Broken Arrow Water Heaters

Water heaters are non-issues UNTIL you get hit with that first glacial shower or giant mess in the basement. Then you have to think quickly: Repair or replace?

In the event that it's a conventional storage-tank water heater coming up to the end of its 10-13-year life, replacement is obvious: New models are up to 20% more efficient and could conserve to $700 in energy costs over the life of the unit. However, if your water heater is only a few years old, repair could be the way to go. Unsure whether to repair or replace? Here's how you can decide.

Conventional water heaters are pretty straight forward. Chilly water enters the tank and is heated by an electric element or perhaps gas burner. A thermostat manages the temperature, usually 120 to 140 degrees. As the water heats, pressure forms inside the tank. When you turn on a tap, pressure sends hot water out the faucet.

Due to the fact water heaters have few moving parts, only some things could go wrong.

• Pilot light on gas water heater flickers out. Circuit breaker for an electric heater trips.

• Burner or heating component fails.

• Thermostat breaks.

• Valve sticks.

Broken Arrow water heater repair for any of those parts is comparatively affordable: A plumber can do the job for $150 to $300. However, if the tank is more than 10 years old, or perhaps if it's leaking, a new water tank likely is in your future.

As time passes, water minerals interact with steel, corrosion water heater tanks. As soon as water heaters spring a leak, repair is not a solution. On the good side, modern water heaters are actually far more energy-efficient as compared to more aged models. Companies now inject foam insulation between the tank and it's covering, leading to higher heat retention. New glass liners make tanks less vulnerable to rust.

You will pay $500 to $1,500 to buy and install a new conventional storage unit. A high-efficiency model that fits Energy Star standards conserves up to 20% in energy charges. Heat pump, Tankless, and also solar water heaters offer even bigger savings and also be eligible for a federal tax credits. Various credits expire at the end of 2011 but others run to 2016. These kinds of products cost 3 to 5 times more to buy and install, so think about payback very carefully.

Even with conventional water heaters, replacement may not be as easy as hauling out the old and hooking up the new. Numerous local building codes today require you to upgrade the following:

• Water heater install

• Size or type of venting system

• Drain pan under the heater

• Supply pipes

In case you know your way around plumbing tasks, you may be able to install the new unit on your own. Many companies supply detailed information, and you'll need to look at your local building codes. Shut off the water and electric or gas before you begin, and take particular care to vent gas models effectively.

Regardless of whether you repair or replace, Broken Arrow water heaters will perform better and keep going longer in the event you flush the tank yearly to get rid of sediment. An added bonus: Without all that dirt inside, your water heater will certainly run more efficiently, saving you money.