If you have a leaky water heater, should you consider repairing it or investing in a replacement?
The water heater in your house is critical to your comfort, as it is what makes your morning showers so warm and allows you to wash your clothes in hot water. Unfortunately, as water heaters age, they can start to leak and experience issues. If you have a leaky water heater, should you consider repairing it or investing in a replacement?
What Determines Whether or Not You Should Repair or Replace Your Leaky Water Heater?
First, it’s a great idea to work with a plumber to get professional advice on your leaky water heater. Depending on the age of the unit, past repairs, and a variety of other factors, there could be a quick fix that is affordable or the unit might need to be outright replaced. A professional will be able to weigh these factors and provide you with their honest advice.
Age
Depending on the brand of your hot water heater and what type of preventative maintenance you have performed, you can anticipate replacing it when it is between 8 to 12 years old. However, in some cases, a leaky water heater that is only five or six years old might be failing and need to be replaced. If you have a tankless water heater, the life span is typically much longer.
Where the Leak Is Happening
The location of the problem with your leaky water heater can also determine whether or not it is best to repair or replace it. Water that leaks from the bottom is often a sign of mineral buildup that has started to corrode through the tank itself. This requires an outright replacement of the water heater tank. However, if there is just a little bit of water coming from the top of the hot water heater, it might simply be a leaking valve that might be easily replaced.
Energy Efficiency
Outdated appliances of any kind use more energy than modern appliances, so if your leaky water heater is many years old, it might be worth replacing it to experience less stress, avoid repairs, and also lower your energy bills.
Do you still need to decide whether to call for a repair or a replacement? That’s fine; B&D Plumbing can assist you. We know precisely how to locate the source of your water heater problems and diagnose whether you need a repair or replacement.
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!