Types of Water Heater Repair

Water heaters are a vital part of any home. Many people don’t realize the importance of these appliances until they stop working. Water heaters give property owners access to hot water, which is extremely useful for everyday tasks.
Homeowners usually have one of the two major types of water heaters, which are:

• Conventional Water Heater
• Tankless Water Heater

There are a few differences between the two types of water heater that we service.

Conventional Water Heater Repair

Conventional water heaters are the most common type of water heater that a homeowner will own. These water heaters are much cheaper to install and service, serving as a cost-effective way to heat a home’s water effectively.

Conventional water heaters offer the following features:

• 10-12 year lifespan with proper maintenance
• Have a reservoir of hot water available for immediate usage
• Releases the hot water when it is needed
• It remains hot constantly, which can lead to heat loss
• Fueled by natural gas, propane, electricity, and other types of fuel

Conventional water heaters offer users a 20-120 gallon tank of hot water. Throughout the day, this tank remains heated, which provides a homeowner with 24/7 access to hot water.

Tankless Water Heater Repair

Tankless water heaters are much more expensive than conventional water heaters, but they provide numerous long-term benefits and savings to homeowners.

A tankless water heater has the following features:

• 20-year lifespan with proper maintenance
• Space-saving design allows for placement on a wall or floor
• Energy-efficient on-demand heating enables a homeowner to save money
• Are small enough to be installed in a closet or garage
• Highly durable due to their on-demand, rather than constant, heat usage
• Waste less heat energy as a result of their advanced heating methods

Tankless water heaters are more expensive than conventional water heaters, making them a less attractive option for homeowners. However, these types of water heaters are slowly gaining popularity, as they help save money and energy over time. Also, they are more expensive upfront, but a longer lifespan makes the cost worth it.

The Department of Energy highly recommends these types of water heaters, as they help to cut costs and save energy. The Department of Energy recommends their tankless EnergyStar models so that consumers can get the most life out of their water heaters.

When Does My Water Heater Need Maintenance?

When a water heater stops working, it can be pretty noticeable. After all, it is a significant component of a home or business, providing it with necessary warm water.

Thankfully, several vital signs indicate that a water heater might need service.

The following scenarios might indicate that a water heater repair service is needed:

• Low hot water pressure
• Strange noises coming from the water heater
• Inconsistent heat coming from faucets
• No heat coming from faucets
• Condensation has appeared on the outside of the water heater
• Water has begun to pool at the base of the heater

If it has been a long time since a plumbing professional has inspected a water heater, it might be a good time to schedule maintenance. A professional can ensure that a water heater is working correctly and offers comprehensive solutions if it is not.

Low Hot Water Pressure

Low or inconsistent hot water pressure can be an irritating problem if not addressed correctly. A plumbing expert can assist home and business owners with this problem, typically associated with sediment buildup.

Low hot water pressure usually affects property owners with older water heaters. There can be quite a bit of sediment buildup in these old units, which impacts the amount of hot water pressure that the unit can dispense.

A plumbing professional might recommend that the property owner replaces their unit entirely, as it may be too old to provide consistent hot water to the property.

Strange Noises

Water heaters typically make noise, so not all sounds that come from them could indicate a problem. There are several types of noises, however, that do show a problem.

These types of noises include:

• Cracking
• Banging
• Shifting
• Bubbling
• Popping

These noises can all be associated with sediment buildup. A property owner hears water bubbling up over mineral buildup at the tank’s bottom when these noises occur.

When a water heater gets old, it often gets a buildup of sediment at the bottom of the tank. This sediment buildup occurs because of a home’s hard water and even just old age.

As the sediment begins to pile up at the bottom, water has a more challenging time flowing in and out of the crevices it creates. What results is a strange group of noises that occurs as the water heater functions.

If a water heater is this old, we highly recommend replacing it. This measure prevents strange noises from occurring, all while keeping a homeowner’s plumbing systems healthy and free of sediment buildup.

Inconsistent Heat

Inconsistent heat or no heat at all often indicate mineral buildup, as well. If no heat at all is flowing from a water heater, then the mineral buildup is severe.

Inconsistent heat is a product of mineral buildup, which may not be as severe as a total loss of heat. A property owner should still address this buildup, however. In newer units, the culprit for such buildup is usually a home or business’s hard water. In older units, however, the accumulation is primarily attributed to old age.

If a water heater is over 8 – 12 years old, a property owner should consider a replacement. This fact is especially true if the water heater is not regularly maintained. A plumbing professional should service the water heater at least once a year if a home or business is particularly susceptible to hard water damage or mineral buildup.

Condensation

Condensation is not always indicative of a water heater problem. However, if it is severe, it could indicate potential plumbing issues.

Often, condensation on the water heater itself can indicate a corroded or damaged heater. Condensation that goes unchecked for an extended period can even damage the flue tube, which can cause a gas leak in potentially troublesome situations.

If excessive condensation pools around or on a water heater, it is best to have a professional plumber diagnose the situation. A professional plumber can look inside the water heater and determine the severity of the issue.

Potentially, condensation could serve as a cause to replace a water heater. Refusing to attend to the problem could reduce more severe water loss, such as pooling.

Pooling

If a homeowner or property owner notices excessive water buildup at the unit’s base, it usually indicates critical failure within the water heater.

Unusual buildup can indicate a potential rupture or critical corrosion inside the unit. Sediment buildup can also be a culprit in this type of situation.

The most likely cause is an excess of pressure or strain, causing water to leak from the unit. This issue could potentially cause problems for the entire plumbing system.

This problem typically indicates that a water heater is failing. A professional plumber should come to assess the water heater and suggest potential replacement options. If this problem goes unchecked for too long, it could harm a plumbing system or cause harmful water or gas leaks.

What Do I Do If I Have a Water Heater Problem?

1. Turn off your water heater: This measure is essential, especially if the water heater is leaking water or gas.
2. Clean up the area: If the water heater has leaked, be sure to clean the water heater. Once the unit has cooled, flush the system by placing a bucket under the release valve.
3. Call Certified Plumbing of Brevard: By calling a professional plumbing service, you are ensuring a thorough fix for your water heater. Our plumbing experts can help diagnose the issue and inform owners of the best actions to improve a property’s plumbing.

Contact Certified Plumbing of Brevard

At Certified Plumbing of Brevard, we can help make our water heater repair service as efficient as possible for the property owner. Our team of plumbing specialists is happy to help property owners with any of their plumbing needs.

Our customer service and transparency have helped us serve Brevard County for 33 years. We know our community inside out, and we’d be happy to provide the quality plumbing service Brevard County deserves.

We service large homes, hospitals, and businesses, making it easy for property owners to have peace of mind that a plumbing expert will repair their extensive plumbing system. The size or scope doesn’t deter us; we offer quality service no matter how large or small the property is.

We would love to help you with your water heater repair and installation needs. To make things easier for you, we offer traditional and 24/7 service. Whether you need a free quote or emergency repair services, our expert team is here to help.

If you have any questions about our water heater repair services or quotes, you can give us a call at (321) 676-0812. We would love to help you with all of your plumbing needs.