Water Heater Problems
A problem with your water heater can be noticed immediately. You may turn on the faucet and receive no hot water, or you may run out of hot water very quickly. In some cases, the water may not be hot enough, or it may be extremely hot that it scalds your skin. You may also hear strange sounds coming from the water heater, or you may notice your water heater leaking. These are obvious signs that you need water heater repair. However, water heater repair is never simple. These symptoms must prompt you to call a professional for water heater repair. In doing so, you ensure that your water heater resumes normal operation, and you and your family can safely use the appliance.
At Rich Plumbing and HVAC, we specialize in water heater repair to remedy your problems. For more than 25 years, our certified technicians have helped households repair their water heaters so that comfort and convenience are not compromised. We repair water heaters not only for homes but also for commercial establishments such as restaurants, property management companies, businesses, and retail outlets. We specialize in Geothermal Systems, which provide a proven, practical solution to heating problems. Our water repair services will save you time, money, and effort. This is our promise to you.
Kinds of Water Heater Problems
Your water heater is a specialized device used to regulate hot or cold water within your home. This appliance is either a tank-type, tankless, or solar device. As such, different problems may be associated with different types of heaters. However, some common issues can be experienced regardless of the kind of tank installed in your home.
The most common type of problem with water heaters is the lack of heat. Water may flow, but it is not hot. The absence of heat means there's something wrong somewhere in the system, most probably within the device itself. If you have an electric water heater that does not produce hot water after being turned on for some time, then the heating element may be defective. If you have a gas heater, then the pilot light is a common issue that should be the first thing to consider. As a safety feature of gas water heaters, a pilot light that is turned off means that no gas is delivered, preventing the water from getting heated. This may also be indicative of a defective thermocouple.
Another common problem with water heaters is that not enough hot water is being discharged in the pipes. When this happens, the device's thermostat can be acting up. The purpose of the thermostat, which is attached to the valve, is to act like a monitoring device, checking for ambient temperatures to produce the right amount of heat for the water. When it fails to perform its job, it can cause water to be either too hot or too cold. A thermostat replacement might solve the issue. If the thermostat is working, then a clogged flue or vent may be causing the problem. It may alter the normal flow of water from the tubing, minimizing the pressure and causing an imbalance in the heating mechanism.
A dangerous issue that must be addressed immediately is a leaking pressure release valve. If this part is not functioning properly, then disaster can ensue as the tank can explode. A professional must immediately address this problem to avoid bigger problems and higher costs down the road.
Water Heater Repair or Replacement?
According to most manufacturers, the suggested service life expectancy of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years. This period varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule, and water quality. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, leaks around the base of the tank, and works erratically or not at all, then it is probably time for a replacement. However, before a replacement process commences, a professional must make sure that an electrical problem, such as a blown fuse or tripped breaker, is not the reason for the unit's failure. Often, water heater repair can still be performed to maximize the life of a device.
Water Heater Maintenance
Modern water heaters are manufactured to require little or no maintenance, but these maintenance tips could prolong the life of your appliance:
- Drain the water heater twice a year to remove collected sediment that causes corrosion. This also increases efficiency.
- Test the pressure-relief valve by lifting the valve’s handle and letting it snap back. This should release a burst of water into the overflow drainpipe. If it doesn’t, install a new valve.
- Lower the temperature setting on the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This reduces damage to the tank caused by overheating.
Professional Water Heater Repair Services
When you have a defective water heater, you may perform a few troubleshooting steps on your own, but calling in a professional to do the job is safer, more efficient, and more reliable. Rich Plumbing and HVAC guarantee quality repair services that can save you money down the road. Certainly, you can save more money if you do the repairs yourself and succeed in the process. However, with uncertainty, the chances of further damage may increase when you perform repairs on your own.
Therefore, calling the professionals at Rich Plumbing and HVAC is your best move for water heater repair. Trust our experts to provide you with sound advice on how to manage the use of your water heater so that you can maximize its use and prevent its failure.
Get in touch with us today for quality water heater repair.