When your water heater starts acting up, it’s easy to panic (no one likes a cold shower first thing in the morning, right?). But before you rush into repairs, or fork over cash for a new one, it’s worth asking a few smart questions.
These five will help you figure out if you can squeeze more life out of your current unit. Or if it’s time to upgrade and stop stressing about it.
Water heaters aren’t built to last forever. Most tank models hold up for 8 to 12 years. After that, they start breaking down more often and working less efficiently. If yours is over a decade old, you’re likely running on borrowed time.
Got a tankless unit? Those can last from 15 and 20 years with regular maintenance. But even then, performance can drop off.
Quick tip: If your heater is still under 7 years old and this is its first issue, you’re probably safe to repair. But if it’s hitting the 10-year mark or older, you’re better off replacing it now than waking up to a flooded garage.
One leak is annoying. Two is frustrating. Three? That’s a pattern.
If you’ve had to call a plumber multiple times over the past year or two, your heater’s likely on its way out. All those “quick fixes” start to add up and you’re basically patching a system that’s trying to quit.
But if it’s your first issue in years, and your unit’s still relatively young, a simple repair could buy you more time.
Bottom line: If your water heater is becoming a regular problem, it’s probably time to replace it.
Rust-colored water coming out of your tap? Not a good sign. That usually means your tank is corroding from the inside—and once that process starts, there’s no turning back.
Same goes for leaks. A little drip near a connection might be fixable. But if water is pooling underneath or leaking down the side of the tank, you’re looking at a full replacement.
Don’t wait on this one. A tank failure can lead to serious water damage. And fast.
If your showers are going lukewarm halfway through—or your dishes never get truly clean—your heater might not be pulling its weight anymore.
Sometimes it’s a worn-out heating element. Sometimes it’s just too small for your household. And sometimes, years of sediment buildup have shrunk the tank’s real capacity.
You can flush the tank as a temporary fix, but if you’re running out of hot water often, it might be time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient model. Especially if your energy bills are creeping up too.
Here’s a simple rule: if repairs cost more than half of what a new unit would, go with the replacement. Fixing an older water heater may only buy you a little time before another issue pops up, so it’s worth considering the long-term value.
Also, don’t forget energy savings. Newer water heaters are way more efficient—and may qualify for rebates. Over time, those savings can pay for the upgrade and even put money back in your pocket through lower utility bills. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with a warranty and more reliable performance.
Need help making the call?
By asking these five questions, you’ll have a much clearer idea of whether repair or replacement is the right call for your water heater. Every situation is different, but safety and reliability should always come first. If you’re ever unsure, consult a professional for an expert assessment. Your goal is a dependable hot water supply for years to come—with the least hassle and expense.
At Big Air, we’ll take a look at your setup and give you honest, straightforward advice. No pressure, just real answers. We serve Concord and nearby cities like Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Martinez, and beyond. Give us a call and we’ll help you get your hot water—and peace of mind—back in no time.
Every house runs into plumbing issues sooner or later, it’s just part of owning a home.
But in Concord? There are a few specific problems we see week after week, especially in older neighborhoods where pipes have been doing their job a little too long.
Here are five of the most common plumbing problems we fix and how to spot them before they turn into a full-blown mess.
That little “plink… plink…” might not seem like a big deal, but it adds up. We've seen slow-dripping faucets waste thousands of gallons of water a year. Literally. That’s money—and clean water—down the drain.
Most of the time, it’s something simple: a worn-out washer or a busted cartridge. Fixable in under an hour. But the longer you leave it? The more likely you’ll end up with water stains, warped counters, or a slow-growing mold patch behind your sink.
Bottom line: if you’re hearing the drip, fix it now—before it becomes more than just an annoying sound.
If your sink fills up faster than it drains, it’s not just annoying, it’s your plumbing giving you a warning.
In bathrooms, the usual culprits are hair and soap scum clumping up in the pipes. In kitchens, it’s grease, food scraps, and (for some reason) coffee grounds. Spoiler: garbage disposals do not eat everything.
Here’s how to prevent a clog in the first place:
If things are already slow or fully backed up? A plunger or snake might work—but if it keeps happening, it’s time to let a pro clear it properly.
Toilets get used all day, every day—so it’s no surprise they cause problems.
The most common issue? A toilet that keeps running long after you’ve flushed. Usually, it’s a flapper that won’t seal or a fill valve that’s on its last leg. Cheap parts, easy fix.
Clogs are the next biggie. Most come from flushing the wrong stuff, especially those “flushable” wipes (they’re not). Lower-quality or inexpensive toilets also tend to clog and back up more often, even with normal use. If your plunger’s getting a full-time workout, or if the toilet backs up for no clear reason, the clog might be deeper than you think.
Pro tip: If your toilet’s bubbling when you use the shower, that could be a sewer issue, not just a toilet one.
Concord’s water tends to be moderately hard, which means over time, sediment builds up in your tank. That buildup cuts your hot water supply and makes your heater work overtime.
Here’s what to watch for:
Sometimes flushing the tank helps, especially if it hasn’t been done in a while. But if your water heater’s over 10 years old and gives you regular grief it might be time to stop repairing and start replacing.
We’ll be honest—this is the one no one wants to deal with.
If multiple drains are backing up, your yard smells weird, or your toilet is making gurgling noises when you run the laundry… it’s probably not your imagination. It might be your sewer line.
Tree roots are a big problem in older Concord homes. They grow straight into the pipes, causing cracks, backups, and some pretty nasty smells.
You can’t DIY this one. If anything on that list sounds familiar, call a plumber fast. The longer you wait, the more expensive (and gross) it gets.
Plumbing problems are part of homeownership, but knowing what to look for makes them easier to handle. When in doubt, it’s always best to call a professional before small issues become major headaches. Big Air Has You Covered
From dripping faucets to sewer line repairs, Big Air’s friendly, professional team is here to help. We have decades of experience with Concord’s plumbing challenges.
We proudly serve Concord, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Moraga, Danville, Alamo, Clayton, Orinda, San Ramon, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, and surrounding communities. Contact Big Air today to schedule plumbing service and keep your home running smoothly!
