Everything You Need to Know About the Water Heater Repair Process

Originally Posted On: http://www.proplumbing-air.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-water-heater-repair-process/

Approximately 25% of your energy use at home goes to heating water. This makes a water heater a crucial part of your home.

But even so, when was the last time you thought about your water heater? Have you been doing regular maintenance? Don’t panic yet – most people ignore their water heater until there is a problem.

That said, learning as much as you can about the water heater repair process can be helpful when dealing with water heater professionals.

This guide covers everything, including types of water heaters, troubleshooting tips, water heater repair options, and maintenance tips to keep your heater functioning for a long time.

Water heaters come in a range of designs that function differently. To choose the best water heater repair service, you need to know what type of heater you have. The most common types are:

Otherwise known as instantaneous water heaters, they don’t have a tank and supply hot water on demand. They use heated coils and can produce much hot water, making them ideal for large families.

Storage water heaters are pretty conventional and have a tank that supplies hot water to your house. The amount of hot water they can supply is limited by the tank size and capacity.

Perhaps the main benefit of a storage water heater is that it’s easy to install and the most affordable.

They utilize heat in the ground and air to heat water. Plus, they’re more sustainable since they use 60% less energy than other types of water heaters.

Moreover, hybrid water heaters are cost and energy-efficient, making them ideal for Tampa residents who don’t want to spend a lot on energy costs.

The fact that they don’t use gas makes them more environmentally sustainable.

These use roof-mounted solar panels as their power source.

They consist of two components – a solar collector and an insulated water tank.

Solar water heaters are particularly beneficial for those who live in warm, sunny areas and have a life span of 15-20 years.

When we get to your home, the first thing we do is to inspect and diagnose your water heater problem. Below are some of the signs of trouble we look for and how we fix them.

The most obvious sign of a leaking water heater is a puddle around the heater. Dampness could also indicate a plumbing problem. Either way, identifying the source of the leak is crucial to proper repair.

The most common sources of water heater leaks are:

• Heater drain valves
• Cold water inlet and hot water inlet
• Temperature and pressure relief valve
• Bottom of the water heater tank

Most of the above parts are easily repaired or fixed.

Depending on the severity of the problem, a leaking tank may have to be replaced.

If you are always running out of hot water, the problem may be a cracked dip tube. This tube pushes cold water to the bottom of the heater to be heated. A crack causes cold water to be released near the top of the tank.

As a result, the faucets and showers in your home start releasing cold water. Replacing the dip tube will restore the flow of hot water in your home.

Excess buildup of sediment in the water heater tank may also cause a low supply of hot water. As the water heater nears the middle of its life cycle, minerals accumulate and leave less room for hot water.

Flushing the tank may remove the sediment and solve the issue.

If you use an electric water heater, the most common reason for the lack of hot water is usually a broken heating element. A faulty gas valve, a blown-out valve, or a damaged thermocouple can also stop hot water production.

Our certified plumbing technicians can easily replace the defective components with new ones and restore hot water in your home.

Your faucets should only produce clear water. Discolored water could be a sign of deterioration of the anode rod or water heater tank. The good news is that our technicians can fix the issue if it’s in the early stages.

This isn’t always a sign of a malfunctioning water heater, especially in older homes. Calcium deposits in the water pipes increase with time, reducing the diameter of the water lines.

As a result, the hot water flows to your faucets at reduced pressure. The best way to eliminate this problem is to install new ¾ inch water lines.

Since this process often involves removing drywall, you need the help of a professional Tampa plumber.

There are a few repair options for a water heater that’s only a few years old. The first step is diagnosing the problem, which you can do before enlisting the help of a professional plumber for heater repair.

If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, replacement may be the more financially viable option. Traditional tank heaters last 10-15 years, while solar water heaters have a 20-year lifespan.

It’s worth mentioning that the best way to avoid costly water heater repairs and premature replacement is proper maintenance.

For starters, flush your tank at least once a year to remove sediment.

You should also check the anode rode every three years and replace it if it’s corroded or caked with residue.

It’s wise to enlist the help of a water heater repair specialist to help with maintenance.

They can also pinpoint any problem with precision and fix it.

A good plumber will also help you determine if the hot water heater repair or replacement is best and help you choose the best unit for your home.

A malfunctioning water heater can throw everything in your home out of whack. And while there’s always a temptation to save money and do the repairs personally, partnering with a professional water heater will do you more good.

If you are looking for water heater repair, contact us today for a thorough inspection and reliable water heater repair.