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water heater repair

Water Heater | Water Heater Installation

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When the water heater was invented it represented one of the greatest comforts that modern technology has ever brought to humans. There is really nothing more comforting than a hot shower or bath on a cold morning in order to wake up your sleepy body and mind. It also helps to clean your skin through removing excess dirt and oil. Due to all of the benefits that it offers, people have been wiling for generations to spend a good amount of their hard earned money on installing water heaters in their homes.

water heater repair
Home inspection man looking at hot water heater

The following are some useful tips on how to have an efficient water heater installed and repaired in case you ever need those services someday.

Water Heater Installation

Whenever you are having a new water heater installed, the first thing that need to do is select the one that is best for you. Water heaters can be either fueled by gas or electricity. At times a gas water heater will cost less than an electric one to operate however this will vary depending on your area so you need to check the rating on the water heater you are interested in installing. If there is no gas service to your house then electric will be the only reasonable option that is available to you.

Measure the dimensions on the cold and hot water pipes the currently exist on the house to check the plumbing and be sure that your new heater fits properly. Depending on how old your house is you might need to buy some couplers so that the pipes fit correctly.

Before doing anything be sure that all utilities that are attached to the unit are turned off whether they are electric or gas. After they have been turned off, then you can drain your hot water tank and the cold and hot water pipe connections can be disconnected. In order to drain water from our tank, hook a hose up to the outlet that is on the bottom of the tank and then drain the water into a drain or to outside.

Once the old unit has been drained completely of water and disconnected successfully, then it can be taken out so that there is room to install the new unit. The next thing you will want to do is install any fitting onto your new unit such as the pressure relief and temperature valve if they aren’t installed already.

water heater

Next connect the water lines to ensure you are using the right procedures so that you don’t end up with leaks when filling the new tank. You can then connect it to the power source, either an electric or gas line. If a gas line is the fuel source then you will need to attach a flue vent to ensure it the fumes are directed properly out of your house. After you make all of the connections, you then can add cold water to fill up the water heater and turn your new unit on.

A water heater tank blanket can be used for insulating your water heater tank. This can help to reduce your costs and your water kept hot.

Hire a Plumber To Install Your New Water Heater.

Although installing a new unit yourself is possible, the best option is usually to hire a plumbing professional. In the long run, it will save you lots of money and time, unless you happen to be experienced in fixing water heaters.

Why You Should Replace Or Repair An Old Water Heater

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water heater repair

Do you have a broken water heater? It can be hard to decide whether to get it repaired or just replace it and move on.

However, we will make this an easy decision for you. Just ask yourself the following 3 questions and once you have your answers, you will know exactly what you should do.

How serious is the problem?

Is the tank on your water heater leaking and corroded? That is something you really can’t salvage. So your only option in that situation will be to replace it. However, you can repair a pressure-relief valve or leaky drain valve.

For the different problems that can potentially be repaired, it is recommended by consmerreports.org that you get a repair estimate first. Then you can weigh that versus the expense of having to buy a new water heater.

The cost of a new water heater will depend on:

  • The cost of the water heater itself
  • The plumber’s installation rates

Here are a few general estimates:

The average cost for replacing a hot water heater: $650-$750.

The average cost for installing a tankless hot water heater: $850-$1050

Note: Installing a tankless water heater might cost more than what is mentioned here since extra plumbing might need to be done if you haven’t had a tankless water heater before.

If repairs are costing you close to half or more than what it would cost to buy a new water heater, then you should consider replacing your old one and buying a new water heater. The older that a water heater is the less you should tolerate the cost of having to repair it.

How old is your water heater?

The following are the average lifespans for water heaters:

  • Tankless water heater: 20 years or longer
  • Storage water heater: 10-15 years

If you have never had any yearly water heater maintenance done, then the lifespan of your water heater is going to be a lot lower compared to the averages, so just remember that.

If your old water heater is almost at the end of its average life and isn’t covered under warranty any longer, then it is a good idea to invest in a new water heater. Even when your repair costs are not high.

Why is that?

Because there is a good chance that next year you will have to repair it. And you will really be kicking yourself for spending money on a water heater that was about to die.

How often do I complain about my hot water?

Are you complaining a lot about not having enough hot water? Are your water heating bills high? Do you have low water pressure?

If so when combined with the factors of old age and expensive repairs, it is time for your water heater to be replaced.

Tankless vs. Storage Water Heaters

If you make the decision to replace your old water heater, you will want to consider whether to get a tankless (on demand) or storage water heater.

