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When is it time to replace your water heater?

For the most part, when you replace your water heater depends on its type, size and age. On average, most water heaters last about 10 years. Electric water heaters will typically last a little longer than gas water heaters. Good maintenance, such as regular flushing, will help your water heater last longer.

If you have a tankless water heater, you can expect it to last about 15-20 years. Again, regular maintenance will ensure its longevity.

Water heater replacement is recommended if you’re spending more on repairs than you would buying and installing a new unit.

Can I install a water heater myself?

While it’s not impossible for you to install a new water heater yourself, it’s not recommended, especially if you have no plumbing or electrical training. Not having any training can put you, your family and your home at risk of injury or damage.

Moreover, you’ll need to get the water heater to your home, you’ll need all the right tools and additional supplies, and you’ll need to get a permit from the city. You will also have to get the city to come out and inspect it after it’s installed.

When it comes to water heater replacement, plumbing professionals are your best choice. They’ll have all the right skills and equipment to install the water heater and they’ll be able to get the necessary permitting and inspections from your city. All you’ll have to do is enjoy the hot water.

What are the signs that your water heater needs to be replaced?

If you think it might be time to replace your water heater, here are 6 ways to tell it’s time to replace your water heater:

• Water pools around its base: If water is standing around the base of the water heater, you probably have a leak. Water heater replacement will preserve your home from water damage.
• Rusty water appears in the sink: If your water appears rusty or there are rust stains around your sink, this is usually a sign that your water heater is rusty as well. When you replace rusty water heaters, you’ll improve the water quality and prevent leaks.
• Metallic smell or taste to water: Metallic odors or tastes usually indicate that the water heater’s metal tank has begun to corrode.
• Cold water that won’t heat: If you get hot water one day but can’t the next, your water heater–probably the heating element–is worn out and it’s time for a new one.
• Age: Any water heater that’s 10-15 years old is probably beginning to show signs of wear, even if you’ve kept it maintained. Professionals can test it to see if you need a new one.
• Constant repairs: If you’re constantly having to repair your water heater, you’re usually better off getting a new unit. You’ll save money in the long run.

Water heater replacement, gas or electric?

When choosing between installing a gas or electric water heater, the main thing to consider are your needs and budget. Both have advantages and disadvantages, although electric water heaters tend to be a little cheaper to install and often last longer than gas water heaters.

Gas water heaters also tend to use more energy than electric units. But, if you have gas lines already installed in your home, then installation costs might not be as high.

Again, you’ll have to weigh your options based on what you need for your home, as well as your budget.

Water heater repair vs. replacement

Several variables come into play when choosing to repair or replace your water heater. One big factor is age. The older your water heater is, the more likely it will be worn. You’ll tend to see problems like rust or corrosion or leaks that make it hard to repair.

No matter how old your water heater is, if you’re constantly calling your plumber out to repair it, you’ll be better off getting a new water heater. You’ll end up spending less money in the long run.

Is a tankless water heater better?

Tankless water heaters have their advantages and disadvantages. Of course, the biggest advantage of installing a tankless water heater is that you get hot water on demand. You won’t have to wait for the water to heat up before you shower or wash dishes.

But, initial installation can be expensive. And you may need more than one tankless water heater in your home, depending on the size of the home and the size of the unit you install. These costs, though, are often offset because tankless water heaters have fewer problems than standard water heaters, so you’ll save on maintenance costs. They also tend to last longer–about 15-20 years–than standard models.

How quickly can a plumber come out?

An emergency plumber is usually available 24 hours a day and will come out as soon as possible after they receive your call. The plumbers at Inland Pro Plumbing prioritize emergencies and fast and effectively make repairs. Our goal is to make sure your plumbing is working dependably again.

How do you avoid plumbing emergencies?

