Early one Monday morning, an ear-splitting scream comes from a Natick shower. Icy cold water the culprit, abruptly taking the place of what had been a satisfyingly steamy shower moments before. In another home, you can read the entire morning paper in the time it takes hot water to show up at all. There’s a puddle slowly forming in your utility room. Every so often, you have to go reset the breakers, holding a flashlight while peering into the panel box and trying to figure out what tripped the system this time. The problem? Your water heater may be on the way out.

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

There’s a number of factors that go into determining how long your water heater will last. These include usage – families that use a lot of hot water have to replace their hot water heater more often than those who use less – water quality, and the conditions in which the hot water is kept and maintained. That being said, industry estimates average 10-15 years expected life for the typical hot water heater. This is a fact which meshes with the experience of many Natick plumbers.

Does Water Heater Troubles Always Mean Replacement?

Homeowners on a budget often ask if replacement is the only option. The answer is a not a simple yes or no. Some water heater issues such as ruptured tanks, leaking pipes inside the tank, or failure due to age, require replacement. Repairing these issues is cost prohibitive – you would pay more to patch an old heater up than to purchase a new hot water heater! Heating element failure, problems with the thermostat, and similar issues may be repairable; saving you money. Ask your Natick plumber what your options are and if repair is an option.

Do I Need A Plumber or Can I Fix My Water Heater Myself?

Experienced handyman who feel comfortable working with plumbing, electricity, and perhaps gas lines, may want to take on the repair of their water heater on their own. Those lacking that confidence will be happier calling in an experienced plumber to handle the job. Bear in mind, if you’re in a position where you’re replacing a water heater, that the warranty on many water heaters is dependent upon having the unit installed by a licensed, professional plumber. Protect your investment and have a pro do the job.

How Much Can I Expect To Pay To Have My Water Heater Repaired?

What does it cost is often the first question homeowners ask about water heater repair – but the more important question is who will do the job right? As the economy gets tighter and people find themselves out of work, we’ve seen an increasing number of self-proclaimed handymen setting up shop and offering to do jobs like hot water installation at discounted prices. You might save money – but you’re also trusting part of your home’s vital plumbing system to someone without professional training, experience, and equipment. Consider price, of course, but make sure you’re paying for a quality job as well!

When’s The Best Time to Replace a Water Heater?

In a perfect world, we’d get plenty of advance notice that our water heater is nearing the end of its useful life. This isn’t a perfect world, and water heaters can and do sometimes fail abruptly. However, most of the time, you’ll notice some change in performance. This can be the sign that it’s time to replace the water heater. If you know it has been more than ten years since your hot water was installed, it’s a good idea to start planning now to replace it.

Who Can Help Me With My Water Heater in Natick?

When you’re looking for a Natick plumber to help you with your water heater, you’ll want to do your research. Go online and investigate your options. Look for plumbers who are experienced, who have a good reputation in your area and who are competitively priced. You want to work only with plumbers who are licensed and insured! Don’t be afraid to ask for references – most plumbers will happily share a list of satisfied customers with you. Your neighbors and colleagues may be a good source of referrals as well.