Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

If you suspect your water heater might be struggling to keep up, the Brooklyn plumbers at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning can help. We can repair your water heater and get you back up and running quickly, or we can recommend and install a replacement if needed.

But how can you tell if you’re likely to get a repair bill or a replacement estimate?

Some water heater problems are easy to fix. For example, a water heater that runs out of hot water too fast might need to be flushed to remove sediment buildup at the bottom of the unit. A broken dip tube could be the culprit if water is tepid. There could be a problem in the heating system like a faulty switch, thermostat or heating element.

In general, here are the things to consider when you’re struggling with a hot water heater and whether or not it should be replaced. Continue reading to learn more or just give our Brooklyn water heater pros at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning a call today!

How Old is Your Unit?

A decade is too old! Units must be flushed every year to ensure proper performance, so if you haven’t been keeping up with this task your water heater will wear out faster. Check your serial number and contact the manufacturer to find out more information about the age of your water heater.

Is Your Water Hot Enough?

Cold and lukewarm water won’t get the job done. In order to sanitize cookware and clothes, water should get hot and stay hot. If your water isn’t getting as hot as it used to, it’s time for inspection or a new unit.

Do You See Signs of Rust in the Water?

This common problem can be dangerous to your health, and the heater. Rust in hot water means that your tank is deteriorating from the inside out, and a leak is soon to come. Inspect the inside of the tank by fitting a hose to the drainage bib, turning the unit off, and draining. Check to see if the water is discolored. This will tell you if the rust is coming from the pipes or the heater itself.

Is Your Hot Water Heater Leaking?

Is there water around the base of the tank? Thousands of heating cycles cause metal to expand and contract, causing deterioration and splitting. A leak left unattended can cause damage to the rest of your home. Make sure all seals, fittings, and pressure settings are correct. Oftentimes, a water leak will require a tank replacement.

Is Your Heater Noisy?

Water heater noises can be normal for some models and very abnormal for others models. In some gas heaters it may be a whooshing noise when gas first comes into a heater. On an electric model, normal noises come as a result of the water heating and causing heater components to either expand or contract.

Older models may have built up sediment that may sometimes cause a rattling sound and/or a deep rumbling sound. If this is the case, then a simple tank flush out using a garden hose may resolve the problem. However, a basic knowledge of even this easy water heater maintenance procedure is first required.

Is Your Hot Water Heater Insulated?

Insulating your water heater can reduce your energy bill by ten percent. A ten percent reduction in energy costs has a huge impact over the years. There is a lot of money that can easily be saved by reducing the amount of energy your water heater consumes. A water heater that is working too hard will likely be very hot to touch. It can even burn your skin. It is best to get help from a professional water heater maintenance company in order to safely determine the efficiency of your water heater.

Have You Maintained Your Unit?

Regular water heater maintenance in Brooklyn helps you save money, find issues before they become major problems and extends the life of your water heater. Petri’s water heater maintenance service includes checks and tests on:

• The safety valves
• The supply pipes
• The system’s drainage system
• The shut-off valves
• The anode rod
• The thermostat
• The heating element

Does Your Water Heater Follow the Latest Standards?

Brooklyn water heaters built after April 15, 2015 are required to meet different standards for energy efficiency. While newer systems can save you money in the long run, they tend to be larger in size due to their insulation and may not fit in your existing space. If you want to upgrade your older water heater, it’s best to consult a professional plumber to get one that will work with your home.

Do You Still Have a Water Heater & Warranty?

The next vitally important step to take is to get to familiarize yourself with the water heater. A quick look through the User Guide manual will have the model number; moreover, a look at the heater itself will reveal the serial number as well other pertinent information.

Moreover, knowing what is covered under the warranty is also vitally important; many companies discourage customers from doing their own repairs and prefer sending out company sponsored repairmen instead.

Help from Brooklyn Water Heater Pros

Your Brooklyn plumbing experts at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning know how important it is that your water heater remains functioning and efficient, especially as winter approaches. To find out more about Brooklyn water heating solutions, give Petri a call!