Is Water Heater Repair the Right Investment?
As a homeowner, you know the water heater is essential to providing your family with warm water for showers, washing dishes, doing laundry and more. Once the water heater produces only cold water the entire family suffers and complains. Some homeowners choose to replace their water heater while others prefer to repair it. Find out below if water heater repair is the right investment for you.
Is repair an option?
Generally, if your water heater is over 5 years old you should seriously consider replacing it. A leak in the storage tank will immediately eliminate the options for repair. To prolong the life of your water heater you should have it flushed by a professional on a regular. This procedure helps remove sediment that helps cause corrosion of water heaters.
Is repairing the water heater the right investment?
Water heaters have a lifespan of a certain amount of years. Electric water heaters generally last up to 15 years and gas heaters last up to 10 years. Since water heaters have a variety of parts that are replaceable it allows most water heaters to reach their maximum use and lifespan.
If you have a water heater that is about seven years old that requires a replacement part, it will be worth the investment because it will prevent you from replacing the unit before the lifespan has expired. Discussing the condition of the water heater with a professional plumber is recommended. Sometimes the water heater appears to be perfect on the outside, but it having issues in hidden area.
Working with your budget
Homeowners are often surprised when the water heater suddenly has problems. Some homeowners choose to immediately replace the unit before having it inspected. Usually immediate replacement is a good decision if the heater is nearing its expiration date. However, younger water heaters often benefit highly from repairs. Choosing to repair a part of the water heater is also less expensive than replacement. Repair can also provide the homeowner time to prepare for the full cost of replacement.
If you still are not sure if water heater repair is the right investment for you, contact a plumber immediately for further assistance. The plumber will inspect the unit and provide you with valuable information. You will learn the cause of the problem as well as your options. Thinking long term is recommended when making your final decision whether to repair or replace the water heater.
