Water Heater Repair Tips for the Holidays

Water heater repair is one of those unavoidable things that’s bound to happen sooner or later. In fact, heading off a water heater disaster is all about prevention and maintenance. But it can be hard to know when a water heater actually needs repairs. Aside from the obvious issue of the loss of hot water, it may be hard to tell something is wrong with the unit. And it can be even harder to know when replacement is required instead of simple repairs. Read on to find out how to tell the difference and when to give the gift of water heater repair. 

How To Know When a Water Heater Needs Repairs

The first indication that a water heater may need repair or replacing is its age. Ten years is the upper limit of a water heater’s age range. It’s not too hard to figure out how old a water heater is. If it’s not in the homeowner’s paperwork, contacting the manufacturer with the model and serial number is usually the best way to determine this. Next up is a leak around the water heater. Even a small leak is concerning and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Rust-colored water is another sign that it’s time for repair. But only if the discoloration of the hot water. If both hot and cold water is discolored, it may be an issue with the pipes or the water itself. Finally, strange noises from the heater are an indication that something is wrong. These noises include a high-pitched whine, banging, popping, or cracking sounds. 

Reasons Water Heaters Break Down in the First Place

Water heaters can fail for a number of reasons. In the case of leaks, it could be because of high water pressure, a cracked tank, or a faulty part. Any system will start to break down eventually, but knowing how that happens can help homeowners stay ahead of the game. Corrosion is another issue that plagues water heaters. They have sacrificial anode rods that help keep corrosion from happening, but they eventually lose effectiveness. 

Lastly, sediment buildup is unavoidable in the tank of a water heater. When the water is heated, the sediment separates and settles in the tank. Flushing the water heater regularly helps to keep the sediment buildup from getting out of hand. 

When To Consider Water Heater Replacement

The good news is that water heaters aren’t all that expensive to replace. If a water heater is over ten years old (or getting close to it) and needs a repair, the homeowner is probably better off simply replacing the system. Otherwise, the issues will crop up more and more often, and so will the repair costs. 

When a water heater begins to leak from the inside, it’s time for a replacement. The difficulty lies in determining where the leak is coming from. A cracked tank is not replaceable and requires that a new unit be brought in. This is why homeowners should call a professional if they believe they are dealing with a cracked tank. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has been helping folks in Miami, FL, with their plumbing needs for over 25 years. They provide 24/7 emergency service for no extra charge. They also offer upfront pricing, excellent workmanship, and superb customer service. Call Flacon Plumbing for water heater services in Miami.

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