The number one plumbing issue in the country today is water heater repair. One out of every two times our Bedford plumbing contractors are called out on service it includes a water heater. This is due to the sheer amount of water and energy put through a water heating system. Couple this with the number of parts that can go bad and it's a perfect storm.
Here are some of the major repairs that our plumbers deal with on a daily basis:
Some of these problems can be fixed without calling a professional, but most are routinely handled by our staff.
To fix a hot water heater that isn't producing hot water, first check that the thermostat is turned up. If you have a gas water heater, check the pilot light. If neither of these is the problem, the thermostat may need to be replaced. In an electric water heater the upper heating element may also have failed.
If you have rusty water it is probably time to change your anode rod. The anode rod prevents free radicals in the water from rusting the interior of the steel tank. It is designed to break down and collect the free radicals. Once this anode is all used up, the water will begin to show the rust color.
A sulfur smell, like rotten eggs, happens when a build-up of sediment causes bacteria to build up at the base of the tank. Flushing the system can usually fix this problem. If the flush doesn't work a professional plumber can perform a hydrogen peroxide treatment.
A popping noise is also a sign of sediment build up. The bottom of the hot water heater heats the sediment and results in the water boiling. Boiling water throws sediment against the side of the tank producing the popping sound.
Water leaks are a common problem in traditional storage style water heaters. They are usually caused by a failing temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve. The T&P valve leak can be caused by excessive pressure, overheating or simply being stuck. Another possibility is that the anode has failed and the tank has rusted through. This will usually occur at the base of the tank. The last, and least likely, source of a leak is in the plumbing above the water heater. If you have any of these problems it is best to contact one of our licensed Bedford plumbers for immediate service.
Tankless water heaters are nothing short of awesome. Not only do they provide hot water nonstop, for as long as you want it, but they also take a lot less juice to run, take up less space, and last for much longer than storage water heaters. While a regular water heater might last 10-15 years, most tankless water heaters tend to get around 20 years before replacing.
To see if a tankless water heater is right for your home and budget, call one of our Bedford, TX water heater repair & installation specialists today. They'll be happy to walk you through all the ins of tankless water heaters and, if you decide that one is right for you, can help you schedule a time for an installation.