Water Heater Repair and Replacement FAQ Guide

As a long-time plumber with over a decade of hands-on experience, I can't stress enough how important it is to keep up with water heater maintenance.


I've carried out way too many water heaters that weighed twice as much as they should just from all the build-up in the tank.


Over time, sediment buildup and corrosion can sneak up on you, causing problems like reduced efficiency, strange noises (those pops in the night that scared us as kids), and those dreaded messy leaks.


Ignoring these issues might not only lead to premature wear and tear but also unexpected breakdowns that can be a major pain.


Plus, a well-maintained water heater operates more efficiently, helping homeowners save on energy bills.


By staying on top of routine maintenance, like professional inspections and tank flushing, you can nip potential problems in the bud, ensuring a longer lifespan for your water heater and a safe reliable supply of hot water for your home.


Having said all that, problems happen and issues arise.  Here's my little Top 10 list of common problems and their possible causes.


Whatever the issue may be, I'm here to help fix it! When the hot water issue happens, just give me a call or drop me an email.

a close up of a water heater with water leaking out of it

Common Water Heater Issues and Repairs

The Ponca Hot Water Top 10 common problems list

Top 10 Water Heater Issues and Repairs

a close-up of a faucet on a corroded water heater

Water Heater Repair and Replacement FAQ

Our most commonly asked questions over the years

Water heater replacement or repair my water heater? Find answers here.

  • Is it worth it to repair a hot water heater?

    Answer: It depends on the age and condition of your water heater. If it's relatively new and the repair cost is reasonable, it's most likely worth it. For older heaters, replacing them often makes more sense.

  • How much does it cost to repair a water heater valve?

    Answer: Water heater valve costs vary, but fixing a valve is generally affordable. (Although the price of valves has gone up in the past few years). We check the part price for an accurate estimate and discuss what makes the most sense from there.

  • How long do water heaters last?

    Answer: As a general average, water heaters last around 10-15 years. Regular maintenance can help extend their lifespan.

  • What does it mean if my hot water tank is leaking?

    Answer: A leaking tank could indicate a serious issue. It's crucial to contact us immediately to assess and fix the problem. And don't worry too much, we could get lucky and find a hose or connection leak.

  • Is it worth fixing a 10-year-old water heater?

    Answer: It depends on the specific issue. If it's a minor problem and the heater is generally in good condition, repairing may be worthwhile. For major issues, replacement is probably a better long-term solution.

  • How do most water heaters fail?

    Answer: From my experience, the most common failures would be heating element issues, sediment buildup, and corrosion. Regular maintenance does help prevent these problems.

  • How do I know when my water heater needs replacing?

    Answer: This is a tough one to answer without looking or knowing more info but as a general answer, it comes down to common sense. If it's breaking often and/or nearing 15 years old, then it's probably time to go with a new water heater.

  • Can you still use water if the water heater is off?

    Answer: Yep! You can still use cold water in your home even if the water heater is turned off.

    Lots of people think cold showers are healthy... they probably haven't fixed a water leak under a home with a flooded crawl space in the middle of an Oklahoma winter!

    Don't suffer through that! Give me a call!

  • How do you know when you need a new water heater?

    Answer: If your water heater is consistently failing, requiring frequent repairs, or showing ugly rusty signs of old age, it's most likely time for a water heater replacement.

Whew! That was a lot of Q&A, notes, and putting it all together.

A HUGE Thanks if you read all of that info. I hope it helped you find an answer to your water heater question.


I really meant for all that to be more of a quick and easy way for my customers to find guided answers instead of a mini-book.


There are a lot of issues with hot water tanks that are not easy (or safe) DIY repairs.  If you have a leaky mess on your hands or a family that's not quite as fun as usual due to no hot showers, trust me, I know that feeling.



Going without hot water is no fun!


I'm here to help fix it! When the hot water issue happens, just give me a call or drop me an email.


I'd love to help and will always give an honest assessment of the repair or replace question once I see what we're dealing with in person.


And if you are nowhere near my local service area of Ponca City, OK, well I'm glad you stopped by and I hope I helped a little bit!


Thanks!

 Greg Parr

  Parr Plumbing
   Ponca City, OK