How long does a water heater last?

Water heaters last between 8 – 12 years on average when properly maintained. However, your water heater's life span depends on many factors, including the quality of the unit, its maintenance schedule, and the surrounding environment. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to replace your water heater, request a free estimate from our team.

Can well pumps be repaired, or do they need to be replaced?

In most cases, well pumps are not repairable. However, in some instances, all that’s needed is a bit of maintenance or a minor electrical fix to restore full system functionality. The only way to determine whether your well pump is salvageable is by having a knowledgeable plumber inspect the system.

Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?

Drain cleaning chemicals are highly toxic. These chemicals are unsafe for your family and pets and can damage your pipes, causing them to deteriorate prematurely. When stubborn clogs impact your system, the best solution is to hire a plumbing professional to clear the blockage.

Water Heater Repair

Your 24/7 Water Heater Experts

Water heater emergencies can be serious: causing a potential scalding hazard, damaging leak, or productivity standstill. If your water heater is on the fritz or it isn’t keeping up with household demand, Elek’s Lehigh Valley plumbers are available 24 hours a day to provide plumbing repair in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and surrounding areas.

Signs of a water heater problem? Have it inspected quickly before a costly, major breakdown occurs. The licensed technicians at Elek Plumbing service and sell all major brands of gas, electric, standard, and tankless water heaters and provide ongoing maintenance that prolongs the performance and efficiency of your home plumbing appliances.

Common Water Heater Repairs

While the most common sign of a water heater problem is frigid water, there are other routine symptoms of hot water heater failure. Water heater issues may be characterized by leaks, loud noises, or temperature fluctuations, and causes may include:

n Sediment buildup that prevents heat transfer

n Thinning tank insulation

n Black or rust-colored water

n Foul water odor

n Ruptured hot water tank

n Leaking water heater drain valve

n Pressure valve failure

n Thermostat or pilot light malfunction

n Bad heating element

n Electric wiring problems

In some cases, your electric or gas water heater may just need to be flushed and tuned up. Like your vehicle, water heaters perform best with regular TLC. If your hot water heater is beyond basic maintenance or sediment removal, it may call for a more extensive repair. Elek’s Lehigh Valley plumbers are professionally licensed, extensively trained, and equipped to quickly restore hot water while preventing safety risks.

Repair or Replacement?

Conventional water heaters have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, depending on the model. If your water heater has reached the end of its lifespan, replacement is best since new tankless and storage water heaters use up to 20% less energy. If your water heater is fairly new, it probably requires a simple repair or an economical tune-up.

Rest assured that the Elek Plumbing SuperSTARS will provide you with the details you need to make a safe and informed choice for water heater repair or replacement. Our award-winning residential and commercial plumbers can also help you choose a water heater that’s compliant with new National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) efficiency standards.

Schedule Water Heater Service

To report a water heater emergency, dial 610-432-7001 now. You can also request hot water heater service online, and an Elek team member will be in touch shortly to schedule a service call.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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