What You Need to Know about Replacing Your Water Heater

Image courtesy of smysnbrg/Flickr.

When your showers start to get colder and your appliances aren’t running hot water, it may be time to replace your water heater. But how do you know if it needs repairs or if it needs to be replaced? What should you know before you replace a water heater? Here are some guidelines that can help.

When do I replace my water heater?

If you don’t have hot water, chances are your water heater needs to be serviced or replaced. Water heaters aren’t complicated appliances and have very few moving parts, so most water heaters have very few problems. A few common problems that call for repairs, rather than a tank replacement, include:

– Pilot light has gone out.
– Heating element is broken.
– Thermostat is broken.
– Circuit breaker trips.
– The valve sticks.

If your water heater has other problems, or is more than 1o years old, chances are it is time to replace it.

If there is buildup around the tank, there may be a leak somewhere, which means you need to replace the unit. If you notice things like rust or buildup in your water, or if your water is otherwise affected, your water heater could be damaged or ready to stop working. If you notice these signs, call us. We are a plumber on Long Island and can inspect your unit and tell you if it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

How do I know what kind of unit to get?

There are two main categories of water heaters: gas and electric. Both have their benefits and a professional plumber can help you decide which kind will be better for your home. Another thing to consider as you look for a new water heater is its capacity. Different water heaters can store various amounts of water, which will have an effect on how the water heater works and how well it provides hot water.

There are also tankless water heaters, which don’t store water. Tankless water heaters can be more expensive and aren’t ideal for lots of use. However, they are often more efficient, use less energy and take up less space. Some tankless water heaters need venting. The configuration of your home may or may not be conducive to a tankless water heater, and a plumber can help you understand your options.

If your water heater isn’t working correctly, we are a plumber on Long Island that can assess the issues and install a new water heater. Ask us about our current special for $50 off the installation of a new water heater.