Ultimate Guide to Water Heater Repair and Replacement

The Ultimate Guide to Water Heater Repair and Replacement

A faulty water heater is a common plumbing problem for most homeowners. And, it is a problem with the most amount of inconvenience! Nothing is worse than taking a cold shower on a cold morning! Having seen many broken water heaters in our day, we put together this guide to help Orange County homeowners self-diagnose their water heater issues. In this article, we also aim to educate you on when it is time to replace the old water heater.

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

According to HomeAdvisor, hot water heaters last about 10 years. After a certain amount of use, hot water heaters are not worth repairing anymore. When there is corrosion in the tank, and the anode rod and heating elements start to fail, it might be time to consider replacing your water heater. You might want to consider the benefits of a tankless water heater, too. But, that is a story for another day. While a plumbing professional can replace a bad anode or thermostat, a bad tank needs replacement. Corrosion is the biggest enemy to water heaters and hard water can speed up corrosion of your tank. If you have hard water, you might want to consider installing a water softener to remove the hard elements in the water.

Common Water Heater Problems

Homeowners in Orange County face several problems when it comes to their water heaters. Most common water heater issues arise from the age of the tank, however, some other issues could arise to to unforeseen circumstances. Here are some of the most common hot water heater problems we see…

Anode Rod & Heating Elements: These parts of the heater are the most likely to have issues. The sacrificial anode rod is designed to corrode inside your tank to preserve the other elements of the tank. Over time, it can become so corroded that it stops working properly. The upper and lower heating elements in the tank ensure that the water gets heated evenly, and they can break at any time.
Bad Thermostat: If you do not have hot water, do not panic! It could just be a malfunctioning thermostat, and is a simple fix!
Tank Corrosion: When the tank corrodes, there is not much else you can do other than replace it. Usually a fix in this situation will be temporary.
Pressure Relief Valve: The pressure relief valve is designed to release built up pressure in the tank from the heating of the water. This valve ensures proper pressure in your water heater tank, so when it is not working properly or leaking, it could be a serious problem.

So, How Should I Maintain My Tank?

It is best to get regular maintenance on your water heater so you do not have to replace it. Using a reliable plumber in Orange County to perform water heater maintenance is a great first step! Some of the common maintenance services we perform on water heaters are as follows:

Sediment Buildup Removal: Overtime, minerals in water will buildup in the bottom of your tank. This sediment build up can cause your water heater to make noises and not function properly. We can help descale or flush the tank to remove the sediment.
Sacrificial Anode Rod Check: During a regular water heater maintenance service, we will check the anode rod to make sure it is working properly. A bad or totally corroded anode rod will cause your heater to operate inefficiently.

To Repair or To Replace? That Is The Question.

Deciding whether to repair or replace you water heater is a serious question. There are many factors to consider when making this decision. Spending hundreds of dollars on a new water heater is a tough decision. And, having to shell out thousands for a tankless heater, even though more cost-efficient over time, is not a pretty idea either! Many homeowners elect to repair their water heaters, and some of the common repairs we perform are: sacrificial anode repair, pressure relief valve repair and heating element repair. These are all very fixable problems, as long as you catch them early enough!

If your heater is nearing the end of its life span or has problems with the tank, it’s best to simply replace it. There’s not a lot you can do to repair a corroded water tank, and any fix would be short term. On top of that, the bill for a new water heater won’t be much more than an expensive repair.

What’s The Smartest Move?

Nobody wants to experience water heater problems, but they’re hard to avoid over time. If one day you wake up with no hot water, your first move should be to call an emergency plumber in Orange County. Looking for water heater repair or replacement in Orange County? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We have repaired water heaters for homeowners all throughout Orange County and can help you with your plumbing system today! Call us now 949-393-0933!