Appliances

Questions to Ask Before Replacing Water Heater

Everybody runs for fresh hot water to bathe from in winters. Water heaters do a wonderful job by keeping hot water ready all time. However, it can be a nightmare if your water heater is not working well. In winters, it becomes a necessity to have a working water heater. Otherwise, you are going to tremble with cold water.

A broken water heater makes you realize its importance once you can’t get enough hot water. If your water heater is not working fine, it is best to replace the water heater with experts before the winter season.

Water heater replacement requires a little know-how of how it works and other things. If you are thinking of replacing or selecting a new water heater, then you must ask a few questions from heating or HVAC experts. Keep reading.

How Old Is Your Water Heater?

Water heaters have a limited time. Gas water heaters live for about six to eight years, while electric water heaters live for about ten years. If you had been using it for more than this period, it is a borrowed time.

After this time, your water heater is going to be problematic for you. Therefore, you must know your water heater time limit and decide to replace it instead of repairing it.

Do I Need Water Heater Repair or Replacement?

Water heater repair or replacement is dependent on its life. If you had been using it for over ten years, it is wise to replace it. However, if there are issues such as it is not heating the water or is leaking, your plumber can help you in repairing them.

Certain repairs require replacing parts of the water heater, such as a pressure-relief valve or heating elements. If you feel something wrong with the gas, electric, or water issues, do yourself a favor and call your professional plumber.

What Is the Condition of My Water Heater?

How you maintained your water heater during the years of your usage also matters a lot. It can maintain the quality of your water heater or degrade it. Has any work done on it over the years to maintain it or not? The better the care is taken, the longer it will last.

What Are the Different Types Of Water Heaters?

The two basic types of water heaters are tankless or conventional. Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient, and they also last longer. You will save much of your bills annually. However, their initial cost may be higher.

Conventional water heaters are less costly, but they may not be energy-efficient. Conventional heaters can hold 40-60 gallons of water that are enough for your household needs.

How Long Does It Take to Repair A Water Heater?

Water heater repair takes 2-3 hours if the issue is not serious. But this can vary depending on the problem. However, it usually doesn’t take more than 5 hours to repair it.

Replacing the old water heater with the new one also takes more time. It is because your plumber would have to spend time figuring out the problem and then removing the old unit. So, replacing a water heater would take about more than 2 hours.

What Size of Water Heater Is Adequate For My Home?

The size of the water heater is crucial for the ample supply of water. It depends on your storage space and household needs about how much water you want. Several sizes of water heater are available to manage the needs accordingly. You can buy from 20, 40, 60, 80, or 100 gallons capacity water heaters as you need.

Is Your Plumber Professional?

Asking about your plumber’s experience in replacing and repairing a water heater is important. Check if your plumber is an experienced one and will safely repair your water heater. It is preferable to go for a professional plumber and water heater repair services provider to avoid any risk.

Wrap Up

Winters demand warm and cozy environments. While bathing, washing dishes, or anything that involves water usage, warm water can ease doing household chores. It is better to take care of your water heater to increase its lifespan. Otherwise, you would have to pay a hefty amount for its repair or replacement.

If you have any questions, please ask below!