What Is A Water Heater?
Every home has an appliance that heats the incoming water from the water supplier for various uses, such as bathing, cleaning, washing clothing, and dishes. This appliance is commonly powered by natural gas, electricity, or propane gas and is either a traditional tank-style or tankless model.
Common Issues With Water Heaters
As a professional plumber, we are summoned frequently for hot water heater issues. Here we will discuss the most common causes for a service call.
Faulty Burner Or Pilot Light
In a gas-powered heater, the burner sits underneath the water storage tank. When the jets on the burner become dirty or corroded, they have difficulty lighting and staying lit, so the water in the tank remains cool.
A heater with a pilot light can also malfunction. A thermocouple monitors the pilot flame so a consistent temperature can be maintained. If there is not enough heat being produced from the pilot light, it could trigger the gas supply to be cut off, leaving cool water in the tank.
Thermostat
Electric water heaters have individual thermostats used to control each heating element. If there is insufficient hot water, it may mean one or both heating elements need replacing.
Gas heaters have a different type of thermostat which includes a heat-limiting device to prevent scalding water from ever reaching a showerhead or faucet. A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to no hot water or an inadequate hot water supply.
Pressure-Relief Valve
This valve is designed to relieve the internal pressure in a tank-style heater. This can leak, crack, or produce an annoyingly loud whistling sound. A malfunctioning pressure relief valve can lead to dangerous conditions.
Anode Rod
This component of the water heater is known as a sacrificial rod because it sacrifices itself to corrosion to protect the interior of the storage tank. Newer models have what is known as a powered anode which eliminates bacteria growth leading to a sulfur smell and inhibits limescale growth.
Heating Elements
Electric heaters use heating elements to transfer heat to the stored water. When hot water runs low or is non-existent, it can usually be traced back to a faulty heating element.
When Is It Time For A Replacement?
A professional plumber not only understands how to diagnose and repair all types of hot water heaters. They also are experts at determining when a heater should be replaced. Here are the conditions we examine to make that determination.
Age
Water heaters have an estimated lifespan of 8-12 years. If a heater is nearing this time frame, we usually recommend replacing the unit with an up-to-date and more efficient model.
Sediment
Over time all water heaters develop an accumulation of sediment at the base of the storage tank. If too much accumulates, it can harden and interfere with hot water production. We recommend yearly tank flushing to remove sediment and have installed many water softeners to combat this problem.
Why You Need A Professional Plumber
Attempting to repair or replace a hot water heater as a non-professional is a bad idea. There are serious safety concerns, and without proper training, DIYers are risking their health and the safety of their home.
Proper Diagnosis
Inconsistent or a lack of hot water can be caused by several different reasons. A prompt and accurate diagnosis and repair are guaranteed when you enlist the services of a professional plumber.
Water And Electricity Don’t Mix
Water heaters all have electrical components, and when sitting near water, you risk a dangerous and possibly deadly result. It is not worth the minimal savings to attempt a repair without proper training.
Warranty Compliance
Many manufacturers detail that all servicing of a water heater must be conducted by a licensed professional to maintain the warranty, and most water heater coverage is worth protecting.
Reduced Energy Bills
When a water heater is professionally repaired, you have the comfort of knowing it is running at maximum efficiency. This will save you money on your monthly energy bills, which is worth the expense of hiring a professional.
Gas Dangers
Gas heaters need to be regularly inspected to fend off leaks and eliminate the possibility of gas poisoning, fires, or deadly explosions. Only a certified gas specialist should be conducting these inspections.
Consistent Supply Of Hot Water
Knowing your heater was serviced by an experienced professional not only brings you peace of mind but also guarantees you will have all the hot water you and your family need to be comfortable and clean.
Looking For Hot Water Heater Repair?
As we have seen, many issues can put a hot water heater out of commission, and understanding how it operates is key to a successful repair. As a plumber with years of hot water heater repair experience, you can rest assured our response to your service call will be an experience you will not soon forget.
We place the highest value on the safety and comfort of our customers and look forward to adding your name to our long list of valued and respected customers. Call today to schedule an appointment. You’ll be glad you did, and so will we!
