Is your Cedar City water heater broken? Before you reach out to a plumber, you’ll want an idea of whether to repair the unit or look at new installations. Don’t worry; it’s often an easier decision than you might imagine!
The team at Iron Mountain Plumbing, a heating repair contractor in Cedar City, UT, shares some tips on when to repair your broken water heater and when it is more cost-effective to buy a new one. You shouldn’t have to settle for an unreliable water heater, so take a look at the points below to streamline your repair-or-replace decision when the time comes.
Signs You Have a Broken Water Heater
Not many people pay much attention to their water heaters until something goes horribly wrong. However, while some issues indicate simple repair work and others call for an immediate replacement, a professional’s opinion is invaluable.
It’s not always better to repair or replace your water heater, so first, establish the facts. Is the water heater broken? How can you tell?
These are common signs that you have a faulty water heater:
- Hearing strange noises from the tank: Call a plumber when you hear banging or rumbling sounds coming from your unit. Sediment buildup needs periodic cleaning.
- Experiencing temperature fluctuations (or no hot water): Your water heater could have a faulty thermostat, leading to either lukewarm or scalding water.
- Noticing water discoloration: If cold water comes out normal but your hot water supply appears brown or rust-colored, tank corrosion is likely to blame.
- Finding low water pressure: Be mindful of any drastic changes in water pressure coming from your hot water faucets. A plumber should really rule out any issues with your system and surrounding pipes before something gives way.
- Discovering water leaking from the tank: A leak is a telltale sign of a broken water heater and requires urgent action. Small leaks always worsen over time, so don’t delay calling a plumbing professional when you spot water pooling beneath your water heater.
Is my water heater broken? If you’re asking that question or suspect a problem is developing, go through this list of warning signs to get your answer. Then, reach out to Cedar City locals like Iron Mountain Plumbing for water heater solutions.
Water Heater Repair vs. Replacement: Factors Cedar City Homeowners Must Consider
Your only options when it comes to a broken water heater are either to fix it or to remove your broken unit and replace it with a new one. Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for every Cedar City property owner dealing with this issue.
The following factors might influence your water heater decision:
The Age of Your Heating System
Heating systems like boilers and water heaters work hard, and they won’t last forever. Conventional water heaters last around 12 years on average, regardless of whether they’re electric or gas-powered. Modern tankless units, as well as solar-powered water heaters, have a longer lifespan of around 20 years.
If your standard system begins to malfunction when it hits 10 years old, it might not be in your best interest to repair it since it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. However, it is usually worthwhile to repair a 10-year-old tankless system giving problems, given its longer lifespan.
Keep a record of water heater installation dates. That way, you can easily figure out the age of your unit and map out the ideal timeline for replacement services with your contractor.
If You Have a Valid Warranty
With your water heater broken, a warranty could help you save on a few repair costs if it is still active. Most manufacturers provide a warranty on their products, while installation crews often give a labor warranty. Both of these options may only be valid for a few years unless you have purchased an extended option.
Check with the manufacturer to see if you can receive repairs or new parts under warranty coverage. If a problem stems from improper installation, your installer’s labor warranty might be valid and allow them to fix it at no cost to you.
The Cost of Plumbing Services
Imagine dealing with the following water heater issues in only a matter of months:
- Sediment buildup in the tank
- Unreliable heating elements
- Poor water pressure
The cost of those plumbing repairs can quickly add up. Is it better for you to keep paying for multiple repairs or start fresh with a brand-new water heater? Homeowners can evaluate the total cost of plumbing services and figure out which is the better long-term investment with the help of a plumbing expert like Iron Mountain Plumbing in Cedar City.
Usually, you’ll opt for a water heater replacement when the cost of repairs amounts to half of that of a new unit. Your plumber can break down the details to make an informed decision.
The Extent of the Unit’s Damage
Is your water heater broken beyond repair, or could experts restore it with one simple fix? In addition to the age of your system and the cost of services, consider the overall extent of the water heater’s damage. For example, a leaking water heater will prove more difficult to fix than a faulty thermostat, as more extensive damage costs more to repair.
Ask whether it is worth trying to fix a water heater with serious mechanical problems. How long could it hold out? What does a replacement part cost vs. an entire unit upgrade?
In a similar vein, you can confidently question a recommendation to replace your unit if it seems to have only a minor issue.
The Condition of Water Heater Parts
Is your water heater broken because you’ve let sediment accumulate for too long inside the tank, or is it a faulty heating element? Do you just need to adjust a pressure relief valve or replace the entire system? A plumber can tell you all of this after a thorough inspection.
If extensive repairs to one part are worthwhile, you won’t need to opt for a new water heater. Say the heating element in your electric water heater fails, leaving you with no hot water. If no other parts seem to have an issue, you could easily replace this part and expect the water heater to work properly for a long time.
The Size of Your Water Heater
Don’t assume that your water heater is broken because it can’t provide you with consistent hot water – it could be a size-related problem. Get a plumber to inspect your water heater system and check whether the unit is the right size for your household’s hot water demands.
It’s possible that you have a tank that’s too small for your hot water demands and need to upgrade your system. For example, if you have a five-person household and 15 hot water fixtures (showers, sink faucets, and a dishwasher), you’ll need a much larger water heater than a home with two occupants and only eight fixtures. In this scenario, replacing the unit serves as the best option.
Experts can help you figure out which size water heater will benefit you based on factors like:
- The size of your household
- The number of plumbing fixtures you have
- Your overall hot water usage
Protect Your Water Heater With Routine Maintenance
Of course, you shouldn’t have to question whether to repair or replace your water heater if you invest in regular maintenance services.
Is your water heater broken in Cedar City or nearby? Basic maintenance steps from local professionals like Iron Mountain Plumbing could prevent common problems, like leaks and loud noises in the tank.
Typically, conventional water heaters require a bit more maintenance than tankless units, though both systems need plumbing inspections to make sure everything works properly. If you have a tank water heater, maintenance appointments may involve the following tasks:
- Flushing the tank to remove the buildup at the bottom
- Checking for leaks and corrosion
- Adjusting thermostat settings
- Inspecting the water heater’s valves and pipes
- Testing heating elements
While it’s possible to flush a tank with supplies like a garden hose and a large bucket, many people find it more agreeable for a plumber to tackle this messy task and take on the burn risks with insurance coverage. Another benefit of professional water heater maintenance is that experts can pinpoint other issues and perform repairs before things escalate. By prioritizing yearly water heater maintenance, you’ll help your system reach its full lifespan and save on unnecessary repairs without serious problems affecting your water heater’s performance.
Receive Professional Plumbing Solutions in Cedar City, Utah – Contact Iron Mountain Plumbing Today
With your water heater broken, you might panic. The pro tips above can help you feel more confident as you decide between repairing or replacing your unit, but you’ll still want a professional’s opinion for peace of mind.
If you’re in Cedar City, Utah, or the surrounding areas, Iron Mountain Plumbing’s superior water heater services from top-rated plumbing contractors are available. From simple toilet component repairs to installing a helpful plumbing device that prevents backflow, we’re here to solve your property’s plumbing problems!