Most people take their plumbing for granted when it’s functioning properly. But, it’s wise to stay alert to problems that could lead to costly repairs. Some things to watch out for include:

• Minor leaks: A little bit of water leaking around faucets or even drips might not seem like a problem, but it can lead to costly repairs. Periodically, check for leaks or drips around pipes, faucets, valves, dishwashers, refrigerators, toilets and other fixtures and appliances.
• Water pressure: Keep an eye on your water pressure. Low pressure from showers or faucets, for instance, often signal leaks are present. Low pressure throughout the home could even indicate a water main leak. Keep tabs on fluctuating water bills, as well. High bills, especially when there’s less usage, may signify leaks.
• Clogged drains: Stay alert to what goes down your drains, especially hair and food scraps, as these materials are the usual suspects when it comes to clogs. Keep an eye on drains that are moving slower than normal. This usually means they are clogged.

What is the most common plumbing item to fail in a residential home?

Emergency plumbers typically answer calls for clogged drains and toilets, as well as leaky faucets and pipes. These are some of the most common repairs that we make. Leak repairs usually involve either patching the leak or replacing the pipe or fixture. Another common repair service that we provide is water heater repair and replacement.

We also tend to problems such as constantly running toilets as well as low water pressure. Something like a constantly running toilet usually involves replacing the flapper or valves, which are fairly easy repairs. Low water pressure can be complicated. It could indicate anything from a clog or minor leak to a break in the main water line.

How long do broken pipes take to fix?

As with most repairs, the time it takes to repair a broken pipe will vary. If the break is small and not severe, a pipe can be repaired in a single afternoon. Severe breaks, especially underground, can take much longer. This will depend on the type of repair and the location of the break. Severe breaks or breaks in underground pipes or pipes behind walls or under floors can take several days or a week or more to repair.

How do you know if your pipes are bad?

When it comes to emergency plumbing repair, bad pipes are a leading reason plumbers are called out. Here are a few things to look for to tell if your pipes are bad:

• Standing water: Any water puddling under sinks or around toilets or anywhere in your home is typically a sign that you have bad pipes. Catching these leaks quickly can save you money in costly repairs later on.
• Leaky faucets: Dripping faucets are sometimes more than a nuisance. While it could just mean a simple repair, it could also mean you have bad pipes. At the very least, leaving that drip untouched will waste a lot of water.
• Noisy pipes: Your pipes should never make noises like rattling or whining. Noises are a sure sign of a problem that a professional can diagnose and repair.
• Discolored pipes: Discoloration, particularly around joints, are signs that you have a leak.
• Slow drains: If water is slow to drain this means you have a clog. Clogs near the drain are often something you can clear yourself. But if something like tree roots or other debris is causing a clog further down the line, then you’ll need the help of a professional.
• Foul odors: If you’re catching bad smells from drains you probably have a problem in your sewer lines. Sewer odors usually mean problems with traps or vents and will need prompt attention.
• High water bills: A sudden, unexpected increase in your water bill is frequently a sign that you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing pipes.
• Dirty water: Any water that comes out of your pipes should be clear. Any sort of discoloration could mean anything from rust to sewage in the water.
• Bubbling paint: If the paint on your walls or ceiling begins to bubble or crack, you probably have a pipe leak in those areas. You might also have a roof leak. A plumber with good leak detection equipment should be able to tell whether the leak is coming from your pipes or from your roof or other source.
• Dark green patches on the lawn: If you see dark patches on your lawn, this may indicate a problem with your sewer line.

Can water leaks be dangerous?

Even the smallest water leak can leave cause enough damage to affect your family’s health and your home’s value. Here are two examples of what can occur with a small, simple water leak: 

• Fungus and Mold

An undetected water leak will create serious fungi and mold that produce spores that infiltrate the air inside your home. This leads to health issues which can be worse for anyone that has breathing conditions already. 

Homes with high humidity can have a high level of mold spores. Water speeds up their growth. Mold is ugly, but it is the unseen damage that can cause more harm. The spores spread through the air, causing, and irritating allergies, coughing, nasal congestion, sneezing, and sniffling. Anyone with a weak immune system suffers the most. 

• Financial Concern

Leaks cause water pressure drops, yet you’ll see water bills increase. In addition to the expense of the water bill increase, there is structural damage to be dealt with too. 

