Plumbing professionals in Mesa, AZ, explain common water heater problems.
Phoenix, United States - December 23, 2024 / Water Heaters Only, Inc. /
When To Repair vs. When To Replace
The average water heater lasts between 8 and 12 years. With proper water heater maintenance, they can last longer, depending on the type of repairs necessary. Heaters that only provide lukewarm water may be an easy fix.
Sneaky Water Bills
Rising utility costs usually indicate a malfunctioning water appliance. If the water heater is broken, this can increase monthly utility bills and additional maintenance costs. Paying attention to annual water expenses helps detect this problem in under three months.
A new water heater installation causes a sudden spike in bills if the heater is incorrectly fitted. However, if the unit is too small, it must work harder to keep up with the demand for regular hot water. An old unit can also cause homeowners to spend extra money on water heater service.
Water heater maintenance is different from providing repairs. Maintenance must be conducted regularly, but multiple inspections are needed, which is a sign that the unit may be on its last legs.
Once repairs are necessary, this quickly adds up if the water heater is over ten years old. Sometimes, it is actually cheaper to buy a new heater than to spend money on frequent repairs.
Unusual Noises
Banging, popping, and humming sounds may be cause for concern. While some noises may indicate faulty water pressure, others are more complicated. Fixing the issue early is always recommended to avoid high repair bills.
A water hammer is a banging noise from inside the water heater. It is often described as someone loudly banging against a metal door. This happens when there is too much pressure once water moves in a different direction.
Typically, a water hammer is caused by sediment buildup inside the tank. Replacing the anode rod or flushing the tank is a simple fix.
While a light humming noise in the background is perfectly normal, audible vibrations are not. This usually happens when components become loose and rattling around inside the heater.
Tightening the valves can be completed in less than an hour, but if the heating element is damaged, it can cause serious and sometimes irreparable harm to the unit. A professional must first examine the heater before assessing the cost.
Popping noises are rare but occur when excess sediment is inside the tank. If homeowners have the right tools, they can technically flush the tank themselves. Soaking a gallon of vinegar inside the unit may help.
Strong Odors
Water should never smell, regardless of where it is used. If the sink or shower smells like rotten eggs, it is a sign of hard water. Hard water is not necessarily dangerous when consumed but can wreak havoc on the plumbing system. If this is not fixed promptly, homeowners will eventually need to replace their water heaters.
If the water smells like sulfate, bacteria can grow in consistently low temperatures. This frequently happens in vacation homes where the water heater is not used regularly. Before treating the problem, plumbers must examine other lines in the plumbing system to see if more than one area is affected.
Flushing the water heater can help eliminate this problem, but it often doesn’t solve it. If the water heater is over a few years old, specific parts, such as the anode rod, which may be vulnerable due to rust, may need replacing.
Water heating repair is often possible, but visible leaks are a sign of significant damage. If the water heater has major corrosion, discolored water, or is over ten years old, a trained professional is crucial during the inspection.
About Water Heaters Only, Inc.
Water Heaters Only, Inc. provides 24/7 phone assistance for residents of Mesa, AZ. With every service call, homeowners can expect prompt response times, personalized advice, and long-lasting plumbing solutions. Call today to learn more about replacement and additional water heater services!
Contact Information:
Water Heaters Only, Inc.
3106 West Thomas Road Unit 1119
Phoenix, AZ 85017
United States
Yana Carpenter
(602) 253-8010
https://waterheaters-phoenix.com/
