When a water heater acts up, the big question is whether to fix it or replace it. The answer depends on what failed, how old the heater is and what a repair costs compared with a new unit. Here's how to decide, and what your options are if it's time for a new one. For repair help, see water heater repair in Portland, or our main page on Portland plumbing services.
Signs it's time to replace
- The tank itself is leaking. Water pooling under the heater with no leaking fittings above usually means the tank has rusted through, and that can't be repaired.
- It's near the end of its life and starting to need repairs.
- Repairs keep adding up, one part after another.
- It can't keep up because the household has grown.
Problems that are usually worth repairing
- a failed heating element or thermostat on an electric heater
- a pilot, thermocouple, burner or gas control problem on a gas heater
- a leaking drain valve or fitting
- a worn relief valve
On a tank that's otherwise sound, these are normal maintenance repairs.
Check the age
The label on the side of the heater shows the model and serial number, and the manufacture date is often coded into the serial number. If you can't read it, take a photo and send it with your call. The plumber can usually tell you how old it is.
Your options if you replace
- Same type and size: usually the simplest swap.
- Tankless: heats on demand and needs the right gas or electrical supply and venting.
- Heat pump water heater: an electric unit that pulls heat from the surrounding air.
- Indirect tank: heated by the boiler, an option for the many Maine homes with oil or gas boilers.
Gas and oil equipment in Maine involves technicians licensed by the Maine Fuel Board, and installing plumbing requires a permit from the local plumbing inspector, so ask about both.
Getting more life from the next one
The US Department of Energy says 120°F is enough for most households, and a lower setting reduces scale and corrosion inside the tank. Portland Water District's water is very soft, about 8 mg/L hardness, which also helps. Look at the heater a couple of times a year for drips, rust or a relief valve that's discharging, and call before a small problem becomes a flooded basement.