Water heaters are the kind of appliance you rarely worry about until they stop working. Thankfully, the best plumbing services can help you out here in many different ways! Typically, this service breaks down into three different categories: installation, maintenance, and repair/replacement. Here's what you need to know about how these different services can benefit you.

1. Installation

The most obvious water heater service experts can help you with is installation. We say it's obvious because it's likely the most common reason people call their plumbers about water heaters. For example, new homeowners may call about one after building a gorgeous new palace.

That said, others may call for installation for other reasons. According to The Farnsworth Group, 31% of homeowners want to improve their home's energy efficiency with tankless water heaters. That's a huge number, as many of them probably then called their plumber to get help.

During installation, your team offers a handful of services to help, including checking your current needs, finding a heater you can trust, and preparing your home for installation. They will also connect it to your water system to ensure things are set up and working correctly.

Now, we know what you're thinking: could I put in a water heater myself? We strongly recommend you avoid this mistake — and it is a mistake, we promise — no matter how much you know about water heaters. Simply put, you're more likely to mess up and cause serious operational issues.

2. Maintenance

Even if you don't need plumbing services to install a new water heating system, you might need maintenance. Water heaters are like any other plumbing system as they will wear down with time. Maintenance can help by keeping a unit running smoothly for years.

What exactly happens during water heater maintenance? A team of experts will first typically check your unit for common issues. Then, they provide hands-on upkeep (such as filter replacement and pilot light fixes) to keep your unit running properly for years to come.

Here's the thing about maintenance, though: people so rarely think to do it. As long as their system seems to run fine, they'll put it off. We get that — who wants to pay for a service you might not need? Well, as a homeowner, you do need water heater maintenance, and it could save your unit years of life.

You may also be wondering how often you should call a plumber for water heater maintenance. That can depend on your brand, the unit's age, and your budget. Some might need yearly upkeep; others might need it quarterly. Furthermore, as your unit ages, you might need to look into the next common service type.

3. Repairs/Replacement

When heater problems go beyond simple maintenance, you may have to think about repairs at some point. Repairing your unit might include replacing parts, such as the pilot light and heating coils, or simply fixing the exterior. While all these items keep a unit running properly, they can also indicate worsening system health.

After all, nothing lasts forever, not even appliances you spend thousands of dollars on installing and maintaining. It's just a part of modern life, but repairs can help mitigate this danger. That said, there comes a time when replacement is probably necessary.

In an interesting theoretical sense, replacement is basically the most intensive repair possible; you're fixing your whole system, not just the heater itself. Of course, it costs the most out of all these services (who would have guessed it?), but it can be very beneficial for homeowners.

When should you start thinking about replacing your water heater? That depends on a few factors, including the unit's overall age, the extent of the problem, your budget, and potential danger. According to Energy Star, if you think your water heater is at least 10 years old or more, you should probably consider replacing it.

What if you don't necessarily need a new water heat but simply want one? That's okay, too! There are a few reasons you might consider an upgrade, including installing more efficient heaters that eliminate unnecessary expenses, such as tankless water heaters, which are particularly popular on the market now.

By calling expert plumbing services for your water heating issues, you make a smart investment in your home and your family and keep yourself protected and safe. Whether you need installation, maintenance, repairs, or replacement, we're here to help! Call us at The Witmer Company today. We can tell you all about your water heating needs and provide the support that you need here.