Most people are completely unaware when their water heater is about to fail. If you are experiencing problems with your water heater, we can help. Water can quickly damage your home, so if you suspect a problem, please don’t hesitate to have one of our professionals take a look.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY HOT WATER HEATER?
Did you know that water heaters have a typical lifespan of 6-12 years? Here are some common water heater problems our customers have experienced and what may be causing them.
MY WATER HEATER IS LEAKING.
Leaks can come from different parts of your water heater. If the leak is coming from the water lines or temperature and pressure relief valves at the top of your unit, it may not be a serious repair. If the water is leaking from the bottom of your unit, many times it is a sign that the interior tank has deteriorated from age. That means it’s time to replace your water heater.
RUSTY WATER COMES OUT OF MY FAUCET.
If rust is coming from the hot side piping only, the inside of your water heater may be rusting out and causing a leak. There is no way to repair the interior tank, so you will likely need to replace it.
MY WATER HEATER IS RUMBLING.
Over time, sediment builds up on the bottom of the tank and hardens from being heated and reheated each day. The noise you hear is the sediment banging as it heats up. When you have hardened sediment, it causes your water heater to be less efficient because it will have to use more gas or electricity to heat up. Eventually, the additional time that it takes to heat the water will cause the tank to wear, which causes the metal to become brittle. Once this occurs, tiny holes and cracks can develop. There is no way to repair the interior tank, so you will likely need to replace your water heater.
THERE IS WATER AROUND THE WATER HEATER.
This may be a leak from the water heater, but it may be from nearby pipes or other appliances. Furnace drain lines, water softener lines, and other plumbing may be causing the water you see. A Vekter PD plumber can identify the problem and offer solutions to fix it, no matter where the leak is found.
MY WATER IN MY HOUSE IS NOT GETTING HOT.
This typically signals a serious problem. You can check your pilot light, but if that’s not the issue, let one of our plumbers take a look for you.
If any of these problems sound familiar, give us a call. Our plumbers are professional, friendly and can explain your options for repair or replacement. If your water heater is beyond repair, learn more about the differences between conventional and tankless water heaters below.
TANKLESS
Provides on-demand hot water only when you need it. You can shower, do laundry, and wash dishes without worrying about running out of hot water.
CONVENTIONAL
Keeps a set amount (the tank) of water hot every minute of every day. It is continually heating water to about 120 degrees.