Having hot water available in your home and business plays a critical role in maintaining comfort and cleanliness. Our team works with you to figure out what the issue with your appliance is in order to restore function to your space. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial repairs and maintenance services for tankless water heaters and other types of water heating appliances. Call us today to learn more about your options for water heater repair and replacement.
6 Signs Your Water Heater Is About to Fail
- Taps or Knocking Sounds
If you hear what sounds like taps or knocks coming from your water heater, there’s a good chance you have sediment buildup, which could create tiny tears in the metal that ultimately cause leaks that send your hot water heater to appliance heaven. Luckily, there’s a chance you can save your appliance by draining it. And thankfully, draining a hot water heater is easier than you think. Or, calling a professional will run you about $100 and might be totally worth it if you aren’t comfortable with DIY-ing the project on your own.
- Not Enough Hot Water
Are you and your family drawing straws for showers and baths because there’s never enough hot water on demand? If you have a growing family or have added a bathroom, maybe your current hot water isn’t actually meeting your needs and it’s time for a larger unit. Water heater sizes are based on the gallons of water they hold and demand. In general, a 30-gallon capacity is fine for one person; two people manage nicely on a 40-gallon capacity, and a 50-gallon capacity water heater means no more staggering showers for larger families. Explore the option of upgrading to a water heater unit that not only serves your current needs but can last for years to come.
- Temperature Fluctuations
Your hot water heater’s thermostat should stay where you program it, but sometimes they cool off too much. In some cases, it’s simply a matter of having a pro replace the thermostat or heating element for $150 to $200. How can you test it? Adjust the thermostat and use a marker or piece of tape to make a small mark. It’s possible the thermostat is unstable and changes slightly on its own.
- Leaks
A leaking water heater needs immediate attention. Best case, it could be that one of the connectors, pipes, or screws just needs a little tightening. Some condensation gathered around the bottom of the unit can be OK depending on the humidity level where you live, but clearly visible puddles or active leaking means it’s time to call a plumbing professional to determine if it’s a water tank issue or a connection issue.
- Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Water
Washing dishes, your hair, or your dog is far from fun if your water stinks like rotten eggs or looks dirty. This likely means rust and bacteria are not being eliminated by the built-in anode rod. Before you make that call to a professional, however, make sure the foulness is actually coming from your water heater unit and not the actual water supply to your home. Run a clear glass of cold water next to a clear glass of hot water. If the cold water runs clear from the tap, it’s a water supply issue. But, if the glass of hot water is murky, it’s a water heater issue. Try draining the tank first. If that’s unsuccessful, you’ll need the anode rod replaced by a pro.
- It’s More Than 10 Years Old
You may love your historic home but if your water heater is just as historic (as in double digits years), you may have to replace it, especially if it’s exhibiting one or more of the issues above. Thankfully, the range of newer models are far more durable and energy-efficient. Many utility companies have programs that offer discounts on purchasing, installation, and rebates.
Affordable Plumber Near Me
At Spindletop Plumbing LLC, nothing means more to us than the happiness and satisfaction of our customers. We are a state-licensed and insured, locally owned, service and repair plumbing company located in Nederland, Texas. From small repairs to major reconstructions, our team is here to find the best plumbing solutions for your space. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer and how we can increase the functionality of your space.
Spindletop Plumbing
409-748-5186
https://www.facebook.com/spindletopfixit/
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