Water heaters are out of sight and out of mind until something goes wrong. A faulty water heater can quickly cause problems with showers, laundry, and sanitizing dishes.
Water Heater Repair Denver is a task that should only be handled by professionals who have the expertise to handle electrical work with water. Read on for everything you need to know about this important plumbing fixture.
When most homeowners think about a water heater they envision the conventional tank style. This is the type most people are familiar with and still commonly used in homes across the country. Tank-style water heaters have a large cylinder that holds hot water and are typically located in the garage or basement of the home. They provide the most common form of hot water in households today and have many benefits that make them a popular choice for homeowners.
Conventional tank-style water heaters offer the lowest upfront cost and have simple maintenance. Most newer models also come with technology that allows you to monitor your water heater through a smartphone app. With proper maintenance and the right water heating system in place, your household can enjoy a long lifespan of reliable hot water.
On average, tank-style water heaters last between 8 and 12 years but this can be affected by how well it is maintained. If your household uses a lot of hot water or your home has hard water, you may need to perform routine flushing to help protect against lime and calcium deposits which can shorten your tank’s life.
Leaks are another major concern that you should always keep an eye out for. Not only does a leaky water heater waste water and energy but it can also cause damage to your home. Leaks can be caused by a variety of issues and it is important to have them repaired in a timely manner to avoid serious problems.
If you notice rusty water or your water heater is making rumbling noises, these are signs that it is time to call a professional technician. These can be signs that your anode rod needs to be replaced or that you have rust in the water heater tank which could lead to a leak.
Keeping your water heater in good condition is one of the best ways to save money on your monthly utility bill. You can lower your water usage by installing low-flow shower heads, low-flow toilets and water aerators on faucets. Encourage other members of your household to use these habits as well so you can reduce the amount of water and energy needed by your home’s plumbing fixtures.
Gas Water Heaters
Gas water heaters are also tank-style, but instead of an electric heating element they use a flame to heat the water. They also don’t need an external power source to work, so they can function even during power outages. Like electric water heaters, they can be made with either natural or propane gas.
They’re typically more expensive than electric water heaters, but they can last longer and provide higher amounts of hot water. They can also be more energy efficient than electric models. Like electric water heaters, they can experience problems that require professional repair or replacement services.
One way to tell if you have a gas water heater is to remove the access panel on the side of the tank and look inside for a pilot light. You can also see a gas line entering the top of the tank, and you should find a gas shutoff valve attached to it.
If your water heater has a pilot light, you’ll have to regularly clean the flame to ensure it stays bright and continues to ignite the gas. You’ll also need to replace the sacrificial anode rod on a regular basis to prevent your water heater from rusting. The rod is made of a metal that corrodes more easily than the tank, so it’s designed to “sacrifice” itself by drawing corrosive ions away from the metal tank. If your water coming from the hot water outlets in your home is discolored or smells bad, it could be an indication that this anode rod has gone bad.
There are several reasons a gas water heater may leak. If there is a problem with the thermostat, it may be set too high and could cause the water valve at the hose bib to open and start leaking. If you notice that your water heater is leaking, it’s important to turn off the gas supply as soon as possible. There’s also a chance that the temperature and pressure relief (T & P) valve could have faulty seals or be clogged.
If you notice that your gas water heater is leaking, it’s best to call in a professional for a quick repair. They can install a new T & P valve for you and seal the existing one.
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters feature a large tank and an electric heating mechanism that converts cold water into hot. They have a digital display that lets you monitor and control water temperature, which helps to save energy costs. They also have a heavy-duty porcelain glass liner that helps combat the corrosive effects of water storage.
Like gas units, electric water heaters are equipped with a variety of safety devices to protect you from scalding hot water and electrical shock. The upper thermostat and lower element have high-temperature limit switches, which disconnect power if they sense a problem. These are designed to prevent a faulty water heater from exploding.
Another safety switch is the pressure relief valve. When the water reaches a certain temperature, this valve opens to release steam and excess pressure to help prevent damage to your plumbing system. Both the breaker box and pressure relief valve should be tested as part of your routine maintenance to ensure they are working properly.
The biggest thief that robs your electric water heater of efficiency is sediment. Undissolved minerals from hard water such as calcium and magnesium build up inside the tank over time, reducing its capacity to hold hot water. Eventually, the sediment forms a crust on the bottom of the tank and displaces cool water that would normally surround it. This can cause the element to overheat, which leads to its premature failure.
