Most people never even think about their water heater until either they step in the shower and are surprised to have only cold water or a puddle appears on the floor at the base of the heater. Either way, a person soon realizes that there are choices to be made before they can enjoy that wonderful feeling of warm water cascading down over their body again. Of course one would love to just have hot water again without all this hassle, but when it's all over and done with you want to feel like you made the right choices. We are here to assist you in making choices that you will feel good about and then getting your present heater back in service soon or replacing it.

• Repair/gas heater? If there is no water leak and the only problem is that you have no hot water perhaps your pilot has just gone out. If so you can follow the instructions usually printed on the heater or give us a call and we can explain the procedure. If the pilot doesn't stay lit after following that procedure the problem is more than likely a problem with the thermocouple or the thermostat. Before investing in a repair we suggest considering the age of the water heater and what condition you think it might be in. Water heaters typically last from 8-12 years but of course yours may not be typical. The age can usually be deduced by studying the rating plate. Most heaters have the month and year of manufacture coded there. Before choosing between the options of repair versus replacement we suggest you consider: The age of the heater? How hard has it worked? Has it been undersized? Is it an energy saving model? How long do we plan on living here? Would I want to free up the area where it is now and relocate the water heater to an exterior closet?
• Replace/gas heater? If their is water leaking from your existing tank their is no practical way to repair it. With conventional water heaters energy standards have improved over the years which means that any heater you purchase today is likely to be more efficient than the heater that needs replacement. There are issues to be addressed though and choices that need to be made. It is time to consider issues like: Was this heater the perfect size for us? Are children getting to the age where they want longer showers? Are children leaving home and now perhaps we might size down? Do we intend to live here much longer? What size might a prospective new buyer of our home expect? Would we want to relocate the water heater, perhaps to a metal enclosuse on the side or at the rear of the home to free up more space or to decrease the chance of future water damage in it's present location? Would we want a metal pan under the water heater that drained to the outside? Would we be interested in a circulating system which would get hot water much sooner to that back shower or kitchen sink? Would a tankless, "on demand" type heater be a good choice for us? Would it make sense to change over from an electric heater to a gas heater? These are all considerations that you may want to address before choosing which heater will suit your needs best as a replacement. Reviewing our webpage FAQ will more than likely answer some of your questions and of course you are free to call and talk to our knowledgable specialists at our toll free phone number above. One can also browse at www.Rheem.com for conventional heaters or www.Takagi.com for information regarding tankless, "on demand" units.
  
• Repair/electric heater? Electric elements are the most common item burning out on electric units and most people would not want to attempt changing their own. In areas where water less than ideal is supplied from your utility company it is especially important to flush your heater periodically or the bottom element can easily become submerged in sediment leading to overheating and premature burning out.
• Replace/electric heater? If your heater is leaking from the bottom it is time for a replacement. Considerations on sizing and type of heater are similar to those for gas units: see above. Energy saving is especially important with electric units since in most areas electric is more expensive than gas as a source of hot water. Any questions that are still lingering in your mind can be discussed at any hour of the day or night with our specialist at (888) WHO-QUICK or by visiting the website of Rheem at www.Rheem.com .