Imagine having a multitude of problems to attend to every day and still having distractions like a water heater problem hold you back from tackling these issues. You probably don’t have to imagine, you’re already there. Is your water heater acting up? Do you need to replace it or does it need a simple and quick fix? Do you even know where to begin? How much can hiring a professional save you in the long run?
Water heater plumbing is best left to the professionals, especially if you want to save yourself additional expenses in the future. Without professional and proper maintenance you may even be faced with a complete water heater replacement. Maintenance plans can maximize the life of your water heater which averages anywhere from 12-15 years. Another reason to hire a professional plumbing service for your water heater is plumbers always have the right tools needed for the most difficult water heater issue to the simple and quick fixes.
Before we dive into the common water heater issues, it’s important to know that there are two types of water heaters you may have in your very own home: electric and gas. Electric heaters use upper and lower electric heating elements while gas heaters utilize a gas burner that warms up the water from the bottom of the tank. Each can present its own unique set of issues. When your water heater isn’t functioning properly, it requires more energy to heat the water which can lead to larger water and energy bills at the end of the month.
Now, there are quite a few problems a typical water heater might have. Here are a few of the everyday issues that can be found and fixed with the help of a certified professional local plumber.
Problems Regarding Water Temperature
Your water might be too cold, warm but not warm enough, or it might even be leaking. All these problems are attributed to faults in the temperature, water pressure, loose bolts, or even a faulty valve.
Rusty Water
Your water may appear with a deep yellow or red tint to indicate rust. This means there’s a problem with the inner lining of the tank, which is causing corrosion of the water. For this simple fix, your professional certified plumber will have to change the failing anode rod. If it doesn’t take, a full replacement could be needed.
Noise
Sometimes, the buildup of sedimentary particles in the sink can cause the heater to make some odd noises. A simple way to fix this would be to have the water heater flushed. There are several ways to do this. Once the water heater and the noises persist, you might be looking at a water heater replacement as well.
Odor
If your water is smelly, it’s due to bacteria buildup in the tank. A simple increase in water temperature should fix this. This can be done by thoroughly applying chlorine or bleach to properly clean the tank as well.
These problems mentioned above can occur in both gas and electric water heaters.
However, some problems are more particular to gas water heaters than electric ones. Problems like water taking too long to heat, water being extremely hot, water leakage from either the top or the bottom are all problems that are more likely to occur in a gas water heater. The good news is that the solutions are also similar to that of the electric heaters since they both utilize a water tank where they draw water from. Hiring a professional plumbing service to do these tasks can make the entire process seamless. The professional would also in turn let you know if you would need a replacement or not.
When having your water heater fixed is not enough, you may be due to have a full replacement. If it’s time to replace or fix a water heater in your bathroom, these tips below could help you when selecting the right water heater for you in your home.
Space
Make sure there’s enough space between the equipment and the wall. A time may come when the heater would have issues and the professional you hire would need room to assess and possibly fix the problem. Create space for that possibility.
Height
Experts believe that the water heater should be at least six feet from the floor. This would ensure you get accurate water pressure and strong water flow.
Water Switches
To prevent problems with short circuits, make sure the heater is connected to a portable circuit breaker that automatically disconnects the heater in case of power issues.
Now that we’re clear on what you need to do when fixing a new water heater, let’s look at some things you can do to maintain your heater and prevent it from having problems for a long time.
Temperature
You can save more power and electricity by having the water temperature lowered to what you’re mildly comfortable with. If you like to use hot water all the time, you might want to consider reducing the times you use it. You’ll save more power and increase your water heater’s lifespan that way.
Anode Rod
Earlier, we made mention of an anode rod as what causes water corrosion and makes it appear rusty. Experts advise that the rod should be checked every three years to see if it’s about to rust. This way, you can stay ahead and have it changed before it affects your water. If the magnesium around the rod is beginning to chip away and only six inches is visible, then it needs to be replaced.
General Maintenance
It’s not enough to have some of the water heater parts checked to determine their full status. Sometimes, an overall check is needed on the apparatus. To do this, you can hire a professional to help with a full examination of your heater every year for regular maintenance. This way, you’ll be notified beforehand of any likely problem. This might even prevent you from going through all the trouble of getting a new water heater and having it installed.
There you have it, all you need to know about saving your wallet and your water heater. Even the smallest problem discovered from your local professional plumbing company can help save your heater and even prevent you from having to make a full replacement. With a plumbing company you can trust, we can guarantee seamless installation, quality service, and reputable work. Contact us today! We’re happy to walk your through any questions you might have.
