At KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we have over two decades of experience repairing and replacing all makes and models of water heaters. Whether you need routine water heater maintenance, or a new water heater installation, you can count on our team of highly trained pros to diagnose your problem and fix it quickly.
If your family has outgrown your water heater, contact us and find out about our tankless water heater services.
When to Know You Need Water Heater Replacement
Water heater failure is a major inconvenience, and sometimes, water leaks can cause significant water damage if not repaired quickly. Most homeowners rely on their water heaters for washing, laundry, showers, and other tasks.
Water heaters are like any other home appliance, which means they will require replacing eventually. Here are the most common signs that your water heater may be on its last legs.
Hot Water Quickly Turns Cold
If you’re certain you haven’t used all of the hot water in the tank, but find that the water turns cold sooner than usual, it could be a variety of problems that’s to blame. First, it could be an issue with your thermostat, which may have been accidentally set to a lower temperature or it could be failing. Another issue may be that a heating element has gone bad. Lastly, it could also mean that you’ve outgrown the capacity of your current water heater and should consider upgrading to a larger model.
Loud Noises Coming from the Tank
You shouldn’t hear any noise coming from your water heater, so if you hear strange sounds like banging, rumbling, knocking, or clanging, it usually means that sediment has built up in the tank, which makes it difficult for the water heater to do its job. If you live in an area where there’s high mineral content in your water, your water heater is in danger of sediment buildup.
Water Leaks
If you see water pooling around the base of the water tank, don’t ignore this problem; call a professional plumber immediately. Failing to fix water leaks can result in significant water damage in the house. Water leaks occur for various reasons including tank expansion, loose water connections, or corrosion.
Corrosion
If you see rust on the outside of your water tank you can be sure it’s corroding from the inside, which means failure is imminent. Unfortunately, once rust begins, you can’t stop it and it’s time to spring for a new water heater.
If you notice any of the above signs happening with your water heater, call one of our trained professionals for an inspection.
When to Repair vs Replace Your Water Heater
When a major appliance, such as a water heater, gives you trouble, it’s natural to opt to fix it rather than shell out your hard earned money for a new system. A new water heater with installation can set you back a thousand dollars or more, so it makes sense to try and fix it first.
So, how does one know whether repair or replacement is the better option? Here are a few things to consider.
Age
A typical electric water heater or gas water heater lasts between 8 and 12 years, and once yours reaches the upper end of its lifespan, it’s better to replace it before it becomes a money pit of one expensive repair after another.
The Problem Itself
Not every water heater repair is expensive, in fact, some issues are relatively inexpensive to fix. For example, broken pressure relief valves and heating elements are easily replaceable and it doesn’t make sense to throw out your entire system when these parts fail.
On the other hand, issues like a corroding tank or hardened sediment often require replacement instead of repairs.
How Long Will You Remain in Your Home
If repairing your water heater means you get a few more years out of it, and you’re planning on moving soon, then repairing it makes more sense than springing for a new system for someone else to use. However, if you’re planning on remaining in your home long-term, then it’s wise to go with a new system.
If you’re not sure which way to turn regarding repairing or replacing your water heater, call one of our professionals for a consultation.
If your water bills continue rising despite not having changed your usage habits, it could be an unseen water leak. Call us and ask about our water leak detection service to pinpoint the problem quickly.
Why You Should Hire a Water Heater Maintenance Company
Most American homeowners take on-demand hot water for granted; however to ensure that the hot water flows when needed, your water heater must perform efficiently.
Like any machine, your water heater performs better when it’s properly maintained. If you don’t think you need routine water heater maintenance, here are a few things to consider.
The first thing to consider is the safety of your family. Water heaters have safety devices that should be tested annually. If a safety device is faulty or broken, it can lead to a disaster in your home.
Also, routine water heater maintenance ensures that your system is running efficiently, which means better performance and lower energy bills. If you live in an area that has high mineral content in the water, it leaves behind sediment and other deposits in your water heater, which if left unchecked, can wreak havoc on the system. Water heater maintenance includes regular tank flushing, which removes the mineral buildup and ensures your water heater runs properly and lasts as long as possible.
Repairing All Brands & Models of Water Heaters
Water heater repair does not have to be expensive. Our experienced professional start by evaluating your water heater to locate the source of the problem. Our service vans are stocked with tools and parts, so we can repair your unit as quickly as possible.
Efficient Installation & Replacement Services
If the water heater is more than 10 years old, damaged beyond repair, or has been repaired several times in the past, it may be necessary to replace it. We provide hot water heater installation in Palm Springs with a variety of high-quality water heaters from Navien to suit every need. Our experienced professionals find the best water heater for your home to ensure you’ll always have hot water available.
- Conventional water heaters – These water heaters have a storage tank to hold heated water. The amount of hot water available at any time depends on the size of the tank; for example, if it’s a 40-gallon tank, you’ll get 40 gallons of hot water. When the water runs out, you’ll need to wait for the tank to refill and reheat the water.
- Heat pump water heaters – Rather than generating heat to warm the water, these systems move heat from one point to another like a heat pump used for heating and air conditioning. It is a highly energy-efficient water heater. Using heat from the air and in the ground, it uses up to 60% less electricity than other water heaters. It also only heats water on demand; larger models can provide an unlimited supply of hot water.
- Solar water heaters – Heat from the sun is used to heat your water. The most energy efficient, solar water heaters draw energy from rooftop panels, which is transferred via a heat-conductive material to heat water in a tank. The downside is hot water is only available on sunny days, so you’ll need a backup natural gas or electric system.
Replacing an old water heater offers advantages that include improved energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and a more reliable source of hot water. Choosing the right water heater size and fuel source is important for reliable operation. We will be happy to provide the information you need to make the best decision on hot water heater replacement and installation.
