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How Can Water Heater Repair Save You Money? Conway, SC
Taking your Conway, SC, home’s water heater for granted may be one of the most costly mistakes you can make. This is because without proper maintenance, a water heater will not last as long as could be expected, and will require an expensive replacement every few years. This doesn’t have to mean that your existing water heater should be replaced at the first sign of trouble, and proper water heater repair may be a good way to save the money you would normally spend on a replacement unit. But, do you know what signs to look for to determine if water heater repair or replacement is your best option? Let’s take a look at a few things you should know before you run to the store to find a new water heater as soon as you can jump out of the now cold shower, and what you can do to prevent major damage to your current unit.
The Average Lifespan of a Water Heater
Most of the newer water heaters are designed to have a lifespan of anywhere from eight to 12 years, but a high-quality unit can last much longer when given regular maintenance by a water heater repair expert. Some factors that can affect the expected life span of any water heater include the place where it’s installed, the quality of the water in your area, how well installed it was, and even the unit’s design, so if your existing water heater, which has been installed in a dark, unventilated place, with hard water running through it, starts leaking from the tank or has started showing signs of imminent failure, such as an erratic performance, it is probably better to switch to a new, more up-to-date unit instead of trying to fix it.
Even so, it is always a good idea to get a water heater repair professional to inspect your unit before making the decision to find a new one. You might be surprised at how far a few preventative and corrective measures can do to save a water heater that looks like it may be getting ready to fall apart.
The Most Common Problems
One of the most reported problems of a malfunctioning water heater is that the temperature of the water it produces is not as high as desired. In most cases, the source of the problem may be found in a defective thermostat, or a worn-out heating element. If this is your case, before calling a water heater repair specialist, there are a few things you can check to see if you can solve the issue or if you will need the help of a professional. Let’s take a look.
When your water heater runs on electric power
- Verify that the water heater is connected to the power source and then reset your thermostat.
- Increase the thermostat’s temperature setting.
- Make sure the pipes delivering hot water are properly insulated.
- Flush the unit to verify whether sediments have accumulated inside the water tank.
When your water heater is gas powered
- Check the pilot light and verify whether it’s lit or has gone out. In case it’s out, relight it.
- Flush the unit to release any sediment that may have accumulated inside the water tank.
- Make sure the pipes delivering hot water are adequately insulated.
- Increase the temperature setting on the thermostat.
If any of these actions fail to produce hot water, it’s time to call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach for help.
Some Other Problems You Could Experience
Besides not heating your water, a water heater can present a wide range of issues that could require contacting a water heater repair professional in Conway, SC, including the following:
- Strange noises – while it is quite normal for a water heater to make some noise when it turns on, especially if it’s more than a few years old, a sizzling or hissing noise is a signal that something could be very wrong.
- A leak in the pressure valve – the pressure relief valve is a crucial component of your water heater. It is designed to open when the pressure in the tank is too high. If you see water coming out of it, even if it’s a few drops, it could need to be replaced by a professional plumber.
- Leaky water pipes – when there is a leak in any of the pipes that supply water to your unit, it could not be receiving enough water to perform properly and could become severely damaged, so shut off the water heater and your water supply and get help right away.
Your Unit Requires Regular Maintenance
The need for regular maintenance of your water heater can’t be stressed enough. By scheduling regular inspections and a good preventative maintenance program performed by a water heater repair specialist, you can ensure your water heater will remain in good working order for much longer than originally expected. Additionally, good maintenance will allow your water heater to work much more efficiently, saving you money on your utility bills. So make sure to give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach a call to schedule an inspection of your water heater to take the first steps towards extending its life span and efficiency.
Does Water Heater Repair Save You Money?
The short answer to this question is a resounding YES! Water heater repair in Conway, SC, can definitely save you money by extending the life of your current water heater. It also improves its performance, which will prevent it from requiring a replacement in the near future. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to save a highly damaged or old water heater, no matter how much you try, and you will have to find a replacement for it.
In either case, your best bet is to contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, the foremost expert in water heater specialist in the area, for help. So, don’t wait until your water heater is beyond saving and give us a call today!