Has your water heater gone kaput? Sometimes it can be hard to determine whether you need repairs or water heater replacement. At Toluca Lake 24 Hr Plumber & Drain Pros, we help homeowners answer this question every day. Here are some basic guidelines to help you determine what the next step is for you.

Manufacturer Recommendations

Water heaters are not appliances that can last for decades. Due to the everyday usage and wear and tear these appliances won’t last forever. Manufacturer recommendations vary. Some suggest replacing your water heater once every 7 years. Others suggest somewhere in the range of 8-12 years.
With so many different opinions on the matter, how do you know which is right? Our opinion is that if the unit is under 10 years old that you may want to look at repairing the appliance before opting to replace. Older units may not be as cost effective to repair, especially if you need repairs often.

Leaky Water Heaters

Once a water heater starts leaking water it may be time to consider replacing the unit. A newly installed heater may have been hooked up incorrectly or there may be a missing component. Older water heaters that leak may have developed holes in the tank and this is something that cannot be repaired. You’ll need to replace the water heater.

Rust-Colored Water Leaking from Taps

Sometimes this is nothing more than a sign that you need to flush your water heater. It’s when you have an older water heater that you need to be concerned. There may be rust forming in the tank. The anode rod will usually attract the corrosive material in water heaters, but if the rod is damaged or years of sediment has caused the interior of the tank to break down then you’ll need to get a new water heater.

No Heat

Before you decide to replace your water heater check for some other reasons why the water may not be heating as well. Gas water heaters have pilot lights. Check to see if this has gone out and relight it to see if that fixes the problem. Also, check the thermostat to make sure it is working and set to the right temperature. Have your burner and other heating elements inspected. These are all parts to your water heater that control the heat. Replacing these parts may be the answer and are a lot less expensive than installing a new water heater.

Other Signs

Additional indications that it may be time for a new water heater are as follows:

• Popping or rumbling sounds
• High-pitched whirring
• Intermittent operation
• Rotten egg smell when hot water is in use

If you notice any of these problems, call a plumber for assistance. Toluca Lake 24 Hr Plumber & Drain Pros has a team of qualified, licensed plumbers in Toluca Lake and surrounding areas ready to go to work for you whenever you need us. When you need water heater replacement, we’ll help you choose a new heater and provide you with precise water heater installation services.