Eventually, everything needs to be repaired or replaced. This includes the water heater that is installed in your home. If the water in your home is not as hot as it has been in the past, or you notice water on the floor near the heater, perhaps a skilled plumber in Highland Park, IL can repair it. Regular maintenance will certainly extend the life of the heater, but eventually, it will have to be replaced.
Repair or Replace?
The manufacturers of water heaters provide a suggested service life of the equipment they produce. The average life expectancy of a heater is from 12 to 15 years. The life expectancy depends on how often it is used, whether the water contains lime or not, and the quality of the original installation.
When a tank reaches about ten years old, you should be giving thought to replacing it. If it is leaking or the performance is not up to your expectations, it is time to replace it.
If you think it is a problem that can be fixed, a plumber can often flush impurities from the tank, wrap the hot water pipes with effective insulation or replace the heating element or thermostat. If none of these approaches solves the problem, the only solution is to replace it.
When Is Replacement the Only Option?
When replacing the tank is the only practical option, this is the ideal time to consider alternatives. Now is the time to install a larger tank, especially if your family has grown in size. You might want to discuss the pros and cons of a tankless system with your plumber as well.
When replacing your water heater, consider the following:
* The number of gallons of water the heater can heat in an hour; this is the “recovery rate.”
* Is there enough space for a larger unit?
* Is the new unit energy efficient?
Repair or replace are both viable options. Whatever option you choose, never do the work yourself. These are both jobs that only can be done by a licensed plumber.
If your water heater needs repairing or replacing in Highland Park, IL, contact BMW Plumbing Inc.
