Water Heater Repair & Replacement
Is Time to Replace Your Water Heater?
Ask yourself the following questions and if the answer to any is “yes,” then it may be time to consider installing a new water heater in your home before your current one breaks down:
Is your water heater over 10 years old?
Is your water occasionally coming out rust-colored?
Do you hear odd noises like banging, hissing, or popping sounds?
Can you see water leaking from your water heater?
While are proud of these numbers, it’s the level of performance at which operate and our ability to bring families and business owners the comfort and functionality they deserve in their property that really excites. Water heaters are essential to a fully functioning structure, and their importance prompted to specialize in their maintenance, repair, and installation.
You’ll come across plenty of “Jacks of all trades” that will do plumbing, HVAC, and water heater services, but we caution you to be wary of service providers who may be spreading themselves a little too thin
water heater
If you have questions about your water heater browse through our frequently asked questions or FAQ’s below to find an answer.
Why is the pipe on the side of my water heater leaking?
Most likely you are referring to the overflow pipe attached to the temperature relief valve on the water heater. This is a safety valve and helps relieve excess temperature and pressure inside the water heater in case of high pressure or an overheated water heater. Occasionally this pipe will “blow off a little steam” and there will be no problem with your water heater, but if it leaks frequently or continuously there may be a problem. Call and speak with one of our water heater experts and they can help determine if you have a problem.
I have no hot water and why won’t my pilot light?
The most common reason a pilot won’t light, is a bad thermo-couple or a faulty part inside the water heater. When this occurs most of the time a simple repair will fix the problem. See our No Hot Water Page for a video on how to light your pilot or possible trouble shooting ideas.
Why is there a water leak under my water heater?
Water heaters tend to leak for a few reasons. Most often the internal tank has a crack and is broken or there is a leak at a fitting or part connected to the water heater. First check to see if you can tell where the water is coming from. Look at the top of the water heater and see if it is wet or if one of the water connectors is dripping, a leak like this can usually be repaired. If you do not see any visible leaks, but water is pooling around the bottom of the heater this is a sign the water heater has gone bad. See our Leaking Water Heater page for additional information regarding a leaking water heater.
Why do I not get enough hot water or as much hot water as I used to?
If you have an older water heater, you might have a sediment buildup problem inside your tank. As a water heater ages, it tends to accumulate sediment and deposits at the bottom. If the water heater is not cleaned periodically, the sediment may rise to a level that will act as a barrier between the burner and the water, making it harder to heat, thus giving you less hot water. There could also be a problem with a faulty part or a bad dip tube in the water heater. Also see our Not Enough Hot Water page for more information regarding not getting enough hot water.
Water Heater Services
Hot water is one of those things most people take for granted until they don’t have it. It becomes a habit to turn the shower on, wait a minute for it to warm, and hop right into a relaxing start to your day. Whenever a hot water tank breaks it is usually at the worst possible time and service is needed ASAP.
What’s Included in Water Heater Maintenance?
Replacing a hot water heater can be expensive. Ensuring it is well-maintained will help extend its life and lessen any problems that may pop up down the road
Here are a few steps a professional can take to keep your unit running efficiently for years to come:
TEST THE TPR VALVE- TPR stands for temperature-pressure-release. Testing this valve is a necessity to prevent pressure from building up and possibly exploding
CHECK THE ANODE ROD- this rod is important because it stops your water heater from rusting. They are designed to wear out faster than your water heater so changing them as needed is imperative
DRAIN THE TANK- this process will get rid of the sediment buildup in the tank. Sediment buildup causes the tank to work harder than needed which will cause early tank failure in addition to raising the cost to operate it
INSULATE THE TANK- opting to insulate the hot water heater tank will allow water to remain hotter which in turn allows you to lower the temperature setting. Again, this allows the hot water heater not to work as hard
When Should You Replace Your Water Heater?
Although it may seem like a hot water heater can last forever, it unfortunately cannot. Most people won’t consider replacing a hot water heater unless theirs is completely broken. However, if it is completely broken, the household will not have hot water
To avoid this gap in warm water, here are the key signs it is time to replace your water heater:
AGE- hot water heaters have a lifespan of about 8-10 years. After 10 years, replacing the water heater is necessary because it could break at any time and may be costing far more to operate than a newer, more efficient model
RUSTING- a rusty water heater is something that cannot be fixed. Once rust has taken hold, the unit needs and can even lead to water contamination
SEVERE SEDIMENT BUILDUP- having a severe sediment buildup in your water heater can make it far less efficient to run. Because more time is spent heating the water, the metal of the water heater tank will become brittle and cause cracks
WATER IS NOT HOT ENOUGH- if you’re constantly adjusting the temperature of your water heater, it might not have to do with the thermostat at all. There is a chance other parts could be broken, especially if your water heater is much older
TANK SIZE- growing families mean more hot water usage. Even if your hot water heater is in good condition, having a large influx of people or an increase in use in hot water might signal that it’s time to replace your hot water heater with a larger tank
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
WATER HEATING ACCOUNTS FOR 18% OF HOME ENERGY USAGE
According to the US Department of Energy, about 18% of your home’s total energy use goes to heating the water. There are, however, steps you can take to keep energy and fuel usage manageable.
Turn down the temperature. You may be able to lower the settings from 140°F to 120°F.
Use less hot water. You can do your laundry on the cold setting and install low-flow fixtures to reduce hot water use and overall water use.
Upgrade your water heater. When your water heater is about 10-15 years old, it’s no longer as efficient as it could be. Upgrade to a high-efficiency water heater or a tankless unit.
BUILT-IN RUST AND CORROSION PREVENTION STILL REQUIRES MAINTENANCE
Your water heater is designed to prevent the tank from rusting and corroding through, which would end the life of your system. There is a glass lining in the tank to prevent the metal from coming into contact with water—since rust occurs when iron, water, and oxygen react.
Then, there is the anode rod. The anode rod is made of magnesium or aluminum, which is more corrosive than the steel tank. Anodes wear away as the rod corrodes, preventing the tank from corroding should the glass lining crack. But you will need to replace the anode rod every few years or so, as it eventually wears away to nearly nothing.
YOUR WATER HEATER MAY NOT LAST AS LONG AS YOU THINK
Tank water heaters only have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. After this point, your water heater may start to rust, and the risk of a leak becomes higher and higher. Proper maintenance can extend its lifespan, but we strongly recommend replacing your water heater before it experiences any major issues.
When Should You Replace Your Hot Water Heater?
Even with regular water heater maintenance, it can be tough to tell when it’s time to replace your hot water heater.
Average Lifespan
While today’s water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
Signs of Trouble
The last thing you want is your water heater breaking down on you when you need it most (especially in the winter), so take note of some signs that might mean trouble.
Rusty water
If you notice brownish or tinted water coming from your water heater, it could mean one of two things: that your water heater is rusting away on the inside or that your home’s piping is rusty. It may be tough to tell the difference, so set up an appointment with one of our water heater maintenance experts. We’ll help you determine what it is.
Rumbling/gurgling
Over time, sediment builds up in your hot water heater. As it’s heated over and over again, the sediment will get hard and will start to shift around, causing rumbling or gurgling noises. These sounds aren’t a good sign, and can lead to overworked water heaters, leaks, internal damage, and more.
