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How to Decide between Water Heater Repair or Replacement

plumbing and heating service

When you turn on the hot water faucet in your kitchen sink or turn on the shower expecting nice, hot water to wash your dishes or take your battery, it is a true letdown when all that comes out is icy cold water. While taking a cold shower or washing your dirty dishes with cold water is certainly inconvenient, it is probably an indication of a larger problem.

A lack of hot water (or water that is not as warm as it should be) stems from various water heater problems. Depending on the types of water heaters customers have in their homes, the problem could be electrical, gas-related, corrosion of the anode rod, or any other concerns.

At Prospector Plumbing and Heating in Fairbanks, AK, our team of professional plumbing and heating experts has the knowledge, skills, and experience to determine if your water heater needs repairs or should consider water heater replacement. We can also give you information on upgrading to a tankless water heater and the estimated annual cost for maintaining that new unit.

Signs You Need Hot Water Heater Repair

In some circumstances, you may only need water heater repair from an experienced, licensed Alaska plumbing and heating experts such as ours at Prospector Plumbing and Heating.

Here are some of the most common signs that the problems with your water heater may be able to be repaired rather than needing to be replaced:

  • Discolored water
  • Lack of hot water
  • Low water pressure
  • Strange or unusual noises coming from the water heater
  • Leaking

If you notice these or any signs of common problems with water heaters, you should make the call to our experienced and knowledgeable repair team at Prospector Plumbing and Heating. We will arrive at your home, inspect your water heater, and determine if the problem can be repaired or if a replacement is a better solution.

Common Problems with Water Heaters that Can Be Repaired

There are certain problems with water heaters that may be able to be repaired by an experienced plumbing professional. The decision to repair or replace a water heater will only be able to be made after a careful and thorough inspection of the unit.

Our team of trained and certified technicians will evaluate your water heater to see if something simple such as a faulty thermostat, blown fuse, sacrificial anode rod, drain pan, or T&P valve is the root cause of your water heater issues.

Another common issue with water heaters is that you may have one too small to handle the demand that you and your family are placing on it. Perhaps, when you originally purchased your home, the water heater already installed was enough to support your family. But as your family grew, the demand became greater, and your current water heater would no longer be able to accommodate your needs.

In those instances, you may not have an actual, correctable problem with the water heater. It is simply too small, and an investment in a larger tank or a tankless water heater may be the ideal option.

 

Related Article: Why should you get home heating maintenance in Fairbanks AK

Signs You Need a Hot Water Heater Replacement

Although no homeowner likes to find out that they need to invest in a new appliance and pay to have it installed, the need for a new water heater may be your only option.

At Prospector Plumbing and Heating in Fairbanks, AK, our team understands that it can be inconvenient to arrange for a new water heater to be delivered and installed and have the old water heater removed.

When you hire us for your water heater replacement installation, we will take care of everything, so you can sit back and wait for the hot water to arrive.

It may be not easy to know when exactly you need a water heater replacement, so here are some of the most common signs that our technicians will look for in their determination:

  • The water heater is over ten years old
  • Water is leaking from the base of the water heater itself
  • Not enough hot water is being produced, or it is done so sporadically
  • The bottom of the water heater is rusty
  • You have been making water heater repairs much more frequently
  • You want to upgrade to more energy-efficient modern water heaters

When it comes to water heater replacements, our Fairbanks, Alaska, Prospector Plumbing and Heating team has the experience and expertise to determine the best type and size for your new water heater. We can give you all the specifics about various units regarding heating water, energy costs, life expectancy, etc.

Contact Us to Help You Decide Whether to Repair or Replace Your Hot Water Tank

If you are a resident of the Fairbanks, Alaska, area, contact Prospector Plumbing and Heating. You know that you are not throwing money away on useless repairs or an inappropriate water heater for your home.

Those homes with a traditional water heater may want to consider installing more modern and energy-efficient tankless water heater units. Our team is happy to discuss your options. We are pleased to explain the cost-benefit ratio of the tankless version and the maintenance schedules for each type.

When you invest in the high-quality repair and installation services of Prospector Plumbing and Heating, you will be provided with a manufacturer warranty that covers any work done to any type or size of water heaters.

You do not have to deal with cold water in your home! Call us for water heater repair or replacement! Our Prospector Plumbing and Heating team uses top-of-the-line tools and equipment to ensure that your service is done properly and efficiently.