 

How To Maintain Water Heater | Double Your Water Heater Life

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A water heater can last for a very long time if properly cared for and maintained. If ignored, then it’s going to die sooner than expected. The last thing you want is to find yourself with no hot water during your morning shower.

water heater installation
Plumber repairing an hot-water heater

Here is a simple maintenance task you can complete at home that is guaranteed to improve the lifespan of your water heater:

Flushing The Tank

Experts suggest flushing your hot water heater tank once every 1 to 3 years. It’s always best to take the safe route and flush the tank on an annual basis. It’s extremely simple and takes only a few minutes of your time.

The point of flushing the tank is to remove any unwanted sediment build-up that has occurred inside of the tank. If ignored, that sediment can eventually clog water lines and even lead to leaks. It also reduces the overall efficiency of the tank, which results in increased energy prices. The simple act of flushing the tank solves both of these problems.

Maintenance Of Your Water Heater Will Save You Money!

To accomplish this, start by turning off the electricity to the water heater or the gas if it is a gas heater. Next, shut down the cold water that flows into the heater. Take a standard garden hose and connect it to the outgoing drain valve. The end of the hose should be outside of the home in an area that won’t be harmed by hot water.

Open the pressure relief valve and the drain valve. Wait a few moments as the tank drains completely. After all of the water has drained from the tank you can close the drain valve and disconnect the hose. Close the pressure relief valve. Now walk around the house and turn on each tap with hot water. Turn on the cold water flowing into the tank. Return to the taps one at a time and turn them off as water begins to flow. Finally, after all spigots are turned off, return power to the tank.

Check The Pressure Valve

Any time you are flushing the tank is also a great time to check the integrity of the pressure valve. All tanks have a temperature and pressure valve that functions as a safety mechanism. You can check this valve while flushing the tank after you turned off the electricity or gas to the heater as well as the cold water input.

After shutting off the cold water you should place a bucket directly beneath the pressure relief valve. There will be a trip lever nearby. Pull the lever and you should see water, air, and possibly vapor exit from the valve. This is a sign that the valve is working properly. You can now continue with flushing the tank. If the valve is not working, then you should still continue with flushing the tank, but then replace the valve before restoring power and cold water input.

Flushing a tank and checking the valve shouldn’t take any longer than thirty minutes. Albeit, you should expect it to take slightly longer if you need to physically replace the valve.

These simple maintenance steps can add many years to the lifespan of your water heater.

Common Water Heater Problems And What Should You Do

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Water heaters play a big role at home. They help satisfy all your hot water needs. Nevertheless, these products can develop a few common issues no matter the brand, such as; leaks, no hot water, or not enough hot water. The fact of the matter is that almost everyone has encountered these problems at one time or another.

water heater issues

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Service, Repair, or Replacement:

Leaks

Leakages are the most common problem people experience. A person will usually notice there is a leak when there is a puddle of water around the bottom of the water heater tank. The problem often leads back to the reservoir itself. This is usually due to a crack in the internal tank. In this case, replacement is paramount.

The problem is mainly caused by the accumulation of water minerals. What does this mean? Well, it simply means that over time, water minerals accumulate and reacts with the steal. In the long run, it will cause corrosion. Therefore, when you notice a leak, it is paramount to call an expert plumber. The plumber will advise you on the best way forward.

It is not necessary to replace the whole unit though; the plumber may perform a few repairs if the problem originates from the top. This kind of leak occurs if the plumbing part fails.

No Hot Water

If your issue is no hot water, then the problem may be the pilot light if you are using a gas heater. The good news is that you can turn on the pilot light yourself. Nonetheless, if you haven’t done this in the past or have no idea how to do it, then it is wise to call an expert.

If you are using an electric tank and you do not have hot water, it is wise to check your circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If the breaker has not tripped, call a professional.

Not Enough Hot Water

If the system is not heating water as needed, and there aren’t any leakages, then flushing the tank may be the best way forward so that mineral deposits are not reducing the system’s efficiency. Mineral buildup generally causes the problem. As time passes, minerals build-up occurs, which reduces the amount of hot water the system produces.

It’s Best To Call a Local Plumber To Repair Your Water Heater.

These are a few common issues that people with either gas and electric water heaters may experience. If your problem is beyond the above issues, it is wise to call a professional. Do not even consider doing any repairs if you do not know what you are doing.

