Name: Mile High Drain Cleaning Inc.
Address: 1835 W Union Ave #10 & #11, Englewood, CO, 80110, US
Telephone: 303-726-3888
Price range: $-$$

Water Heater Repair

How Long Do Water Heaters Usually Last?

Water heaters have a typical lifespan of between 8 and 12 years, but tankless units can last longer. You might want to consider a replacement if you begin to experience problems with your water heater and/or it's more than 8 years old.

Some factors that contribute to a water heater's longevity include:

Unit quality
Routine maintenance schedule
Water heater type

What Causes a Hot Water Heater to Stop Working?

While age is one contributing factor when your hot water heater stops working, it's not the only culprit. Other reasons why a hot water heater may quit functioning include:

High water pressure
Corrosion and rust
Sediment buildup
Loose fittings

How to Tell if Your Water Heater Is Failing?

Although newer water heaters are more durable than their older counterparts, all appliances eventually fail and need to be replaced. Following are some telltale signs your water heater is failing.

Water Leaking

If you notice water pooling under your electric or gas water heater, contact a repairperson immediately. It may be due to incorrect water pressure, a faulty valve or loose connections. However, if sediment builds up, it can increase corrosion of the interior tank. Continued leaking could cause extensive damage and inflate your monthly bills.

Not Enough Hot Water

Your household may have expanded, creating a drain on your available hot water supply. If that's the case, you might want to consider replacing your water heater with a larger unit.

Another factor could be the result of scale buildup from hard water. With continued buildup, the unit's connecting pipes pass a limited amount of hot water.

Mineral Buildup

Hard water is one of the main culprits for increased mineral buildup of calcium and magnesium. If caught in time, a professional can clean out the pipes, allowing the water heater to function properly. You may also want to consider investing in a water softener, as increased mineral deposits wear out all water-functioning appliances.

Increased Hot Water Temperature

If the hot water temperature is too high, it may be that the thermostat is set too high. A faulty pressure relief valve could be another reason the water temperature might increase. However, if the thermostat and pressure valve are properly functioning, then the increased hot water temperature is probably due to sediment buildup.

Inconsistent Water Temperature

A professional can determine if inconsistent water temperature is attributable to a malfunctioning thermostat. A more severe problem could be a broken or damaged heating element, in which case the water heater should be replaced.

Discolored or Smelly Water

Your water heater's broken anode rod could be responsible for the unit's cloudy or smelly water. The anode kills bacteria in the water and removes rust.