Other signs of an electric water heater that needs repair include:
If you’re hearing strange sounds coming from your hot water heater, such as low rumbling or popping noises, this could be a sign of a defective heating element. This type of electrical heater can overheat due to excessive sediment that builds up in the bottom of the unit. You should drain your tank periodically to flush out this sediment and avoid a repair bill in the future.
As a general rule, you can expect your electric water heater to last about 15 years before needing repairs. Like their gas counterparts, they are not able to operate without electricity, so this can be a concern in areas prone to power outages and other electrical problems.
Installation
Whether your water heater uses gas or electricity, whether it’s a standard tank system or tankless unit, it will eventually need repair or replacement. While some people might be tempted to try to fix the problem themselves, a professional plumber can quickly diagnose and repair any issue that comes up. A good plumber will also be able to help you determine when it is time to replace your water heater.
One of the first signs that a water heater needs repairs is when it isn’t producing hot water. In this case, a water heater repair professional will start by making sure that electricity is flowing to the appliance. This will be done by checking the circuit breaker in the service panel to make sure it hasn’t been tripped. If it has, the breaker will need to be switched off and then back on again. In addition, a plumber will check the temperature and pressure relief valves to see if they are leaking.
Another sign that your water heater is failing is if it is leaking around the bottom of the unit. This can be caused by rust or corrosion inside the tank, as well as from a broken temperature and pressure relief valve. If you notice water pools near your water heater, it is important to call a plumber right away. This will prevent any possible flooding or water damage in your home.
Other symptoms that your water heater needs repair or replacing include a strange smell or discoloration in the hot water. If you notice these problems, it could mean that there are toxins in the water supply or that the water heater itself is starting to fail.
While most people give little thought to their water heaters until they start to fail, the inconvenience that results can be felt throughout the entire home. Not having enough hot water for showers, laundry or dishes can create a major disruption to everyday life. In some cases, it can even be a safety hazard if your family members are forced to share showers or wash with cold water. For these reasons, you should always have a water heater repair specialist on hand to perform any necessary repairs.
Water Heater Repair and Replacement
Water heaters are out of sight and out of mind until something goes wrong. A faulty water heater can quickly cause problems with showers, laundry, and sanitizing dishes.
Water heater repair is a task that should only be handled by professionals who have the expertise and training to safely handle electrical work with water. Read on for everything you need to know about this important plumbing fixture.
Tank-Style Water Heaters
When most homeowners think about a water heater they envision the conventional tank style. This is the type most people are familiar with and still commonly used in homes across the country. Tank-style water heaters have a large cylinder that holds hot water and are typically located in the garage or basement of the home. They provide the most common form of hot water in households today and have many benefits that make them a popular choice for homeowners.
Conventional tank-style water heaters offer the lowest upfront cost and have simple maintenance. Most newer models also come with technology that allows you to monitor your water heater through a smartphone app. With proper maintenance and the right water heating system in place, your household can enjoy a long lifespan of reliable hot water.
On average, tank-style water heaters last between 8 and 12 years but this can be affected by how well it is maintained. If your household uses a lot of hot water or your home has hard water, you may need to perform routine flushing to help protect against lime and calcium deposits which can shorten your tank’s life.
Leaks are another major concern that you should always keep an eye out for. Not only does a leaky water heater waste water and energy but it can also cause damage to your home. Leaks can be caused by a variety of issues and it is important to have them repaired in a timely manner to avoid serious problems.
If you notice rusty water or your water heater is making rumbling noises, these are signs that it is time to call a professional technician. These can be signs that your anode rod needs to be replaced or that you have rust in the water heater tank which could lead to a leak.
Keeping your water heater in good condition is one of the best ways to save money on your monthly utility bill. You can lower your water usage by installing low-flow shower heads, low-flow toilets and water aerators on faucets. Encourage other members of your household to use these habits as well so you can reduce the amount of water and energy needed by your home’s plumbing fixtures.
Gas Water Heaters
Gas water heaters are also tank-style, but instead of an electric heating element they use a flame to heat the water. They also don’t need an external power source to work, so they can function even during power outages. Like electric water heaters, they can be made with either natural or propane gas.
