply it with cold water. If the dip tube breaks, a common problem, cold water seeps into the top of the tank, where it mixes with hot water and creates insufficient temperatures in your shower. This pipe will simply need replacement.
- Broken temperature and pressure valve – This valve ensures your water heater does not build up too much pressure and/or overheat. If it’s leaking, it may only need replacement, or the tank may need flushing.
- Sediment in the bottom of the tank – Over time, minerals may settle at the bottom of the tank and create a loud popping noise as they settle. This can also affect temperatures and the operation of the water heater, which is why many tanks need regular flushing.
Should I Replace My Water Heater Before it Fails?
Of course, eventually, your water heater will need replacement. The lifespan of a water heater is only about 10 years old, after all, and at this point, it will not operate as efficiently as you may like. Some common water heater problems are either irreparable, or a repair will not make financial sense, costing nearly as much as a new tank.
The major sign that your water heater needs replacement is if it’s leaking from the tank. Leaks from the drain valve, temperature and pressure valve, or an inlet or outlet pipe can usually be repaired. But a leak from the tank itself indicates corrosion, which means your water heater will continue to corrode and leak in ways that are hazardous to your home.
The Good News about Water Heater Replacement
Here’s the good news: if you get a new water heater, you might notice your bills drop! New water heaters are manufactured to work more efficiently than their decades-old counterparts. You can even upgrade to a tankless water heater or a heat pump water heater that uses more efficient technology to heat up the water than a standard tank.
For water heaters in New Port Richey, FL, you can count on us for honest, dependable service.
Call Continental Plumbing Services, LLC today!