How Do I Know If My Water Heater Is Bad?
If you own a home, you know how important a water heater is. With the help of a water heater, you have access to hot water immediately. This makes it easier to wash clothes, clean dishes, and take to showers and bathe. So when our water heaters fail, this can make doing daily chores really hard to do. A lot of people who are having issues with their water heater might ask why it has stopped and there are several reasons why a water heater can stop working completely. Sometimes it has to do with the heating element, there is something wrong with the pilot light, there is a lot of sediment buildup, or there the thermostat is having issues. Knowing when to get water heater repair is key so you can avoid a complete water heater replacement. So when is water heater repair required? Here are signs your water heater is needing repair service.
- No Hot Water: Have you turned on the hot water tap and no water is coming out of the faucet? Then there is probably something wrong with your water heater.
- Insufficient Hot Water: If you turn on the hot water tap and the water only gets lukewarm, that is also a sign you need your water heater looked at.
- Strange Noises: Rumbling, banging, or popping noises coming from your water heater are not normal–while a water heater makes a little noises when it turns on and operates, popping, banging, and rumbling need to be inspected.
- Murky Water: Water that has a murky or cloudy look to it means that there is a buildup of mineral sediments, which make it hard for the water heater to heat up water.
- Metallic Taste: Has your water started to have a metallic taste to it? This could also be a sign of mineral sediment buildup.
- Leaking Tank: A lot of people ask, “Is it dangerous to have a leaking water heater?” and the answer is yes. It can cause electrical fires if its around electrical components and it can also cause mold growth if water isn’t cleaned up right away. When the top or bottom of the water heater tank leaks, then it will need to be replaced.
Water Heater Repair Vs Replace
There is always the big debate when you are having water heater issues, whether to you need water heater repair or replace service. We know when a water heater needs repairs, but how do you know when your water heater needs replacing? There are a couple of ways to tell if you need to get a water heater replacement over a repair. The most common reason you would get a water heater replacement would be due to the age of the water heater. A gas water heater generally lasts eight to 12 years, whereas an electric water heater lasts 10 to 15 years. If your water heater is over its lifespan and its having a lot of issues, then you might need to get a replacement. Another reason you would want to get a water heater replacement is if your water is rusty. Rusty water means there is sediment buildup, if the jacket in the water heater leaks, or the pipes start to corrode. Lastly, leaks coming from either the top or bottom of the tank will always result in a water heater replacement. That is because there are cracks in the water tank and those can’t really be repaired.
How Long Do Hot Water Heaters Usually Last?
Depending on what type of water heater you have is going to depend on how long it lasts. If you have an electric water heater, then you can expect it to last 10 to 15 years; gas water heaters, on the other hand, will only last eight to 12 years. Many people ask, “Should I replace my water heater before it fails?” and its never a bad idea to replace your water heater if you think its going to fail. This will prevent any service calls or additional costs. If you know that your water heater is on the brink of failing and water heater repair service won’t be able to fix it, its probably worth it to replace it as soon as possible so you aren’t left without a functioning water heater.
Water Heater Repair Cost
Who to Call for Water Heater Repair
There are many factors when determining the cost of water heater repair. You will need to take into consideration the problem the water heater is experiencing, if its a tank or tankless water heater, or if its an electric or gas water heater. The average cost for water heater repairs are usually $200 to $500, with the minimum cost being somewhere around $50 and the maximum cost being around $1,000. If you think you need water heater repair in Indianapolis, IN, you can call the plumbers at Grateful Plumber. Just like an acrylic roof coating can save a roofing system, so water heater repairs can save a water heater from a whole water heater replacement. To find out more about our services, just call our office at 317-677-4918!