How to put off an early water heater replacement and the cost that comes with it
There is no mistaking when a water heater is acting up: the odd noises, hot water that seems to run out in half the time. You may be wondering if you are due for a complete change of unit.
We get such questions from homeowners in Volusia and Flagler Counties on a weekly basis at Andy’s Plumbing (Andy Frattin Plumbing). We have been in Ormond Beach and vicinity since 2000, so we can tell you that some forethought will put money back in your pocket down the road. A call to 386-384-9040 is all it takes.
In truth, there is not much to an appliance like a water heater in terms of protecting it. Keep up with maintenance and you will have years of use from what would have been an early casualty. Too often one does not give a water heater a second thought until it is no longer working, and the harm is already done.
Why do they fail ahead of schedule?
You would expect a water heater to see you through 8 to 12 years or so. Yet many do not make it to that point for want of tending to minor things. The usual suspects in an untimely failure are:
- Sediment in the bottom of the tank
- An anode rod past its prime and no longer warding off corrosion
- Rust on the interior of the tank
- Fittings and valves with undetected leaks
- Heating elements that are overworked
- Excessive pressure on the system
Any one of these will be the undoing of a unit if you let them.
Sediment is a hidden expense
Minerals in the water will eventually make their way to the bottom of the tank. This sediment is the number one thing that can go wrong with a water heater. It makes the job of heating the water above it more difficult.
That puts a strain on the system. You will see it in higher energy bills as more fuel or electricity is required. And the extra work will take its toll on the tank and its parts. Flush the tank now and then to stave off trouble and you will have an efficient water heater for years to come.
Do not overlook the anode rod
Inside the tank is a metal rod whose purpose is to be a sacrifice part. The anode rod draws the corrosion to itself so the tank does not rust. When it is gone though, the corrosion has free rein on the tank walls. There is no repairing a rusted tank, only replacing it.
An anode rod check and change as part of your maintenance is a nominal cost to avoid a bigger one. It is the sort of preventive measure that saves you from having to put a new one in your budget.
Our approach to maintenance
A certified technician from our side will not focus on just one component; we service the entire system. On a routine visit you can expect us to:
- Put the thermostat right where it should be
- Test the burners or heating elements
- Make sure the temperature and pressure relief valve is in order
- Replace the anode rod if called for
- Flush the tank of any sediment
- Put an eye on the system for signs of leaks or corrosion
It is what makes for a dependable unit day in and day out.
The numbers speak for themselves
To put a new water heater in place is no small matter, once you add installation to the price of the unit. Routine upkeep is but a fraction of the outlay and extends the life of your investment. Most people find the decision easy enough when they consider the alternative of paying for a replacement before they are ready.
Andy’s Plumbing is a family operation, fully licensed and insured. We stand behind our work with an industry leading warranty and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. We are here Monday to Friday between 7:30am and 6:00pm to provide a free estimate, and should trouble arise our team can handle any water heater repair as well. If you want to make the most of your system and sidestep an early replacement, have our team at 386-384-9040 show you how.
