Replacing you Water Heater

Water heaters typically last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, but they can lose efficiency over time, and it’s immediately noticeable when they do break. While it’s tempting to simply keep your existing water heater for as long as possible, after a certain point it’s more economical (and convenient) to replace the entire unit. Read on to see when it’s time for a water heater replacement:

Frequent Minor Issues

Water heaters are mechanically very simple, which means that there aren’t many moving parts to maintain. Both electric and gas water heaters contain the same basic components: a storage tank, a heating element/pilot flame, water inlet/outlet pipes, a thermostat, a drain valve, and a pressure safety release valve. If and when you do run into common water heater issues, it’ll usually involve items like a broken pilot light, a tripped circuit breaker, sticky valves, or a broken thermostat. None of these issues are prohibitively costly to repair with a professional plumber, but it’s a bad sign if they occur consistently.

Irreparable Damage

Many storage tanks themselves contain a glass lining and sacrificial anode rod to protect to the interior from corrosion. This rod simply screws into the top of the tank and needs to be replaced approximately every two to three years, depending on the material. The wrong rod can interact with particles in the water and cause a rotten odor, so it’s important to have it inspected and replaced by a professional plumber. However, this rod doesn’t prevent all corrosion, and when the interior of the tank is damaged or leaking, there is no other option than replacement. Fortunately, newer water heaters are much more efficient than older models, and tax credits can help offset the costs of replacement.

For more information about your options for professional water heater replacement in the Carrollton area, contact Berkeys Air Conditioning & Plumbing at (877) 746-6855 today. Our certified plumbers are highly trained experts in their field, and we’ve been committed to providing high-quality services for over 35 years.