They’re typically more expensive than electric water heaters, but they can last longer and provide higher amounts of hot water. They can also be more energy efficient than electric models. Like electric water heaters, they can experience problems that require professional repair or replacement services.
One way to tell if you have a gas water heater is to remove the access panel on the side of the tank and look inside for a pilot light. You can also see a gas line entering the top of the tank, and you should find a gas shutoff valve attached to it.
If your water heater has a pilot light, you’ll have to regularly clean the flame to ensure it stays bright and continues to ignite the gas. You’ll also need to replace the sacrificial anode rod on a regular basis to prevent your water heater from rusting. The rod is made of a metal that corrodes more easily than the tank, so it’s designed to “sacrifice” itself by drawing corrosive ions away from the metal tank. If your water coming from the hot water outlets in your home is discolored or smells bad, it could be an indication that this anode rod has gone bad.
There are several reasons a gas water heater may leak. If there is a problem with the thermostat, it may be set too high and could cause the water valve at the hose bib to open and start leaking. If you notice that your water heater is leaking, it’s important to turn off the gas supply as soon as possible. There’s also a chance that the temperature and pressure relief (T & P) valve could have faulty seals or be clogged.
If you notice that your gas water heater is leaking, it’s best to call in a professional for a quick repair. They can install a new T & P valve for you and seal the existing one.
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters feature a large tank and an electric heating mechanism that converts cold water into hot. They have a digital display that lets you monitor and control water temperature, which helps to save energy costs. They also have a heavy-duty porcelain glass liner that helps combat the corrosive effects of water storage.
Like gas units, electric water heaters are equipped with a variety of safety devices to protect you from scalding hot water and electrical shock. The upper thermostat and lower element have high-temperature limit switches, which disconnect power if they sense a problem. These are designed to prevent a faulty water heater from exploding.
Another safety switch is the pressure relief valve. When the water reaches a certain temperature, this valve opens to release steam and excess pressure to help prevent damage to your plumbing system. Both the breaker box and pressure relief valve should be tested as part of your routine maintenance to ensure they are working properly.
The biggest thief that robs your electric water heater of efficiency is sediment. Undissolved minerals from hard water such as calcium and magnesium build up inside the tank over time, reducing its capacity to hold hot water. Eventually, the sediment forms a crust on the bottom of the tank and displaces cool water that would normally surround it. This can cause the element to overheat, which leads to its premature failure.
Other signs of an electric water heater that needs repair include:
If you’re hearing strange sounds coming from your hot water heater, such as low rumbling or popping noises, this could be a sign of a defective heating element. This type of electrical heater can overheat due to excessive sediment that builds up in the bottom of the unit. You should drain your tank periodically to flush out this sediment and avoid a repair bill in the future.
As a general rule, you can expect your electric water heater to last about 15 years before needing repairs. Like their gas counterparts, they are not able to operate without electricity, so this can be a concern in areas prone to power outages and other electrical problems.
Installation
Whether your water heater uses gas or electricity, whether it’s a standard tank system or tankless unit, it will eventually need repair or replacement. While some people might be tempted to try to fix the problem themselves, a professional plumber can quickly diagnose and repair any issue that comes up. A good plumber will also be able to help you determine when it is time to replace your water heater.
One of the first signs that a water heater needs repairs is when it isn’t producing hot water. In this case, a water heater repair professional will start by making sure that electricity is flowing to the appliance. This will be done by checking the circuit breaker in the service panel to make sure it hasn’t been tripped. If it has, the breaker will need to be switched off and then back on again. In addition, a plumber will check the temperature and pressure relief valves to see if they are leaking.
Another sign that your water heater is failing is if it is leaking around the bottom of the unit. This can be caused by rust or corrosion inside the tank, as well as from a broken temperature and pressure relief valve. If you notice water pools near your water heater, it is important to call a plumber right away. This will prevent any possible flooding or water damage in your home.
Other symptoms that your water heater needs repair or replacing include a strange smell or discoloration in the hot water. If you notice these problems, it could mean that there are toxins in the water supply or that the water heater itself is starting to fail.
While most people give little thought to their water heaters until they start to fail, the inconvenience that results can be felt throughout the entire home. Not having enough hot water for showers, laundry or dishes can create a major disruption to everyday life. In some cases, it can even be a safety hazard if your family members are forced to share showers or wash with cold water. For these reasons, you should always have a water heater repair specialist on hand to perform any necessary repairs.
