There are a lot of plumbing problems that can throw your day off, but few things are quite as annoying as waking up and having no hot water to shower with. This is an even bigger problem if you’ve got a large family where multiple people need to shower in the morning. Unfortunately, water heaters don’t last forever and it can be hard to predict when you’re going to have a problem. If you’re torn between water heater repair and buying a new water heater for your home, we can help you figure out if it’s time for a new water heater.
Water Heater Lifespan
The first thing you need to know if you’re thinking about investing money in repairs is that water heaters aren’t designed to last a long time. Unlike some things in your home which can last 30 or 40 years, a water heater is only supposed to last about 10 to 12 years. If you’re lucky, you might get 15 years out of your water heater, but that’s about it.
You also have to consider the fact that your water heater won’t last as long if you don’t take good care of it. If you have hard water in your home, your water heater is going to wear down quicker due to corrosion. Whether or not you have hard water, the best way to make sure your water heater lasts is to have somebody flush the sediment out of it occasionally. For the best results, you should have a water heater repair company flush your water heater once every six months.
What’s the Problem?
One of the biggest factors when deciding whether to invest in water heater repair or a new water heater is the problem your water heater has. In some cases, you can replace a simple and affordable part such as a heating element to get your water heater running again. However, there are some problems that simply aren’t worth fixing.
There are essentially three parts you can service on a water heater: the heating elements, the sacrificial anode and the thermostats. The thermostats and heating elements are common causes of a lack of hot water, so you can have them fixed.
If your water heater problem can’t be fixed with a new sacrificial anode, heating element or thermostat, it’s best to buy a new water heater. Water heaters aren’t incredibly expensive and they’re easy to install, plus you won’t have to worry about losing access to hot water for another decade or so if you take good care of your new water heater.
Tank Damage
Perhaps the biggest problem you can have with your water heater is damage to the tank. As a matter of fact, the sacrificial anode in your water heater is specifically designed to keep the tank from corroding, which can lead to expensive water heater repairs. If the tank of your water heater is damaged and starts to leak water, it’s time to consider a new water heater.
A water heater repair company can repair tank damage to some extent, but it depends on the situation. Plus, a tank that’s already corroded is more likely to get damaged and leak in the future, which can be an especially big problem for water heaters that are located in indoor closets. If your water heater is starting to corrode and leak from the sides of the tank, make sure you talk to an expert about what your best option is.
Types of Water Heaters
If you do decide it’s time for a new water heater for your Las Vegas, NV, home, it’s important that you shop around a bit to find the right one. There are several different types of water heaters, each offering different features in terms of convenience and luxury.
Tank-type water heaters are the most popular, and they’re also the easiest when it comes to water heater repair. You can find tank-type water heaters for your whole home, or you can buy a small point-of-use model that you can install to provide hot water to one particular room.
Tankless water heaters are another popular option, providing hot water on demand so you don’t have to worry about running out. As long as you get a tankless water heater that can handle the GPM needs of your home, you’re good to go. There are also point-of-use tankless water heaters.
Water Heater Size
Since you’re already going to buy a new water heater, you should talk to a water heater repair expert about choosing the best size for your home. While a standard water heater is good for smaller families, you might want to invest in something a little bigger if you have a large family or you regularly run out of hot water during the day.
It’s important to note that you don’t want to get a water heater that’s too large, either. The more water your water heater holds, the more energy it’s going to take to heat all of that water. The best thing you can do is talk with a water heater repair expert to make sure you’re optimal water heater size for your home.
The Easy Way
If you want to make sure you always have access to hot water in your home, you need to keep an eye on your water heater and replace it eventually. You should also have a plumber help you keep up with water heater repairs and maintenance.
The last thing you want is a water heater problem, and Craig’s Plumbing can help you prevent them. We’re happy to take a look at the water heater in your Las Vegas, NV, home, plus we can handle any other plumbing needs you may have. Give Craig’s Plumbing a call at 702-496-3892 to schedule a service appointment today.
