Water Heater Repair, Replacement, and Installation for Local Homes
Odyssey Mechanical is your go-to provider for everything you need for your water heater in Wilmington. From new installations and replacements to repairs and routine maintenance, we do it all. Our plumbers are highly knowledgeable about both tank and tankless units. If you’re unsure which unit is appropriate for you, we can make an honest recommendation based on your hot water needs.
We recommend getting annual service for your water heater to keep it in good condition. With Wilmington’s hard water, you may want to consider having the service done twice a year. This is because the minerals left behind by hard water can degrade your tank. It’s easier to catch problems before they occur, but should the worst happen, we can make repairs, too.
Here are things to consider when selecting a new water heater:
- Tank vs. tankless
- Sizing capacity or gallons per minute
- Natural gas vs. electricity
- Upfront price
- Energy efficiency for operating costs
- Warranty coverage period
When to Repair vs. Replace Your Water Heater
Eventually, most water heaters malfunction. It could be that it isn’t producing hot water or that it’s not turning on at all. Whatever the issue, our plumbers can repair both tank and tankless units. Determining whether repairs or replacement is necessary all starts with the root cause of the problem and the age of your unit.
Most traditional water heaters last about 8 to 12 years, while tankless units can last about 15 to 20 years. If your unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s always necessary to weigh the cost of repairs against the cost of replacement. If a repair will be more than half the price of a new unit, replacement might be the way to go. However, if it’s just a minor malfunction, repairs might make more sense.
The type of repair also plays a major role. Leaks often require replacement. Safety is also a concern. If your heater uses gas, for example, heat exchanger issues can pose safety risks. In cases like that, you may be better off replacing your unit altogether.