Water heaters play a considerable role in every home. When your hot water heater is not working or not working correctly, it impacts your entire life. Call the professionals at Grove Heating & Cooling when issues arise with your current water heater. Our highly trained technicians will evaluate and pinpoint the issue and give you options for water heater replacement in Annapolis, MD.
While regular maintenance can extend the life of your unit, every water heater will eventually need to be replaced. When should you replace your old water heater with a new unit? Any time the following water heater problems occur, it is probably time to replace the failing unit in your Annapolis home.
Most traditional tank water heaters last about 8 to 12 years, while tankless models have a longer lifespan up to around 20 years with proper maintenance. If your water heater is nearing or past its expected lifespan, it’s smart to start planning for a replacement before a breakdown catches you off guard.
If you find yourself calling for water heater repair more often, replacing your water heater may be more cost-effective than continuing to patch up an aging unit. Persistent water heater repair issues are usually a sign that the system is wearing out internally.
Significant leaks are never a good sign. Usually, it means the tank has ruptured or rusted to the point where it no longer holds water. Not only is this an issue for the water heater, but it is also an issue that involves water damage to your home.
If your energy bills jump up, it could mean that your water heater is not working efficiently. It could also mean that other heating and cooling appliances are not working at peak efficiency. We can isolate the problem and give you detailed options to bring your energy bills back down.
One reason your power bill or gas bill may shoot up is because the water heater does not shut off. The situation results in excessively hot water. If you notice that water out of the tap is overly hot, call our water heater experts for an inspection.
When only cold water comes out of the tap, you notice it quickly. The problem can be as simple as a pilot light out or a more serious issue, like a broken burner or heating element. A Grove NATE-certified technician will return the unit to working order or replace the unit as needed.
Sediment and mineral buildup in your water heater tank or tankless heater lines are not uncommon problems. Regular maintenance early on can prevent many of the damages that mineralization and sediments cause. If the water is rusty, the unit needs service. Flushing can help, but it may not be enough. If the damage is severe, the unit may need to be replaced with a new model.
While some water heater issues can be fixed with simple repairs, others point to deeper problems that often make water heater replacement the smarter, more cost-effective choice. Here are some specific repair situations where installing a new water heater is usually the best move:
If the tank itself is corroding or rusting, replacement is almost always necessary. Once the metal of the tank is compromised, leaks and structural failure are inevitable—and no repair can permanently fix a rusting tank.
Small valve leaks can sometimes be repaired, but if you notice a leak coming directly from the tank, it’s a clear sign the unit is failing. Replacing the entire water heater is typically the only safe and lasting solution.
A malfunctioning heating element can sometimes be replaced in a tank or tankless unit. However, if your water heater is already nearing the end of its lifespan, investing in a new unit is often more cost-effective than repairing an old one that’s likely to have additional issues soon.
For gas-powered water heaters, a broken gas valve or burner assembly might be repairable. But again, if the system is aging, repairs may offer only a short-term fix. A water heater replacement will save you from continued service calls and higher energy bills down the road.
Over time, minerals in your water can settle at the bottom of the tank, creating a layer of sediment. If flushing the tank doesn’t resolve loud banging noises, overheating, or poor performance, and especially if the sediment has hardened, it’s often better to replace the unit entirely.
If the storage tank develops a crack, water heater replacement is the only real option, as these tanks are not designed to be patched or repaired.
When it’s time to replace your water heater in Annapolis, you’ll have to decide whether you want to go with a gas or electric water heater model. Then, there are two styles of water heaters that can be installed – those with tanks and those without tanks.
Both types offer reliable hot water, but they operate differently and come with unique advantages depending on your home’s needs.
Gas water heaters use natural gas or propane to heat water. They tend to heat water faster than electric models, making them a popular choice for larger households with high hot water demands.
Although they typically cost more upfront and require access to a gas line, they often offer lower monthly energy costs. Plus, during a power outage, a gas water heater can still deliver hot water — a significant benefit for families who want to be prepared for anything.
Electric water heaters rely on electricity to warm the water in the tank. They are generally easier and less expensive to install, especially in homes without a gas connection. Electric models are also known for their safety, as they don’t produce combustion gases or risk gas leaks.
While they might take a bit longer to heat water and have slightly higher operating costs depending on local electricity rates, their lower initial cost and straightforward maintenance make them a practical and efficient option for many Annapolis homeowners.
Tankless water heaters are very energy efficient. They only heat water when you need them to. That process also means lower utility bills. Because they do not have a tank, they tend to last much longer than traditional water heaters.
Their small size also helps you save space. A traditional water heater should be maintained every year, but a tankless water heater may not need maintenance very often at all. This is because there are fewer parts to maintain, and there is no huge water reservoir.
Traditional water heaters are slightly less expensive than tankless water heaters are. In addition, their installation can be outside the home and insulated. In contrast, a tankless water heater should be installed near the usage location – in a bathroom or under a kitchen cabinet or near the washing machine.
You need only one unit with a traditional water heater unless your household has a very high hot water demand. With a tankless water heater, you may need more than one.
Not sure which new water heater installation is right for you? Grove Heating & Cooling can help you weigh the pros and cons of each and recommend the best water heater replacement to fit your Annapolis home, budget, and lifestyle.
There is no time to delay service when you have water heater problems. When you call Grove, you will always get a licensed technician who has the experience and expertise to evaluate your water heater. We will isolate the problem, spot additional issues that may not be problems yet, and will give you an honest estimate for water heater repair, or walk you through your options for water heater replacement.
In addition, you will be treated with respect and greeted with a professional demeanor. We understand we are guests in your home and that our job is to bring your home life to an entirely new level of comfort whenever you call us for water heater services.
Grove is your experienced leader for hot water heater services throughout the Annapolis, Maryland community. We have over 50 years of experience helping our customers with water heater repair, routine maintenance, and water heater installation services. Our technicians are experienced, fast, reliable, honest, and courteous.
When your water heater isn’t pulling its weight any longer and it’s time for a new one, call Grove Heating & Cooling for water heater replacement in Annapolis, MD.
2142 Priest Bridge Ct. Suite 6, Crofton, MD 21114
