Water Heater Replacement or Repair? The Top Water Heater Service Has Answers for Homes in River Hills!

 It’s a moment no one relishes: In the midst of a hot, steamy shower, the water abrubtly turns icy.

 

The shower likely ends moments later. What happened?

 

The discomfort in this scenario is no mystery. Source of the problem? Not so much.

 

The problem lies within the water heater. This River Hills household appliance, like many, is largely ignored until something breaks.

 

When the hot water goes cold, one question stands tall over this quiet appliance: Repair or replace?

 

The answer lies in another question: Why? As in, why did the water heater stop operating?

 

Regardless, you want your hot water back – and soon. The advisable move is to contact Brandt Plumbing, the top water heater repair and replacement company (and plumbing services provider) in River Hills. Their residential plumbing experts will quickly bring back comfort to your showers! 

Why is my water heater not functioning? Repair or replace?

Water heaters typically fail from hot water tank corrosion. If a tank rusts through, water heater replacement is necessary – case closed. If you discover a trickle of liquid on the floor coming from the water heater, prepare to purchase a new one.

 

If there’s no discoverable leak, a water heater repair could be in order. Many interior water heater parts can go bad: thermostats, heating elements, gas control valves, dip tubes, and T&P valves. Luckily, all can usually be replaced.

 

Most River Hills residential water heaters run eight to 12 years for gas units, 10 to 15 for electric. If your heater is still somewhat young, and the problem is tied to a replaceable component, repair is often the financially-sound choice.

 

If the tank is leaking, though, or the heater is close to the end of its lifespan … well, replacement is likely necessary. It’s more cost effective, too (count on $1,500 to $2,500), than repairing. 

How are water heaters replaced?

Water heater professionals in River Hills, like those at Brandt Plumbing, can safely take out a failing water heater and install its replacement.

 

Most homes use 40-50 gallon models. Brandt Plumbing can install units up to 100 gallons. If space is limited, short/low-boy tanks can usually suffice.

 

The water heater replacement process is largely straightforward. After turning off water and gas, the old tank is drained. It’s removed after plumbing and venting are disconnected.

 

The new water heater is set in place. Connections are restored. The tank is filled, tested, and its heater turned on.

 

Minor replumbing is occasionally needed. If the unit being replaced is old, plumbing codes might mandate an upgrade. Venting or gas line sizing could need improvement. The new heater might be a different height. Or, old shutoff valves might leak or be inoperative. 

How can I extend my water heater’s life?

Water quality and maintenance play big roles in a water heater’s longevity. A few small measures can add years to a heater’s operation.

 

Sediment buildup in the tank will quicken its demise. Flushing the tank annually helps alleviate this risk.

 

If water is very hard, which in River Hills it might be, a water softener makes a big difference. High water pressure takes a toll, too – keep pressure in the system below 75 PSI for best results.

 

Replace the anode rod every few years. Set the temperature between 120 and 130 degrees.

 

These small measures can substantially delay the expense and trouble of water heater replacement or repair. Why not make them? 

What about tankless water heater installation?

Tankless water heaters are increasingly in demand. Unlike regular water heaters – where water enters a tank, and is heated and stored until used – a tankless system is basically an on-demand heat exchanger.

 

When a hot water tap is turned on somewhere within a home, the flow sensor in the tankless system activates the burner (for gas) or heating element (for electric). Water is rapidly warmed as it passes through, before heading to the shower, faucet or appliance where needed.

 

Because no water is stored, no heat loss happens. Energy savings can be substantial. The supply of hot water is essentially limitless, too, as long as flow rate stays within the unit’s capacity. No more fear of running out!

 

Tankless water heater systems are almost always wall mounted. Sizes range from 20 to 30 inches in height, and 12 to 20 inches wide. They’re deep, too – eight to 12 inches.

 

Some replumbing is standard. Water lines must be rerouted. Sometimes pipes, too. A larger gas line is usually involved, due to high fuel demand while the unit is operating.

 

A new outside vent will probably be needed. If the unit is in a closet or small space, likely an air intake, too. Finally, a 120-volt outlet is necessary.

 

Brandt Plumbing has installed many tankless water heaters. Cost is usually $3,000 to $6,000. The variance depends on the model used, or if recirculation pumps or complex venting are needed. Don’t hesitate to ask questions – tankless systems are popular for a reason!

 

Hot water isn’t a luxury. It’s a requirement for comfortable modern living. If yours goes out, don’t put up with the discomfort for long. If you live near River Hills, contact Brandt Plumbing for water heater repair or replacement that will have you singing in the shower again!