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Water heaters are essential to every home. They provide us with hot water when we need it. To extend the lifespan of your water heater, you need to be able to fix common problems and properly maintain them. In this article, we’ll talk about common water heater problems, why maintenance is important, and why you need to switch to tankless water heaters.
For other water heater problems, call a plumber in Jacksonville, FL.
Common Problems:
No Hot Water
If you’re using an electric heater, the first thing you need to check is if the water heater is receiving power. Check the circuit breaker as it may have been tripped. You can also turn it off and then turn it back on. The heating elements may also be faulty or the fuse may have blown and you will need to replace that first. If you’re still not having hot water after doing the steps we’ve mentioned, consider calling a plumber for assistance.
For gas heaters, check if the gas valve is open. There might be issues with the burner too. Call a professional if you don’t know how to fix it.
Not Enough Water
This would depend on the type of heater you have. For a tank-type heater, it’s possible that it may not be enough especially if you have a big family. Consider getting a new water heater and make sure you only work with a plumber during installation.
If the water isn’t hot enough or too hot, the problem could be your thermostat. Check if it’s set to your preferred temperature.
You may also check the pressure valve when it gets too hot. If it’s damaged, it’s not going to shut off when it reaches your preferred temperature. Call a professional to help you resolve the problem.
Water Leaks
This may be caused by loose connections or from your valves. In that case, you will have to replace the valves and tighten the connection. For tank-type heaters, your tank may be corroded. Call a plumber in Jacksonville, FL to get your tank replaced.
Consider getting tankless water heaters so you won’t have to think about mineral buildup in your tank or having not enough water. For installation, work only with a licensed professional.
Unpleasant Smell
This is a common problem if your water source comes from a well. Bacteria could also be one of the causes of smelly water. Consider flushing your tank or clean it out with chlorine bleach. If you smell rotten eggs, it could be due to a failing anode rod. Contact a plumber to help you replace that.
Dirty Water
When you get dirty water in your heater, it could be due to corrosion or a failing anode rod. Make sure that you drain the water in the tank before replacing your anode rod. Homeowners are advised to clean their tanks once or twice a year to get rid of the mineral buildup or corrosion in the tank. Maintenance is important to avoid water heater problems in the future. If you still have dirty water after flushing the tank, call a plumber. It may be time to replace your water heater.
Noises
How old is your water heater? If you’ve been using it for several years, it’s likely that it will make noise. However, the most common cause of tank noises is the buildup of minerals in the tank. You will have this problem if you don’t maintain your water heater. It’s important to do preventive maintenance to avoid costly repairs or replacements. Make sure that you only work with a licensed plumber when doing repairs or for water heater installation.
Switch to Tankless Water Heaters
How long have you been using a conventional water heater for your home? If you keep having to call a professional for water heater repair, consider getting a tankless water heater for your home.
With a tankless water heater, you get an unlimited supply of hot water. You won’t have to keep filling the tank to have a constant supply. You get hot water almost instantly with a tankless heater.
If you’re concerned about saving more energy, then having a tankless water heater for your home is the best solution. With a conventional heater, you’ll need to keep heating the water which means more energy usage. Tankless water heaters work by heating the water as needed which means you get to save more energy. Also, you won’t have to think of a space to store your heater. It can easily be mounted on your wall as opposed to conventional heaters.
Conventional heaters last from 10-15 years while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years. Also, there’s no need to worry about flooding when you have a tankless heater. Most importantly, you get to increase the value of your home if you decide to install tankless water heaters. Consider getting energy-efficient heaters to save more energy. Speak with a plumber in your area if you can’t decide what water heater to purchase or when you’re ready to install one.
Importance of Water Heater Maintenance
You can save money and extend the lifespan of your water heater with regular maintenance. Periodically check your water heater for leaks or other signs of problems. Drain the water heater tank every few months or so to remove the mineral buildup. During winter, make sure that you insulate the pipes so the water inside doesn’t freeze. It’s important to also insulate the water heater so you don’t lose energy.
While you can do preventive maintenance on your own, it’s best to also schedule professional maintenance to ensure a thorough inspection.
Get Help from Bert Norman’s Plumbing
Bert Norman’s Plumbing is committed to providing top-notch plumbing services in Jacksonville, FL. Our plumbers are highly experienced and competent to complete any plumbing issues. Whether you have problems with the water heater, dishwasher, toilet, or garbage disposal, we can help. Call us today for an appointment and let us know how we can help. Our professional team is always ready to assist!