Water heaters aren’t exactly cheap, so when yours starts acting up, it’s only natural to look for a way to repair the problem without springing for a new system. While repair is sometimes possible, there are also times when it’s better to replace water your water heater.
Minor Issues with Easy Fixes
Sometimes a small component malfunctioning or breaking down completely can cause your water heater to stop working normally. If you’re not getting any hot water at all, you might have a broken thermocouple. If your electric water heater keeps tripping the fuse, the problem is usually a malfunctioning heating element, thermostat or wiring, all of which can be repaired by a technician. A leaky valve often just needs to be tightened or replaced.
Banging, clanging or hissing noises coming from inside your tank most likely come from sediment buildup, meaning you need to flush the tank. You can do that yourself or call a technician.
When it’s Time for a Replacement
Some water heater problems just can’t be repaired, so replacement is your only option. A leaky tank falls into this category. Even if you don’t see water coming from the tank, rusty water from your taps could mean you have a tank leak. If you get rusty water for longer than a day, contact a technician. Tank leaks are most often caused by corrosion that occurs after the sacrificial anode has worn out. By scheduling regular professional maintenance for your water heater, you can prevent this problem.
It’s also more practical to replace your water heater if you need to call a service technician for repairs more than once a year or if your water heater is already 10 years old or older. Most water heaters last 8 to 12 years, so a 10-year-old system is approaching the end of its lifespan. A new system will be more energy efficient and cut down on your repair bills.
