Effective Tips to Hot Water Heater Repair and Maintenance for Homeowners

A water heater’s energy efficiency is measured by the correspondence between the electrical input and hot water productivity, installing your water heater on your own will affect its efficiency and will additionally cause you more on your expenses.

It is critical to have your water heating system installed by our water heater specialists to maximize its energy efficiency.  A lot of people also try to take on DIY projects in order to save them the cost and probably pick up a new skill in the process.

Most often, they do this without understanding that they may possibly do things incorrectly and damage the whole system in the end.  Your water heater is a delicate equipment that needs to be handled meticulously, otherwise you’ll end up with an ineffective water heating system.

This is the reason why you need to get the help of our licensed local plumbing specialists to install your heating device accordingly. Proper installation also guarantees that your water heater will run at maximum efficiency and give you sufficient amount of needed water.

In This Article, We Will Be Covering:

• The signs of hot water tank problems
• What to watch out for when it comes to your water heater
• Water heater troubleshooting
• When you should replace your water heater
• Why your water heater isn’t working
• How to choose an electric water heating system
• Tank-type vs tankless water heaters
• Common hot water problems in every household
• Where you can get reliable hot water heater service
• Who can fix your water heater
• Who to call for repairs

What are the Signs of Hot Water Tank Problems?

Most people take their hot water heater for granted.  It’s out of sight, out of mind, so as long as it’s working, we don’t really think about it.  

And generally, it’s working. This appliance is most often dependable and rarely experiences trouble.  But there are times when you may have a problem that means you need a hot water heater repair, so worry no more because we are here to help!

Some things to watch out for when it comes to your hot water heater

• Popping noise, like sound of boiling water
• Offensive smell, often like rotten eggs

Water Heater Troubleshooting: What Do I Check for in My Heating Unit?

• Faucets and appliances are no longer producing hot water
• Water is no longer sufficiently hot, even though you have not changed the temperature setting
• Water is rust-colored
• Water heater leaking

If you experience these issues, the most likely cause is a faulty part or faulty installation.  Call us for any repair, or maintenance services you may need.

We can also recommend hot water heater upgrades and offer top-quality products and expert installation.

• Gas water heaters
• Electric water heaters
• Tankless water heaters
• Parts and supplies

Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Heater 

Are you unsure whether your water heater is in need of repair or has burned out altogether? If you notice a problem in your water heater, here are a few ways in which you can troubleshoot for a solution.

These tips will also help you to identify and understand signs that it’s time to replace your water heater.

Water heaters are available in two types, electric and gas water heaters. It is possible to use electric water heaters almost anywhere. However, gas water heaters are mostly installed in houses that already receive a gas supply.

Water heater, unlike the other household appliances, undergoes the maximum workout. Most water heaters available on the market have a lifespan of not more than 8 to 12 years.

This however, varies according to factors such as the severity of the prevailing temperature, quality of the installation, the unit design, and the overall water heater maintenance your unit has received.

 

If your water heater is already ten years old and has started leaking from the base of the tank or functions erratically, it is probably the time to get it replaced.

To ensure the longevity of your water heater you need to ensure that common electrical problems such as tripped breaker or a blown fuse is not the reason for the water heater’s failure.

Know the age of your water heater:

The age of your water heater can be the primary reason behind the faults occurring in your system. Hence, it is crucial to know the age of the machine.

To find the age of your water heater, by looking at the serial number printed on the manufacturer’s sticker, usually pasted on the upper surface of your water heater.

If water heater emits rusty water:

If you notice rusty water coming out of your water heater, especially from the hot side piping fitted in your home, you should understand that it is time to get it replaced.

However, if you have fitted a galvanized piping, the rusting may have occurred in the pipes. A few tested ways to avoid replacing a water heater that is functioning correctly is to drain at least five gallons of water from your water heater.     

If your water heater makes a rumbling noise:

Sediments starts depositing on the bottom of the water tank, as your heater starts aging. The sediments get heated and reheated, and subsequently hardens. When this occurs, you often hear the rumbling noise. This is again a sign that your water heater as reached the end of its life.