Can water leaks cause structural damage?

Health issues are enough reason to address water leak issues, but the structural damage can be severe too. Discoloration, stains, and streaks are the most obvious results of the leak, that professionals with water leak detection equipment can catch before they get to this point. Left unchecked leaks cause deterioration in the flooring, framing, and support beams. 

What happens if you don’t fix a leak?

When you neglect a leak, the water will keep flowing, causing structural damage. Wood warps, floors and walls weaken, and foundations crack and weaken. With a damaged foundation, the rest of the structure is weakened. 

What happens if you have a water leak under your house?

A leak under the house, aka a slab leak, will cause three things immediately: 

• Water bill increase
• Water pressure drops
• Floor dampening

It is the consequences of this type of water leak that are expensive and long-lasting. Starting with mildew and mold, causing asthma and other respiratory issues.

The structural damage affects the foundation, causing it to shift, sink, and crack. The walls are weakened, and the carpeting and flooring become waterlogged. Your home will begin to have a foul smell, and the water leak will eventually destroy the landscaping. 

How can you tell if a pipe is leaking in a wall?

It is estimated by the EPA as much as one trillion gallons of water is wasted annually from plumbing leaks. As much as 90 gallons a day are from homes! With water leak detection, most of this could be eliminated. 

Here are a few ways to tell that you have a leak:  

1. Water Bills Skyrocket

A water bill increase in the summer is nothing unusual and having holiday guests can cause an increase, too. However, if you’re getting higher water bills for no obvious reason, you need to inspect your home for a leak. 

2. Mildew & Mold 

Even the cleanest of homes can have some mildew and mold growth in areas like showers and tubs. If you see mildew and mold outside of the tub, there could be a water leak. Mold on the baseboards and walls, ceiling, and floors, in the kitchen, are sure signs of leaks. 

3. Musty Odor

You usually smell mildew and mold before seeing it. So, when you can smell it, you need to look for it! If it isn’t obvious, it is probably inside the walls, under the flooring, or in the air vents. 

4. Damages and Stains

What may start off as a slightly dingy spot on the ceiling, can develop into a watermark. This isn’t something to overlook–a leak is likely causing this stain. It may be a roof leak; it could be a plumbing leak. Left unaddressed, the ceiling may begin to sag, taking away support for the walls, and eventually, affecting the flooring. 

5. Water Meter Running

If you suspect a water leak, detection can be done by turning all the water off inside and outside the house. Check the water meter and if isn’t moving, there is no water leak. If the meter is running, you have a water leak somewhere. 

6. Wet Areas

Random wet areas in the house or around the exterior, like puddles around the exterior walls or in the lawn, could indicate a leak. Where there are leaks, mildew and mold soon follow. 

7. Cracking Foundation

A house will settle over time naturally, which can cause hairline cracks in the ceiling and walls. However, a random, sudden crack that can’t be explained is probably from a water leak. 

How do you know you have a leak in your water line?

A water leak, no matter how small, shouldn’t be ignored. Leaks can cause serious damage and costly repairs. The following are indications that you may have a water leak inside your home: 

• A noticeable drop in water pressure
• Hissing, running, or splashing water noises
• Dirty or rusty water
• Mold odor and growth or increase of water-loving insects
• Sewage odor
• Increasing water bill over 2 to 3 months 

The following are indications that you may have a water leak outside of your home: 

• Saturated, wet areas in your lawn
• Potholes and sinkholes
• Sewage odor
• Unusually green area of the lawn
• Cracking paved areas around your home 
• Increasing water bill over 2 to 3 months

How do plumbers detect hidden leaks?

A professional plumber will have a tried-and-true routine in water leak detection, starting with a walk-through around your home. They typically check fixtures and under the sinks. They will inspect any irrigation system and pool system. They will then check the water meter check. 

After these things have ruled out any obvious leaks, they will use special equipment for water leak detection. This is an underground sound detection tool that involves headphones and a microphone that allows the plumber to hear running water ground. Plumbers may also use video cameras to find leaks.