Water Heater Repair & Replacement
The water heater gets quite a workout in most homes. Based on manufacturer’s suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years. That, of course, will vary with the severity of local weather, the unit design, quality of installation and the level of maintenance your unit has received.
We always will inspect a water heater thoroughly and try to fix the problem before we recommend replacing. Let us take a look today if you are having any plumbing issues!
If your water heater is more than 10 years old, leaks around the base of the tank, and / or works erratically or not at all, it probably needs to be replaced. In any case, make sure that an electrical problem such as a blown fuse or tripped breaker is not the reason for the unit’s failure.
Call WesTech Plumbing 806-866-2382 or Request Service Online.
5 Most Common Water Heater Problems
If your water heater isn’t working at all, the first thing you want to do is to ensure that your pilot light is on. If it is out, just simply turn it on. If the pilot light is working and you’re not getting hot water, it indicated a greater problem, and you should contact an expert at WesTech Plumbing for help.
The most common and annoying water heater problem, may be caused by a broken drain valve, too much pressure build up in the tank, corrosion, and rust, or condensation builds up. If you notice a leak, it’s best to call a licensed professional at WesTech Plumbing for immediate help. It will save you money and time to have an expert diagnose and fix the problem.
Running out of hot water is frustrating, and a few different issues can cause it. In this issue, your water heater’s thermostat may not be functioning properly, or it’s likely that your water heater is too small.
Gas Water Heater
- Make sure that the gas is connected and the pilot light is lit.
- Flush the heater to remove sediment from the tank.
- Insulate the hot water pipes.
- Clean the gas burner and replace the thermocouple (a safety device that shuts off the gas automatically if the pilot flame goes out).
- Raise the temperature setting on the thermostat.
Electric Water Heater
- Make sure that the power is connected. Reset the thermostat.
- Flush the heater to remove sediment from the tank.
- Insulate the hot water pipes.
- Replace the heating element or thermostat.
- Raise the temperature setting on the thermostat.
Usually, the thermostat may just be set a bit too high or too low. Try adjusting the thermostat to the wanted temperature. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you might have a faulty thermostat, or there may be a sediment build-up in your tank.
Rusty colored water tells you that your water heater is now rusting and corroding away. You need to replace your anode rod. An anode rod serves to prevent rust from collecting in your tank, or you may require a water heater replacement.
Water Heater Maintenance
Today’s water heaters are manufactured to require little or no maintenance, but – as is the case with almost any appliance – many problems can be avoided with routine upkeep.
Here are some maintenance tips that could prolong the life of your water heater:
- Drain the water heater twice a year to rid it of collected sediment that causes corrosion and to increase its efficiency.
- Test the pressure-relief valve by lifting the valve’s handle and letting it snap back. This should release a burst of water into the overflow drainpipe. If it doesn’t, install a new valve.
- Lower the temperature setting on the thermostat to 120 degrees. This reduces damages to the tank caused by overheating.
(info via lowes.com)
Water Heater info:
There are two types of conventional water heaters, gas and electric. An electric water heater can be used almost anywhere. A gas water heater is most likely to be installed in a home that already uses gas for another appliance such as a furnace or stove. Building codes may dictate the placement of gas water heaters, restricting them to areas outside of normal home activity.
It is likely if you are replacing a water heater, you’ll simply replace it with the same type of unit that was already there. However, there are upgrade possibilities that should be considered. For example: if space allows, you may choose to increase the unit’s holding capacity to accommodate your growing family. Another important consideration is the unit’s energy efficiency. Replacement time is the perfect time to lower your energy bill by choosing a water heater that is more energy efficient.
Before making any repairs or purchasing a new water heater, call WesTech Plumbing (806) 866-2382.
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