When Is Fixing A Water Heater Worth It?
The question of whether it's worth it to have a water heater repair services technician handle a problem is one that most folks will need to address at some point. The average unit has a manufacturer-rated life expectancy of about 15 to 20 years, but a lot of systems throughout the United States have been in operation longer than that. Let's take a look at some of the situations where it may or might not be worth it to contact a water heater repair company.
Worth It: The Unit is Noisy
The fact that a system may be making noises, especially a characteristic thump that many units have, can seem very disconcerting. In most cases, the problem is that there has been a buildup of minerals somewhere in the system. This generally calls for a fairly simple solution: the use of a water softener. For relatively little investment, you stand a good chance of keeping your setup running for years.
Not Worth It: There is Obvious Tank Leakage
Once the tank is at the point that it is clearly physically compromised, it's time to replace it rather than to repair it. There's a chance the leakage might be coming from another component, such as a valve, but this sort of thing tends to be ruled out pretty quickly.
Possibly Worth It: Discolored Water
Discoloration of the water from a heating unit can be the product of several things. If you see brown water, that's especially concerning because it is either the product of rust on the inside of the tank or lead in the lines. You will most likely end up replacing the water heater, and you may have to have some lines replaced, too. Conversely, while cloudy water is a sign of bacteria in the system, it's generally treatable. In some cases, the solution may be as simple as turning the heat up.
Not Worth It: The Heater is Old
Getting a few more years out of your setup is always tempting. A new system, however, will outperform a 30-year-old one so much in efficiency that lower energy bills justify the move.
Worth It: The Water Isn't Hot Anymore
The most likely culprit for a water heater no longer delivering hot water is a failed heating element. This is a component that the average water heater repair technician can quickly swap out with a replacement, making repair a simple and cost-effective solution.
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