 

3 Signs That Your Water Heater Needs To Be Repaired

When you own a hot water heater, there are a few points that you need to understand about its maintenance. It pays to stay on top of these sorts of things, so that you always are able to jump into action whenever you believe that your hot water heater needs to be repaired. With these hot water heater points below, you will be able to know exactly when it is time for a repair.

water heater

Check your warranty or hot water heater maintenance plan.

The easiest way to know that your hot water heater requires maintenance is by checking with your warranty or maintenance plan if you purchased one. These sorts of plans issue timetables by which you should do certain types of hot water heater repair. If you do not already have one of these maintenance and repair plans, contact a boiler or hot water heater contractor in your city.

Your filters are clogged or dirty

You also need to check with the filters for this water heater to make sure that they do not back up on you or create issues. These sorts of components are very important for your hot water heater and will give you the best performance, so if you are noticing problems with them, get them changed at once.

It is making a lot of noise

Finally, noise is always a telltale sign of some sort of hot water heater issue.

If you are beginning to notice rattling, clinking and any other types of noise of your hot water heater, you should reach out to a repair professional who will be able to serve you.

Should You Be Draining Your Water Heater?

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How frequently do you change the oil in your car? Depending on the model and make, it is possible that this occurs every 3000 to 5000 miles or 3 to 5 months. Changing the oil in your car regularly contributes to everything running smoothly while extending the overall life-span of the car.

water heater issues

The same applies to water heaters. The majority of the manufacturers suggest flushing these water heaters at least every 12 months. Yet there is also a major warning: You have to ensure you maintain your water heater consistently, in the way of making sure you drain it out at least once a year, or you could experience a very leaky mess. Here is more information on what you need to know about draining a water heater.

Why Consistent Water Heater Draining Is So Important

When sediment starts to accumulate along the bottom of a water tank, this debris is typically not distributed evenly and usually collects in specific spots. These are the areas that are then exposed to higher heat, as this sediment starts to displace the water that is lying in the bottom area of the water tank.

This increase in heat breaks the steel down faster in these areas, which results in thinner metal and more potential failure areas. An inspection conducted every 6 to 12 months by a plumber that is certified can remove the sediment and make sure your water heater remains in the best condition.

Avoid Do-It-Yourself Water Heater Maintenance.

After many years of the sediment building up, the steel might have become thin enough that it now has small holes in it. The current sediment usually acts as a “plug” for these weakened areas in the tank. Think about what would happen when the tank is flushed out after a number of years of accumulated sediment. This sediment is flushed from these holes or thinning areas which is followed by your tank springing one or more leaks.

This is the reason why regular maintenance becomes so important. If you have not flushed the water heater for a number of years or ever, never risk trying to do this on your own. Rather contact our professionals to conduct a thorough inspection and for maintenance procedures for your water heater. We take the utmost care to examine water heaters followed by the appropriate course-of-action.

3 Warning Signs That Your Water Heater Needs Repair

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You have had a long day working and cannot wait to get back home to take that hot shower. You get home, only to discover that the water heater stopped working. This can be quite frustrating and inconvenient for you. A broken water heating system will also interrupt the regular activities of the house, such as laundry and dishwashing.

water heater repair

The good news is that this does not have to happen again, since there are some signs that you can look out for, to help you determine if it needs repair or replacement. Below are some of them.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs To Be Fixed By a Plumber

Fluctuating Water Heat

If the water temperature has been fluctuating, maybe turning cold within minutes, then that could be a clue that something is wrong. It may mean that some mineral deposits have built around the heating elements of the heater or that the heating elements need to be repaired or even replaced.

A Leaky Water Heater Issue Can Cause Bigger Problems

Unusual Noises

Having a little noise from the water heater is reasonable since it is an appliance after all. However, if there are loud bangs or cracking sounds coming from it, then it means that you should have it professionally checked out. A reason for these loud noises could be the mineral deposits building up, causing it to overheat to keep water hot.

Leaking Water

Leaks can be hazardous if they are ignored. A small leak can grow into a big one with time, leading to water damage or even mold growth in the home. You should check for any leaks, no matter how minor they are to prevent any problems from developing.

How To Deal With A Leaking Water Heater

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Is your water heater leaking? If so, you have come to the right place. A water heater can leak due to many problems – starting from a loose valve to a corroded water tank. If you find water pooling near the heater or dripping from the tank or pipes, there are many things to do to stop the leak. This article provides information on how to deal with a leaking water heater.

leaking water heater

Turn Off Your Tanks’s Water Supply

The first step to deal with a leaking water heater is to turn off the water supply to the tank. The heater should have a shut-off valve on the cold inlet pipes. If the tank has a ball-type valve, you need to turn the handle of the valve 180 degrees. On the other hand, if the tank has a gate-type valve, turn the wheel clockwise as far as you could. If the valve is broken or rusty, you can turn off the water supply to your home.

Turn Off the Unit’s Power Supply

The next step is to turn off the power supply to the water heater. If an electric water heater, you should shut off the power at the breaker before working with the heater. In case the water heater is gas-powered, you should shut off the gas supply before working with the heater. The gas line leading to the tank should have a dedicated shutoff valve.

Leak Detection In Your Water Heater

The final step is to determine the exact location of the leak. Once you shut off the water and power supply to the tank, you can easily assess the location of the leak. You need to check the inlets, outlets, pressure relief valve, bottom of the water heater, water pressure, and temperature of the heater to determine the exact location of the leak.

Water Heater Leaking? 6 Reasons Why A Water Heater Can Leak

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A leaking water heater can cause huge problems in the house. A simple leak can cause damage to your home’s foundation, walls, and floor. If not detected early, this can affect the house’s structural integrity. Larger leaks will almost always cause flooding resulting in more expensive repair bills.

leaky water heater

Outlined below are 6 of the common causes of a leaking water heater:

  1. A malfunctioning cold-water inlet valve:

A malfunctioning water inlet valve can be a reason for a leak in the house. A leaky outlet pipe might also be the reason for the pool of water on the water heater.

  1. Rusted pipes:

Corroded pipes might also be a reason for a leak. Check both the outlet and inlet pipes to see if they are leaking or a pool of water on the heater.

  1. Failing temperature and pressure relief valves:

The T&P (Temperature and Pressure relief) valve is usually installed on the top or side of the tank. A loose or failing valve will at times, cause a leak. Ensure no water is leaking from the valve.

  1. Broken/failing drain valve:

This could be another reason for the leak. A failing or broken valve will cause a leak. Inspect the bottom of the tank for wetness or a pool of water.

  1. Internal tank failure:

The inner tank may fail if it isn’t drained regularly. Draining the tank regularly reduces the rate of sediment build-up hence lowering the risk of the tank failing altogether.

  1. Condensation:

Condensation may occur just outside the heater. This is however completely normal.

These are the most common causes of a leaking water heater. To identify the problem, cut off the main water supply and gas/electricity. You may start diagnosing the problem yourself or call an expert to help out. Contact our Water Heater Repair Service if find any water heater leak problem.

3 Signs Your Water Heater Is In Trouble

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Many homeowners in Memphis and the surrounding areas don’t truly appreciate the importance of having reliable hot water until something goes wrong. Hot water has a wide range of daily uses within a home including washing dishes, laundry, taking a relaxing bath or shower, and so on.

However, for you to have a constant flow of hot water, you need to ensure that your water heater is in good working condition.

3 signs you need to call a plumber to have your water heater inspected and/or repaired…

1) Your Hot Water is Dirty

In case your water heater uses a tank, the water first enters the tank where it is heated then sent through the hot water pipe to your faucets, shower stall, or tub. However, the water can easily become contaminated in case the heating tank itself is damaged or corroded.

If you happen to notice that dirty/rusty water is coming out while taking a shower or washing dishes, then you might be dealing with a damaged water heater.

2) The Heater is Making Unusual Noises

If you start hearing strange sounds coming from the hot water tank when you turn on your hot water faucet or shower/bathtub, this is another sign that your water heater is in trouble. This noise could be caused by the build-up of sediments. Considering that the water your heater receives from the city supply isn’t usually 100% clean, sediments tend to build up inside it over time.

When this build-up becomes excessive, it can start to harden. Based on where the sediment has hardened, this can cause your heater to produce bangs and rumbling sounds, as it struggles to overcome this obstacle.

3) Leaking Water Heater

If you notice that your heater is leaking, you should call an emergency plumber immediately. This is something that you can’t afford to take lightly. Having a heater that is leaking is an indication of a very serious problem.

Call a plumber now to fix your water heater

We hope this information has been helpful. Of course, if you need a plumber to come look at and possibly fix your water heater we should be your first choice in the Memphis area. We are available 24/7 and will send a top-notch plumber to your home or business immediately after you call.