Water Heater Replacement or Repair? The Top Water Heater Service Has Answers for Homes in Oconomowoc Lake!

 It’s a moment no one anticipates: In the throes of a hot, steamy shower, the water suddenly goes cold.

 

The shower likely ends rapidly. What happened?

 

The discomfort in this scenario is obvious. Source of the problem? Not so apparent.

 

The issue is the water heater. This Oconomowoc Lake household appliance, like many, is typically ignored until something goes wrong.

 

When the hot water goes cold, one uncertainty looms large 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 need your hot water back – and soon. The prudent move is to contact Brandt Plumbing, the top water heater repair and replacement company (and plumbing services provider) in Oconomowoc Lake. Their residential plumbing experts will quickly bring back comfort to your showers! 

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

Water heaters usually 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 leading to the water heater, plan to buy a new one.

 

If there’s no apparent leak, a water heater repair could be on tap. 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 Oconomowoc Lake residential water heaters last eight to 12 years for gas units, 10 to 15 for electric. If your heater is still relatively young, and the problem is connected to a replaceable component, repair is often the financially-sound choice.

 

If the tank is leaking, though, or the unit is near 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 plumbers in Oconomowoc Lake, 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 typically 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 put 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 necessitate 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 parts in a water heater’s longevity. A few small steps can add years to a heater’s operation.

 

Sediment buildup in the tank will hasten its failure. Flushing the tank annually helps alleviate this risk.

 

If water is very hard, which in Oconomowoc Lake it might be, a water softener makes a big difference. High water pressure takes its 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 minimal efforts 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 sought by homeowners. Unlike standard 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 going to the shower, faucet or appliance where needed.

 

Because no water is stored, no heat loss occurs. 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 nearly 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 Oconomowoc Lake, contact Brandt Plumbing for water heater repair or replacement that will have you singing in the shower again!