Water Heater Repair in Los Feliz & Glendale, CA

What Are Signs You Need Water Heater Repair?

While one of the easiest ways to tell that your water heater needs to be fixed is an icy shower, there are other, more subtle signs to be aware of. One of the reasons it’s important to be aware of such signs is because noticing them quickly could be the difference between needing repairs and needing a replacement.

Call us for water heater repair in Los Feliz or Glendale if you notice any of the following:

• You’ve had your current water heater for a long time. The average lifespan for a traditional water heater is between 10-15 years, depending on how well it’s maintained. If your unit is around this age, or older, we recommend having it inspected.
• Your unit makes loud sounds. Your unit should never make noticeably loud sounds. If you hear loud snapping, popping, clanking or groaning sounds, it could be the result of minerals building up within your unit, causing it to overheat.
• Your unit doesn’t produce enough heat. Your water heater should produce water that’s hot enough for you to bathe, shower, and/or wash your clothes in. If it’s consistently producing lukewarm water, chances are it’s in need of repairs.
• There’s a weird smell or taste to the water. There should never be a foul odor or taste to the water dispensed from your water heater. If it has one, it could be due to mineral build up in your tank that flakes and falls into the water.
• Your water pressure is too low. Due to the potential for mineral build up, your water heater needs to be periodically flushed and cleaned. Therefore, if you’re dealing with water pressure issues, chances are it’s in need of another flushing.
• Your unit is leaking. If you notice a pool of water around your water heater, it could be due to a crack in the tank.
• Your water is discolored. If you’re seeing reddish-brown water, it could be that the interior is rusting.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

We understand having a nonfunctioning water heater is frustrating, especially because it can disrupt your routine. We promise we will always opt for repairs if they are possible. However, there are some instances where a replacement is more sensible.

We recommend that you replace your water heater if:

• Your water heater is 10 or more years old. If you have a tank water heater, it's not uncommon for it to start to show signs of wear and tear when it's around 8 years old. In fact, the general lifespan of a well maintained tank water heater is 8-12 years for a gas-powered one and 10-15 years for an electric-powered one. If your unit has reached the end of its traditional lifespan, it might make more sense to invest in a new one.
• Your energy bills are increasing. Are you having to turn the dial more to achieve a comfortable temperature when you shower? This could be a sign that your unit is losing efficiency. This means that it must work harder to keep your water the temperature you desire, which then leads to higher energy bills. If you've got an older unit that is clearly losing efficiency and causing your bills to skyrocket, it is more cost effective to replace it with a newer, more efficient model.
• You need more frequent or more costly repairs. If you've had to call us for repairs more and more often, or if the repairs equate to 50% or more of the cost of a new unit, we highly recommend replacing your water heater. You might even decide you want to save space as well as save money on your energy bills and invest in a tankless model.
• Your water heater is making strange noises. As it gets older, it starts to develop unusual noises. Over time, sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, causing loud pops and cracking noises. If you are experiencing these issues, you may need to consider replacing your unit with a more efficient tank.
• Rusty water coming from taps. Noticing the hot water coming from the taps shows visible signs of rust or dirt and has a metallic taste is a sign that your tank is deteriorating. If you are experiencing rusty water, your water heater likely needs replacing.