If you notice moisture around your water heater: If you notice moisture forming around your water tank, or you notice a fracture or a small leak around the tank, it means that your water heater has reached its age, and it is finally the time to replace it

The instances mentioned above are the most common signs indicating the need to replace your water heater. Check yours for these signs today, so you can budget the replacement cost and be prepared to replace it rather than have it give out on you suddenly. 

When is it Time to Replace My Water Heater?

Manufacturers generally suggest the common life expectancy of your water heater to be between 8-12 years, and it can vary depending on several factors. Some of the common factors include the location of your unit, its design, and quality of installation.

Installation greatly affects the service life of your water heater as it can generate several issues when handled inaccurately. Leaks, plumbing connection problems, and electrical issues can appear right after a defective installation.

Water heater installation can only be effectively done by our local and certified plumbers in Boston.

They are skilled and highly experienced to set up your new water heater. To set up your water heater effectively, contact our local trained and insured plumbers in Boston. We’re available 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week.

Hot Water Heater Problems: Why is My Water Heater Not Working?

There are certain things you need to know about how to fix a water heater when you’re encountering some problems with it. What can you do when you’re experiencing water heater problems at home?

Well, the most common water heater problems present are usually lack of heat in hot water, burner malfunction, and corrosion. For you to deal with these problems, you must first know how these can be prevented.

• Corrosion problems


You can prevent this from happening by ensuring in the first place that when you hire your plumber, he or she knows the proper dielectric nipples or dielectric unions that your water heater is using.

If they are not aware about this then they might hook a copper to the water heater, which is made of steel, and could possibly create an electrolysis problem. Which means the connection to the water heater will get corroded.

• Lack of temperature for water heater


There is this thing called a dip tube inside and it usually introduces the cold water found at the bottom of the tank. If this gets much corroded, it bowls off and will instead introduce cold water at the top of the tank.

Instead of the hot water dispensing, it gets fed off by the cold water and the burner functions are pretty much obsolete.

• Newer high-efficiency water heaters


With this kind of water heater, the biggest problem you could probably face with this is the screen not properly cleaned up on a regular period of time.

Once you plug it up, some debris or lean might compose it. This will make the water heater shut itself down due to improper airflow that does not help at all in aiding the combustion.

If you are wondering how often you should check a water heater, the answer is that you should check on it once in a while and look for signs that may indicate a need for repair.

As for your temperature and pressure valve, you need to ensure that this is functioning properly. If this goes into malfunction and over pressure or overheat, the water heater will release this pressure instead to the water heater. Trust me, you don’t want a hot water that scalding hot as it can be very dangerous.

Determine if there is rust present, which could be an indication of a leak in that certain spot. 

How Do I Choose an Electric Water Heating System

There are a few factors to consider when choosing which type of Electric Water Heating System would work best for you and your home. 

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to manufacturers and design, but not all electric water heaters are the same. In this article we weigh up the differences between the two types of electric water heaters available on the markets.

Types of Electric Water Heating Systems

We mentioned that there are two different types of electric water heaters available on the market, they are Tank-Type systems and Tankless.  Let’s have a look at the difference between the two:

Tank Type or Storage Systems

These are the usual electric water heating systems found in homes across the country.  Water is stored within the storage tank, where it is constantly heated.  Hot water comes from the top of the tank when a faucet is switched on in the home, which is then replaced by cold water than runs through the bottom of the tank.

Tankless Systems

These are a newer form of Electric Water Heating. Electricity heats water when water flows the complex unit, so there is not tank needed to heat water.

While both systems offer a range of benefits for the homeowner, you need to consider which is right for your home. Some of the main factors to take into consideration include the price of the system you are investing in and installation of the unit. 

Consider what the long-term cost of running a specific unit will be and how readily available the energy sources needed to run the unit are. There is also the Energy Factor rating that is used to measure how efficient the electric water heating system will be.  Electric heat pump models should start at 2.0 and the higher the EF count, the more efficient the heater will be.

Long Term Cost Effectiveness

There is more to consider than just the initial cost of a unit when you replace an electric water heating system.  Long term costs need to be calculated as well and since energy prices can vary, it is important to get a feel for the long term cost with a Cost Calculator. 

There are a few websites that allow you to calculate your energy costs based on the amount of hot water you use.  These are typically just a guide, but it will give you a great indication on what to expect from your energy bill after installing a new electric water heating system.

