Posted on November 18, 2015 It’s been awhile since you replaced your water heater and now you’re concerned about its well-being. The last time you replaced it, the weather was starting to get cold in your area and your water heater wasn’t heating at the temperature you would like. Your new water heater is having the same problem 10 years later. You have good reason to be concerned as the water heater is the most used appliance in majority of homes today! Most manufacturer’s suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater, is about 8 to 12 years. The longevity of a unit all depends on weather, unit design, quality of installation, and the level of maintenance it has received. Repair or Replace? Should your water heater be repaired or replaced? Deer Valley Plumbing is here to help If it’s been nearly a decade since your last water heater replacement then it probably needs to be replaced. In the case that it is not working at all check for electrical issues like a tripped breaker or blown fuse before assuming the problem is with the unit itself. A Common Problem One of the most common issues we have seen when it comes to water heaters is when a unit isn’t keeping your water as hot as you would like. This problem is usually caused by a defective heating element or a broken thermostat. These are issues that can normally be fixed with a repair rather than a replacement. Reasons to Repair your Water Heater There will often times be reasons to keep your water heater: Your heater is still under warranty and the issue at hand is covered.If it has been just a few years since you last replaced your heater and the life expectancy average is still within range.The repair cost is reasonable. A good way to know if cost is reasonable is when the cost of repair is less than 50% of a new appliance. Reasons to Replace Other times it will be necessary to replace your water heater: The new model is more energy efficient. Compare the annual energy savings of the new model to the cost of running the old model.Energy efficiency savings may help the new heater pay for itself over several years.Replacement parts may be hard to find. The older the water heater, the harder it is to find parts and occasionally it is even hard to find the right parts for newer models. Call The Experts If you are still not sure you need one or the other, Deer Valley Plumbing will know exactly what you need, whether it is repair or replacement. We do it all when it comes to water heaters. Installation, repair, replacement, cleaning, and even relocation! Contact Us today at (602) 832-8418 to get an estimate or schedule a service!
