Repair or Replace | Water Heater Repair Arlington

Water heaters are an appliance we take for granted until a problem arises. Homeowner’s often want to know if the water heater should be replaced or if water heater repair in Arlington is advisable. Your plumber will be the best source of information regarding the advisability to repair or replace the appliance. The plumber will look consider the age of the water heater, its condition and expected longevity, and the cost of water heater repair in Arlington vs. the cost of replacement. Let’s look at some basic information for replacing a water heater.

Water Heater Basics

Conventional water heaters are available in gas and electric. It is typical for homeowner’s to replace a water heater with the same type as is currently installed. Replacement provides you with the opportunity for an upgrade, such as a larger size and improved energy efficiency, or to change from one energy type to another.

When it’s time to purchase a new water heater keep these factors in mind:

• Capacity is how many gallons a conventional water heater will heat and store. You will need to know the capacity of the existing water heater. For example, when the current water heater is 40 gallons and it provides for all of your hot water needs, you will want to purchase the same capacity, and not a smaller amount.
• Recovery rate is the number of gallons the water heater will heat in a specified amount of time. When several persons are showering in the evening and the dishwasher typically runs at the same time, you will want to purchase a model with a faster recovery rate.
• Dimension’s is the width and height of the appliance. Measure your space to ensure the new water heater will fit in the space, and through its opening.
• The energy efficiency rating should be displayed on a sticker located on the water heater. This will provide the estimated annual cost of operation for the water heater. Select the best your budget allows to save money on energy dollars.
• Glass lined water heaters are optional. The glass liner protects the tank against rust and corrosion, and is well worth the slight extra cost.

It is best to use a gas certified and licensed plumber to install a water heater. Due to the inherent dangers of electricity and gas, water heater installation should not be a DIY task for the average homeowner.

Working with gas lines is especially dangerous for unlicensed persons lacking experience. Gas water heater installation requires a gas certified professional. A plumber has the training, experience and the knowledge to provide a professional and proper installation, as well as the tools to test for gas leaks. The average homeowner is not likely to have the equipment or the training and experience to install or to test for a gas leak.

Replacement vs. Water Heater Repair in Arlington

There are several factors that can affect the life expectancy of a water heater. Water chemistry is a common cause of a reduced water performance and premature failure of the appliance. Detrimental water chemistry is when the supply is considered to be ‘hard water’. Hard water is high in mineral content, typically calcium and magnesium. A water heater affected by hard water won’t last as long as a water heater receiving filtered and softened water or natural water free of minerals.

The amount of maintenance the water heater receives has a significant impact upon its lifespan. Flushing the appliance at least once per year removes the sediment that results in a reduced lifespan. You can avoid the repeat of a full flush once a complete flush is provided with the removal of 2-3 quarts per 2 to 3 months to keep the sediment flushed.

The quality of installation is an additional factor in the water heater’s longevity, and can affect its safety and performance. If the appliance is getting on in age or requires frequent water heater repair in Arlington, it will be more cost effective to replace it with a new, more energy efficient model.

Water Heater Repair in Arlington

A common complaint is water that isn’t hot enough or a lack of hot water at all. In an electric water heater, a thrown breaker or blown fuse can prevent the appliance from operating and should be checked before calling for water heater repair in Arlington.

An additional factor to check is the set temperature on the thermostat. It should be set to 120 degrees F. While there are other potential causes for a lack of sufficient hot water, they require a plumber to positively identify them and to provide water heater repair in Arlington.

Ensure the pilot light is lit on a gas water heater. If the water heater uses propane gas, check the outdoor propane tank to ensure an adequate supply.

If natural gas is the water heaters fuel, ensure the meter hasn’t been shut off. In addition, the gas supplier may be providing repair nearby.

If these steps don’t resolve the problem, call Benjamin Franklin’s experienced plumbers for water heater repair in Arlington.

Additional Water Heater Issues

Unusual noise in the electric water heater may be due to sediment collected in the tank. Drain the tank until the water runs clear. The heating elements may require replacement by a plumber in Arlington.

Hard water can cause corrosion of the tank. Once corrosion has occurred, leaks are imminent and the water heater will require replacement.

Corrosion typically begins inside the water heater and works its way out. A potential sign of corrosion is discolored water, which may be caused by corroded galvanized pipe, a sacrificial rod within the water heater in need of replacement, or the rusting of the tank. If the tank has rusted water heater repair in Arlington will not be beneficial. The water heater will require replacement.

Water Heater Maintenance

Water heaters require routine maintenance to ensure the best performance, efficiency and to extend its lifespan. Hard water, a lack of routine maintenance and the failure to provide timely water heater repair in Arlington when problems occur, will significantly reduce the water heaters expected life span and efficiency.

Recommended maintenance includes:

• Providing the water heater with an annual flush will prevent the accumulation of sediment and extend its service life.
• Ensure the thermostat is set on 120 degrees F. This will reduce the risk of scalding, and will prevent bacterial growth.
• Insulating visible hot water pipes will assist in maintaining the water temperature as it travels through pipes, reducing wear on the appliance and saving energy.

A Benjamin Franklin professional plumber can provide the expertise you require for water heater repair in Arlington. We stand behind our repairs with the Benjamin Franklin 100% satisfaction guarantee. In addition, our plumbers offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services services. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating.