When the hot water quits, the first question is whether it can be fixed or whether it's time for a new heater. Here's how we think about it.
Start with the age
Most tank water heaters last somewhere around 8 to 12 years, depending on water quality and maintenance. The manufacture date is usually printed on the label or encoded in the serial number. If your heater is in that range or older, a major repair is often money better spent on a new unit.
Problems that are usually repairable
- No hot water from an electric heater: often a failed heating element or thermostat
- A gas heater whose pilot won't stay lit: often a thermocouple or ignition part
- Water that isn't hot enough: may be a thermostat setting, a bad element or sediment
- A leak from a valve or pipe connection, not the tank itself
Signs it's time to replace
- Water leaking from the tank itself. A leaking tank can't be repaired.
- Rusty water coming only from the hot side, which can mean the tank is corroding inside
- Loud rumbling and popping from heavy sediment buildup in an older unit
- Repeated repairs, or hot water that no longer keeps up with your household
Help your heater last longer
Draining a few gallons from the tank to flush out sediment, testing the temperature and pressure relief valve, and having the heater checked during routine maintenance can all extend its life.
Water pooling around the base of your heater? Turn off the cold water supply to the heater and call us.
Need a Hand?
Montani Mechanical Group's licensed plumbers serve homes and businesses across Charleston, WV. Related services: