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Common Signs of Water Heater Issues
One of the most important appliances in a your home is the water heater. If the water heater is not functioning properly, it can make regular household activities difficult and even impossible. The best way for a homeowner to ensure that their hot water heater is always functioning properly is to be able to recognize when there is a problem so that it can be repaired before it breaks down completely. The sooner the homeowner can recognize that there is a problem, the sooner they can call a professional in water heater repair.
1. The Water is Not as Hot as Usual
If a homeowner notices that their water heater is not heating the water enough, they should call a professional in water heater repair. There could be a problem with the heating element or with the thermostat. It would take a professional to diagnose and repair the problem.
2. Rusty Hot Water
If the homeowner turns on the hot water and it comes out rusty, they should contact a professional immediately. The rust could be coming from the inside of the tank, which means it needs to be replaced. If the homeowner allows the problem to persist, the water heater can start to leak, which can result in a very damaging flood.
3. Rumbling Noises in the Water Heater
If a homeowner notices a rumbling sound coming from their water heater, they should contact a professional immediately. Over time, sediment can build up inside of the water tank. When the water heats up, the sediment can break up, creating a rumbling sound. When this happens, the inside of the tank would need to be cleaned.
4. Water Around the Water Tank
If a homeowner notices water around the water tank, it is a sign of a very serious problem. There could be a small leak or crack in the tank. It could also be a loose connection or fitting to the tank. Regardless of the reason, the homeowner should contact a professional immediately. The longer the problem persists, the worse the water damage will become.
Keep your water heater working safely and efficiently with water heater repair and installation services by our dedicated Sacramento plumbers.
What is Tankless? How Can a Tankless System Help Me?
Tankless water heaters, or on-demand water heaters are growing in popularity, largely due to their ability to produce an endless supply of hot water, despite the amount of usage. These can be either gas or electric, similar to tank water heaters. Tankless water heaters are also the most eco-friendly, since they only heat water when it is needed.
Heating water accounts for up to 30 percent of the average home’s energy budget.
These types of tankless water heater units can save you money because they don’t produce the standby energy losses associated with storage tank water heaters.
Tankless water heater models heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a coil pipe into the unit. Either a gas burner or electric element quickly heats the coil which in turn heats the water that passes through it. Therefore, tankless water heaters provide a continuous supply of hot water. You don’t have to wait for a storage tank to fill up with more hot water after a long, hot shower. However, a single tankless unit provides a limited flow of hot water per minute – between two and five gallons. The good news is that more than one tankless unit can be ganged together to overcome these limitations.
To discuss your homes water heating needs, contact a Clarke & Rush master plumber today!
Why replace a water heater?
1. Age
The average lifespan for a water heater is 10-12 years, and how well said water heater has been maintained will have a big impact on its life-expectancy. Some simple routine maintenance like flushing the tank yearly, and periodic replacing on the anode rod inside of it will extend its life. Water heaters are pretty simple machines, with few parts, so any necessary repairs will likely be limited to the pressure relief valve, thermostat, heating element, or burner.
2. Condition
A leaking or ruptured water heater tank is usually not repairable, and will require a replacement. If your water heater has burst due to a faulty pressure relief valve, then there is little likelihood of it being repaired. The anode rod inside the water heater is prone to corrosion which weakens it. Regular replacement of these rods can prevent a lot of common water heater issues.
We recommend testing the pressure relief valve occasionally. The best way to do this is to lift the valve up, then letting it snap back down. You should be able to see or hear water draining if the valve is working properly. If you do not hear or see water, turn the water heater off completely and contact a Clarke & Rush Plumber right away.
3. Budget
Repairing a water heater will almost always be less expensive than installing a new one. If your budget allows, however, most homeowners opt to save money and energy over time by installing a new, energy-efficient water heater. Installing a tankless water heater may lower your utility bills even more.
To learn more about whether you can opt for water heater repair instead of replacement, contact Clarke & Rush. We’ve proudly provided plumbing services for the Sacramento area for over 5 decades.
What Kind of Water Heater is The Best for My Home?
1. Solar Water Heaters
Renewable solar energy is currently the only “free” option for water heaters. They are not appropriate for every home and situation, but if the conditions are right, they are a fantastic investment. Conditions including the roof direction, area or residence, and size of the family must be met to qualify your home for solar power.
2. Storage or Tank Water Heaters
The most common water heater type is a storage, or tank water heater. These store a set amount of heated water in a holding tank. The tank water heater can be powered by electricity or gas, and the supply of hot water is limited by the tank size. One major drawback is having to balance household activities to make sure there is adequate hot water supply for each, so that no one is stuck with a cold shower before the supply can replenish.
3. Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless, or on-demand water heaters are growing in popularity, largely due to their ability to produce an endless supply of hot water, despite the amount of usage. These can be either gas or electric, similarly to tank water heaters. Tankless water heaters are also the most eco-friendly, since they only heat water when it is needed.
Faulty Water Heaters Can Lead to Damage
Wait until the next time your water heater stops working and you’ll soon realize exactly how vital it is to your home. Clarke & Rush is a water heater repair company that specializes in expert water heater service to keep your Sacramento water heater working safely, efficiently and reliably. When you rely on Clarke & Rush for water heater repair or water heater replacement, you can expect professional service from a skilled plumber.
If a replacement water heater is necessary, a Clarke & Rush water heater expert will help you determine which one is right for your home and budget, taking into consideration your family’s water heating needs and energy usage expectations. Clarke & Rush is able to install a water heater of almost any type or brand, including tankless water heaters.
