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Choosing Between Water Heater Repair And Replacement: Which One Is Right For You | Potomac, MD

Choosing Between Water Heater Repair And Replacement: Which One Is Right For You | Potomac, MD

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is taking their water heater for granted. Entire families have grown accustomed to turning on the shower and having hot water come out of the fixture almost immediately. The problem starts when they are in the middle of said bath and getting ready to rinse out the shampoo from their hair, and they are suddenly hit with a blast of icy water that sends them to the corner of the shower in a single bound. That is when they suddenly realize how important their water heater really is, and how bleak the future looks without it. The question then becomes how do you know whether you need wire heater repair or replacement for your home? While there is no single correct answer to this specific question, there are a number of signs that can tell you whether water heater repair is your best option. In this article, we will cover some of these scenarios, as well as provide some simple rules you should abide by when making your decision on whether water heater repair or replacement is more adequate for your needs. So, let’s get started with what you should know before making a final decision. Let’s take a look.

Consider the Age of Your Unit

Nowadays, water heaters are built to last anywhere between 12 and 20 years. If your home’s unit is nearing the end of its expected life span when it starts giving you grief, you might be faced with a tough decision. Should you get water heater repair in an attempt to make your unit last a little bit longer? Or should you opt for a replacement right away? The answer you are seeking could be found in what is actually wrong with your water heater, and how much you would have to pay for water heater repair. If your unit is getting close to the end of its life span and the problems it is having are related to its age, your decision should depend on the cost of the repair itself. A good rule of thumb is that if the cost of repairing your unit is half of what it will cost to replace it, your best bet is to start shopping for a new water heater. If, on the other hand, the cost of repairs is much lower, and the problem that is affecting your unit is limited to a single component, and not structurally related, then getting a repair might be the wisest choice. To ensure you are making the right choice, you should always talk to your water heater repair technician. They will be able to give you the most straightforward answer based on their knowledge of the condition of your water heater. Don’t be shy about asking any related questions. For example, ask them whether any repairs you have done right now will allow your unit to be useful for a while longer, or if you should expect it to break down constantly until you grow tired of throwing your money out the window. In either case, the age of your water heater should be one of the most important factors you take into account when trying to decide between repairing your unit or getting a new one.

Is the Tank Rusty or Corroded?

Another one of the important things to be considered when you are trying to decide between repairing or replacing your water heater is whether the tank is rusty or corroded, or not. A rusted or corroded tank can spring a leak at any moment if it hasn’t already, and that will render it useless. If this is your case, regardless of whether it is actively leaking or not, the time for a replacement has unceremoniously arrived. If, on the other hand, the tank is still in good working order and the cost of repairing it is less than half of the price of a replacement, you will be better off having the water heater repaired to buy you some time to budget for a replacement.

Will Your Unit Put Your Family and Property in Danger?

One of the biggest issues with water heater problems, especially in older units, is that they can malfunction with very little warning, and if the malfunction is allowed to continue without repair, it can lead to a catastrophic situation that could damage your property, and put your family in danger. In this case, if there is any risk to your family and property, regardless of what repairs were performed, you will be better off just buying a new unit.

Will Your Unit Continue to Constantly Break Down?

No matter how old your unit may be, if it continuously breaks down, regardless of how well it is repaired or maintained, and, to top it all off, the warranty has expired, you will be better off just investing in a new water heater. When you add up all the figures, having to pay for repairs constantly, can possibly be more expensive than just finding a new water heater. Additionally, a new water heater may save you some money on your power bill because it will work more efficiently than your old one. So, when trying to make your decision, never lose sight of how much you will end up paying when all has been said and done.

When you are looking into water heater repair or replacement for your home, your first call should always be to Clarksburg Plumbing. As the area’s foremost water heater repair company, you can be sure we will provide high-quality, experienced, and knowledgeable water heater repair for your home. If your water heater has decided to start acting weird or has broken down, don’t wait around for it to start working again spontaneously, just pick up your phone and give Clarksburg Plumbing a call today!

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

Photo By Cast Of Thousands at Shutterstock

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