Water heaters are constantly under a significant amount of pressure and stress, so they need almost constant maintenance and repairs. Our Fairfax water heater technicians recommend you have a tune-up and inspection of your water heater at least once a year to keep it functioning at its best. But even if you take care of all the repairs and maintenance, you’ll still have to replace your unit eventually. You don’t ever want to be without hot water for any extended period of time, so it’s important that if you do need if a water heater replacement, you have it done.
You may need a professional to tell you whether it can be repaired or if you need a water heater replacement. But there are some signs you can look for to alert you.
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Your water heater’s age.
Most water heaters can be used for around ten years before they need to be replaced. The number of years can vary, of course, in either direction depending on the frequency of maintenance and repairs. Without proper maintenance, your water heater may last for as few as four or five years. So if you’ve had your Fairfax water heater for more than five years, it’s at least worth considering whether a replacement is necessary. Start paying closer attention to your water heater, as well as to your energy costs. Rising energy costs could be a sign of an inefficient water heater (which can in turn be a sign of serious water heater problems).
If you haven’t recently, call our Fairfax water heater technicians for an inspection, and we’ll let you know how much longer your water has and whether you need a replacement or repairs.
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Loud noises.
If you hear any loud noises coming from your Fairfax water heater, there’s most likely a build-up of sediment inside that’s not allowing water through. Sometimes, that sediment can be flushed out, which can help with performance and efficiency. But if the problem has gotten too bad, a water heater replacement may be your only option.
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Leaks.
Water heater leaks can be symptoms of a much larger problem and may point to a complete breakdown coming up in the near future. Keep in mind, not every puddle you find beneath your water heater is a leak. So there’s no reason to panic immediately. The best thing to do if you’ve found a leak in your water heater is to call a professional. We can determine the location of the leak, the cause, and the best next steps. Sometimes, water heaters with leaks will have to be replaced.
The earlier you start keeping your water heater well-maintained, the better. Fairfax water heaters are forced to endure quite a lot, and even if you don’t need a replacement, having repairs and tune-ups will ensure that they last longer. You’ll also save more on your monthly energy costs, as your water heater will run more efficiently.