Water heaters are an essential appliance in any home. They are used to heat the water that is used for showering, cleaning, washing dishes and clothes, and even cooking. The need for a hot water heater increases as more people live at home.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy, tank water heaters have been on the rise since 2013, and they’re projected to increase over the next few years. In fact, tank water heaters account for about 70 percent of all residential water heaters in America.
Tank water heaters are a popular option for homeowners because of their durability and efficiency. However, there are some things you need to know about tank water heaters before purchasing one.
In this article, we will discuss some important signs your tank water heater needs repair and what your water heater repair plumber is not telling you about your water heater.
So let’s find out.
How Water Heaters Work?
Water heaters are an integral part of modern life. They provide hot water for our homes and businesses and industrial processes that rely on steam.
These days, most people use electric water heaters, which are very efficient—about 90% of the energy that goes into heating the water is used to heat the water itself. But there are still many people who have gas-powered water heaters because they’re cheaper to run.
But what exactly happens inside a water heater? How does it work? Do you want to know?
Then, here’s a general overview of how water heaters work:
- Cold water supply: The water heater is connected to the cold water supply line, which delivers water into the unit.
- Storage tank: The water heater consists of a large insulated storage tank where the water is stored. The tank is usually made of steel with a glass or ceramic lining to prevent corrosion.
- Heat source: A heat source, typically a gas burner or electric heating element, is responsible for heating the water inside the tank. Gas water heaters have a gas burner located at the bottom of the tank, while electric water heaters have heating elements immersed in the water.
- Thermostat control: A thermostat located on the outside of the tank monitors the temperature of the water. When the water temperature drops below the desired level, the thermostat signals the heat source to activate and start heating the water.
- Heating process: The heat source generates heat, transferring it to the water either directly (in electric heaters) or indirectly (in gas heaters through a heat exchanger). The heat raises the temperature of the water inside the tank.
- Temperature and pressure relief valve: To prevent excessive pressure buildup, water heaters are equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve. If the pressure or temperature exceeds safe levels, the valve releases some water to relieve the pressure and prevent tank damage.
- Hot water outlet: When a hot water tap is opened in your home, hot water is derived from the top of the tank through a pipe and delivered to the desired location.
- Cold water inlet: Simultaneously, cold water enters the tank through a dip tube extending from the top to the bottom. The dip tube ensures that cold water is directed to the bottom of the tank, where it can be heated.
- Recovery time: Once hot water is drawn from the tank, cold water enters, and the heating process resumes to maintain the desired temperature. The time it takes for the tank to reheat the water to the desired temperature is known as the recovery time.
What Are The Signs That Your Water Heater Needs Repair?
Your water heater’s job is to heat up your water, and when it fails to do so properly, it can be an expensive problem. Here are a few signs that your water heater needs repair:
Insufficient hot water.
If you’re having trouble keeping up with the demand for hot water in your home, it could mean the system is not working properly.
Fluctuating water temperatures.
If your hot water tank is not functioning smoothly, it may be putting out lukewarm water at times or dangerously hot water at other times.
Water leaks from the tank or pipes.
Even small leaks can lead to major problems if left untreated. So if you notice one and you don’t know how to repair a leaking concrete water tank, search for water heater repair near me!
Strange noises.
Unusual noises from your water heater, such as popping, banging, or rumbling, could indicate sediment buildup in the tank. Over time, sediment can harden and create a barrier between the heating element and the water, reducing the efficiency of the heater and potentially causing damage.
Discolored or rusty water.
If you notice rust-colored water coming out of your faucet, this could be a sign of a leaky pipe somewhere in your house. A leaky pipe can cause rust to form on showerheads and other fixtures in your bathroom—and if it gets worse, it could even cause structural damage to your home! If you don’t know how to repair water tank leakage, call a professional water heater repair plumber immediately.
Leaks or puddles.
If you notice puddles or leaks underneath the tank of your water heater, this means that there is an issue with its internal parts—especially if you’ve recently turned it off and on again (which can cause minor cracks).
Foul odors.
Your water heater should never give off an odor (other than the natural smell of heated metal). If you notice a foul smell coming from your water heater, it could mean that mold is growing inside it—which not only makes for bad hygiene but can also cause serious health problems.
Age of the unit.
Most people don’t think about their water heaters until something goes wrong with them—but you should keep tabs on when yours was installed so that you know when it’s time to replace it! If your unit is over 10 years old, it is time for an upgrade or water tank repair.
Things Your Plumber Won’t Tell You About Hot Water Tank Repair
You need hot water. You need it for your showers, for your dishes, and for your washing machine. But if you’ve got a problem with your hot water tank, you can’t get any of that!
You don’t know how to repair a hot water tank. You might think that a plumber would be able to fix whatever’s wrong with your hot water tank. And they can! But there are some things about hot water tank repair that your local plumber for water heater repair won’t like to talk about—and that’s why we’re here to tell you about them.
Here are a few things that plumbers may not always disclose:
Replacement may be more cost-effective than repair.
When it comes to hot water tanks, replacement is often the most cost-effective option for a number of reasons:
Your current hot water tank may be old and inefficient. Replacing an old hot water tank can save you energy and money on both gas and electric bills.
Hot water tanks are made from a variety of materials that degrade over time, so it’s inevitable that they will break down eventually—sometimes sooner rather than later! The longer you wait, the more likely it is that your old hot water tank will need to be replaced. This can save you money in the long run because repairs tend to be more expensive than replacements.
Maintenance can prevent costly repairs.
Plumbers may not emphasize the importance of regular maintenance for hot water tanks. Regularly flushing the tank, checking the anode rod, and inspecting valves can help prolong the life of your tank, prevent leaks, and minimize the chances of major repairs. Asking your plumber about maintenance tips can help you avoid future issues.
Water quality affects the tank’s lifespan.
Your hot water tank can last 20 years or more if you properly take care of it. But if your water is full of sediment, rust, or other contaminants like iron, it will considerably shorten your tank’s life.
If you have hard water with high levels of calcium and magnesium, you’ll need to clean out your tank regularly and have it flushed by a professional at least once every two years. If you live in an area where the water has high levels of iron and manganese (like Detroit), then it’s even more important that you flush out your hot water tank regularly so that these minerals don’t build up inside it and start corroding its internal parts.
DIY repairs may be risky.
While there are minor repairs that homeowners can safely handle, attempting to fix complex issues or conducting unauthorized modifications on a hot water tank can be dangerous. Water Heater plumbers may not explicitly discourage DIY repairs but may not stress the potential hazards involved. It’s essential to prioritize your safety and consult a professional when dealing with significant repairs or modifications.
Choosing the right size.
You might think that bigger is always better when it comes to hot water tanks, but it’s actually all about getting the right size for your family’s needs. The size of your tank can affect how much hot water is available for use in your home at any given time—and if you have a lot of people who need hot showers or baths at once, then this may be something worth paying attention to! Be sure to choose an appropriate-sized tank for your needs.
Your water heater’s efficiency.
You probably haven’t thought about it, but your hot water tank is one of the most important parts of your home—and not just because you need hot water to shower! It’s also an important part of your energy usage and can significantly impact how much money you spend on utilities every month.
Why? Because depending on the model you have, your hot water tank can be as inefficient as 1% or as efficient as 99%! While that might not seem like much at first glance, consider this: If a 1% efficient water heater costs you $25 per month in energy costs while a 99% efficient model costs only $2 per month, then those extra dollars would mean a huge difference between being able to afford home repairs or having to wait months until you’re able to make them happen.
So if you want to save money and keep your hot water tank in tip-top shape for years, think about water heater replacement today!
How Much Will The Water Heater Repair Cost?
The cost of repairing a water heater depends upon the problems that need to be taken care of and the type of water heater. If you have an older electric water heater that has been utilized for many years, it is time to replace the hot water heater with a new model.
If you are looking to replace your old water heater, there are several options available: gas-fired tankless heaters, gas-fired storage heaters, and electric storage heaters.