Pros and Cons of Tank-Type vs. Tankless Water Heaters

There are a few advantages and disadvantages to any type of Electric Hot Water Heating system that you choose. 

Here we list a few of the most common pros and cons for Tank-Type and Tankless heating units:

Tank-Type Water Heaters

• These units are inexpensive and are widely available in a variety of sizes suited to your water heating requirements.  Installation costs range from $200 to $400 and onwards.
• But these units reportedly waste 10% to 15% of energy through radiant heat loss because of the tank.
• Tank-Type units run out of hot water when used for extended amounts of time,  cutting your shower short with an ice cold blast of water!
• The life expectancy for a tank-type unit is between 10 to 15 years
• We mentioned EF ratings earlier and the typical EF Rating for an electric Tank-Type water heating system is only 0.67

Tankless Units

• Tankless units take up little space and can be mounted inside a wall or on the outside of a home.
• There is little to no standby energy loss with these units
• They are energy efficient and use between 20% to 30% less energy than Tank-Type units.
• The drawback is that they can be costly to install.
• But the life expectancy of tankless units far surpass that of a tank-type unit by 20 years or more!
• The average EF rating for a tankless unit starts at 0.75
• The installation of a tankless system costs between $600 to $1000 and more.

What are the Common Hot Water System Repairs in Every Household?

There are many reasons why your water heater is not working properly. Here are a few problems you may experience:

• Worn out heating element
• Thermostat problems
• Tripped circuit breaker
• Power issues
• Pressure Valve Failure/leaks
• Water Heater Sediment
• Foul Odor caused by bacteria in tank
• Rusty Colored Water
• Noisy heating elements
• Takes too Long to Reheat

Where Can I Get Reliable Hot Water Heater Service?

When getting a new water heater, it has to be coordinated with several factors that will affect its productivity. A unit that is too small will not produce the right amount of water on demand, while a unit that is too large will consume more energy which will cost you more initially and at the same time on your monthly bills.

Also, as setting up a new water heater involves some complicated calculations regarding the flow rate and temperature that needs to supply your home, doing this yourself can mostly be just on presumptions.

Our team has the skills and knowledge to precisely calculate the load size based on the peak hour demands, and the number of people who will use the system at a given time. This way, your water heating system will generate the needed warm water as intended.

 

A system installed by our specialists will also ensure the longevity of your system. It can be a deciding factor whether you will get the most out of your water heater investment in the coming years. If you want your water heater to last for a long time, having it installed by our experts will guarantee its durability.

Plumbers 911 has experienced technicians and a wide range of heater options to make sure you have hot water when you need it.

Who Can Fix My Water Heater?

With our specialists, you can expect to receive top-notch service. We carefully screen each of our techs to ensure you are serviced by an experienced professional with a clear background and drug test.

All of our Boston Plumbers:

• Completed over 10,000 hours of training
• Passed Extensive background checks and drug testing
• Continue their education
• Are available 24/7 for emergencies
• Licensed and Insured
• Operate clean and organized vans
• Wear professional uniforms

Our technicians can help you with:

• No Hot Water
• Not Enough Hot Water
• Pilot will not Light
• Pilot light will not stay lit
• Water is too Hot
• Rusty or black water
• Slow Recovery Time
• Leaking Tank

In addition to basic services, Plumbers 911 provides a licensed professional to assess your existing space and install all parts in accordance with local building codes.  Your hot water heater will be up and running in no time and you can rest assured that every safety precaution has been taken.

Who to Call for Water Heater Repair

Our highly efficient local plumbers possess the skills and know how on how to systematically install your water heater, eliminating disorganization that is often associated with an amateur setup.

It guarantees that your heating system will work flawlessly and provide you with the right temperature-controlled water.

Rather than hire a sketchy character and be wary the whole time they are in your home, why not hire a trusted and verified professional? All of our techs possess licenses, are fully insured, and have years of experience under their belt.

If you’re worried about the cost, let us put your mind at ease. We research the local market and know the rates offered by our competitors and offer you an even better rate. Our quotes are accurate, and you will never be charged for something you did not agree on beforehand.   

Call us immediately to fix your water heater today and help you with all your water heater problems!