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Understanding Water Heater Lifespans

Traditional water heaters usually have a lifespan of around 8-12 years. Meanwhile, tankless water heaters can last for about 20 years. These are just averages, however – some units may last much longer, while others may succumb to problems well before they reach the end of their lifespan. When your water heater starts to show signs of wear and tear, it is a good idea to have it checked out by a professional. The lifespan of a water heater can vary depending on the quality of the unit, how often it is used, and the maintenance that is performed on it.

If you are experiencing problems with your water heater and it is within this general range of age, a water heater repair may be the best option for you unless there is some other issue with the fixture. That’s because even with the repair, it is unlikely that you are going to need to replace the water heater for several more years. This means that the water heater repair will still be the less costly option.

However, if a water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan or if it has passed the end of its lifespan, a repair likely isn’t the best solution. In this case, you probably want to work with your plumber and get a water heater replacement. That’s because even if a water heater repair is possible to get it up and running again, there are likely to be more issues with the water heater sooner rather than later. When these problems come up, you will either need to pay for more repairs or you will need to go ahead and schedule your water heater replacement.

Common Water Heater Issues

There are a wide variety of problems that can arise with water heaters. Some of these issues, like leaks, may even count as emergency plumbing repairs. Knowing the most common water heater issues is another thing that can help you determine when a water heater repair is likely to be needed. Some of those common water heater issues include:

• Leaking: One of the most common problems that people experience with their water heaters is a leak. If you have a leak in your water heater, it is important to act quickly and have the problem fixed. A leak can lead to a lot of wasted water and it can also cause damage to your home.
• Not Enough Hot Water: If you find that your water heater isn’t providing you with as much hot water as it used to, it may be time for a repair. This is especially true if you’re experiencing a sudden decrease in hot water.
• Water Is Too Hot: In some cases, the water heater may be providing water that is too hot. This can be just as big of a problem as not enough hot water.
• Making Strange Noises: If you notice that your water heater is making strange noises, it could be a sign of sediment build-up or another issue.

In addition to these things, there are also some signs that a water heater has experienced a lot of wear and tear. When you are experiencing these kinds of issues, it is far more likely that it may be time to schedule a water heater replacement.

Rusting or corrosion of the water heater is a common sign that the fixture may be beyond repair. If you see this kind of damage on the exterior of your water heater, it is a good idea to reach out for professional help to assess the problem and determine the next steps to take. Likewise, it is a good idea to pay attention to your water quality. If you experience problems such as discolored water or strange odors when you turn on your hot water, it could be a sign of rusting or corrosion inside the fixture and another indicator a replacement may be needed soon if not right away.

Proper Water Heater Maintenance

Water heaters are an essential part of any home, and they need to be properly maintained in order to function properly. One of the best ways to prolong the lifespan of a water heater is to ensure it receives regular maintenance. Maintenance for a water heater generally includes tasks such as flushing the unit

Flushing the water heater is the process of draining all of the water out of the tank and then refilling it. This helps to remove any sediment that has built up in the bottom of the tank, which is important because allowing sediment to build up in the tank can lead to a number of problems.

Even if you aren’t experiencing the immediate need for water heater repair, it can still be a good idea to reach out to a professional regularly for help with your water heater. A little bit of maintenance as well as water heater repair when needed can prevent the need for a water heater replacement for a long while.

Scheduling Your Repairs

These are just a few of the most common water heater issues that people experience. If you are having any problems with your water heater, it is always a good idea to reach out for help right away. Only a professional will be able to identify the best steps to take when you are dealing with water heater problems. For water heater repair in Asheville, NC, we can be there for you.

Identifying Emergency Plumbing Situations

Not every plumbing problem you may face will be an emergency. That’s why one of the first and most important things that you can do in any situation is to be able to identify whether you are dealing with a plumbing emergency. Some common plumbing emergencies to look out for include:

• Water leaks: A small water leak may not seem like a big deal, but if it is coming from your main water line, it could be a sign of a serious problem. If you see any water leaks, no matter how small they may be, it’s important to call a plumber right away
• Sewage backup: If you have sewage backing up into your home, it’s a clear sign that you have a major clog in your sewer line. This is an extremely dangerous situation and one that could lead to serious damage, so it should be addressed immediately by a professional.
• Overflowing drains and toilets: If your drains or toilets are overflowing, it’s a sign that there is a blockage somewhere in your plumbing system. This can lead to extensive water damage or wastewater coming into your home, so it’s important to call a plumber as soon as possible to clear the blockage.

Of course, these aren’t the only reasons you may need to call an emergency plumber. Any situation that leads to a problem such as flooding can quickly cause serious water damage and should be considered an emergency. Meanwhile, you should always reach out for help if there is an issue such as wastewater coming into your home, as this could be a major health hazard if not addressed right away.

Steps to Take in an Emergency

There are a few things you should do in any plumbing emergency. The first is to turn off the water if there is a major leak or a problem that could lead to flooding. This will help prevent any further damage from occurring and will give you a chance to assess the situation. Once the water is turned off, you can then take a look at the problem and see what needs to be done.

In some cases, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. For example, if a drain is clogged, you may be able to clear it with a plunger or a snake. However, in other cases, you will need to call a professional. This is especially true with major issues such as sewage backup or water leaks, as these can quickly cause extensive damage if not addressed as quickly as possible.

Who to Call for a Plumbing Emergency

Another important step in dealing with any plumbing emergency is knowing who to call to help you with any emergency plumbing repairs you may need. It is always important to reach out to a professional plumber for help in any sensitive situation because they will have the knowledge and experience necessary to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.

It’s also important in many cases to find an emergency plumber that is available to help you no matter when the problem arises. When you have a serious plumbing emergency that needs to be taken care of, it may not be possible to wait until the morning hour or the end of the weekend to arrange your emergency services.

Having an emergency plumber that is able to provide you with services 24 hours a day and seven days a week will help to ensure you always have someone to help. This can do a lot to prevent major damage from occurring, especially if there is a problem such as flooding in your home. Additionally, if there is a situation that could potentially be hazardous you will not have to worry about leaving your home while you wait until you can arrange the emergency plumbing repairs you need.

How to Find an Emergency Plumber

One of the best ways to find an emergency plumber is to ask people in your area for recommendations. Most people will have had to deal with a plumbing emergency at some point, which means they will likely be familiar with the different options that are available. This is all in addition to the research that you can do online for emergency plumbers in the area.

There are some things to watch out for as you do your research that can help indicate a plumber will be able to provide you with the help you need. One of these things is the variety of emergency plumbing services offered by the plumbing contractor.

As already mentioned, some of the most common plumbing emergencies include issues such as leaking pipes, overflowing drains and toilets, or back-ups of your sewage line. However, there are many other types of plumbing emergencies you may find yourself facing. This includes problems such as damaged water lines, which can lead to flooding while also preventing the use of water in your home or even gas leaks that can be a serious health hazard if the leak is not detected and taken care of immediately.

Scheduling Emergency Plumbing Repair

Those in need of an emergency plumber in Asheville, NC or the surrounding area can get the help they need when they come to us. We provide a full range of emergency plumbing repairs available 24-7 for everything from sewer line repairs to help with burst pipes, so homeowners and business owners can always rely on us for the help they need.