If the issue is simple, such as a faulty thermostat, you can usually get the part and do the repair for about $50-$100. If it’s more complicated and requires a plumber, expect to pay $150-$300 for labor alone.
However, if you need to replace your entire tank or system, expect to pay upwards of $500-$1,000 for labor alone (and even more if parts are needed).
If you have any questions about the water in gas tank repair cost or replacing it with a new one, please call our water heater repair and replacement professionals at (704) 340-4810!
Comparison Chart: Water Heater Replacement Vs. Repair
When it comes to water heater replacement, there are a few options to consider:
• Water Heater Replacement
• Water Heater Repair
Replacing your water heater is the most cost-effective way to get a new one. But it can also be a big job, so you might be wondering whether you should repair your old one instead.
Here’s a comparison chart highlighting some factors to consider when deciding between water heater replacement and repair:
| Factors | Water Heater Replacement | Water Heater Repair |
| Age of the heater | Recommended for old units | Suitable for relatively new units |
| Cost | The more expensive upfront cost | The generally cheaper upfront cost |
| Efficiency | Improved energy efficiency | Existing efficiency maintained |
| Long-term savings | Potential energy savings | Immediate cost savings |
| Warranty coverage | New warranty coverage | The existing warranty may still apply |
| Overall condition | Extensive damage or corrosion | Minor issues or part replacements |
| Available options | Opportunity to upgrade | Limited to repairing the existing unit |
| Future reliability | More reliable with new equipment | Depend on the specific repair |
| Expected lifespan | Longer lifespan | Dependent on the repair |
How To Maintain A Tank Water Heater?
The tank water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home. It helps you get hot water when you need it, and it can save you money by keeping your energy bills low. But if you don’t maintain your tank water heater properly, it can cause problems for you and the people living in your home.
Here are 10 tips on how to keep your tank water heater running smoothly:
1. Maintain the tank water heater
2. Check for leaks
3. Drain the tank
4. Replace the anode rod
5. Replace the thermocouple
6. Install a new pressure relief valve
7. Inspect and replace the orifice tube
8. Clean the heating element regularly.
9. Test your tank water heater regularly for leaks, corrosion, and other signs of wear and tear that may cause damage to your property or harm yourself or others around you if not addressed immediately by a professional technician like Wicker Trade Service Inc.
10. Keep the area around the water heater clear of debris and flammable materials.
Hire Trusted, Local Water heater Installation and Repair Professionals in Mooresville, NC!
Do you have a broken water heater? Are you looking to get your water heater repaired or replaced? Do you need a professional to install a new water heater for you? Well, look no further than Wicker Trade Service Inc.
Wicker Trade Service Inc. is a family-owned and operated business in Mooresville, North Carolina that specializes in water heater installation, repair, and maintenance. We provide quality services for all types of water heaters and have been helping people with their heating systems since 2002.
We also understand the importance of having a working water heater during your busy life, and we really want to ensure you never have to go without hot water. That’s why our team is here for you!
We offer all of the services you need to keep your water heater running smoothly, including:
– Water heater installation
– Water heater repair
– Water heater maintenance
– Tankless water heater installation/repair/maintenance
– Leak detection and repair services
– And many more…
Our licensed, skilled, and insured technicians are dedicated to providing high-quality workmanship every time—we’ll never leave a plumbing job until you are 100% satisfied with the results. Our years of experience have taught us how important it is to build relationships with our customers so that they know where they can go when something goes wrong with their water heater or other plumbing systems (or even if they just want advice). We’re here for you!
When you work with us, you’ll get:
– Expert craftsmanship
– Timely repairs
– A high level of customer satisfaction
– Cost-effective plumbing services
Moreover, you can trust us with any size job because we’re fully insured and licensed by the state of North Carolina. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services, so you don’t have to worry about your water heater going out during a holiday weekend or when you’re traveling on vacation.
So, If you need a new water heater installed or looking for reliable Tank Water Heater Maintenance and Services in Mooresville, give us a call today at (704) 340-4810!