Tag: heater

Is a Faulty Water Heater Holding Your Home Hostage?

How to Tell if Your Hot Water Heater Is Malfunctioning

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable and functional home, a water heater plays a pivotal role that often goes unnoticed - until there's a problem. People often take it for granted, enjoying the luxury of hot water at their fingertips. But like any other appliance, water heaters can also develop issues over time. Knowing how to identify the warning signs that a water heater might be in trouble is essential. This knowledge can save homeowners from unexpected breakdowns or a cold shower on a chilly morning! This blog will explore some key indicators that a water heater needs a plumber's attention.

Noisy Water Heater

soundsWhen water heaters are functioning normally, they don’t usually make a sound, so homeowners who hear any noises from the water heater should investigate and call for professional assistance. Unusual water heater noises are most often caused by sediment buildup in the tank. Pockets of air in this layer of sediment boil along with the water in the tank, causing popping, creaking, or rumbling noises that indicate the need for water heater maintenance. 

Most of the time, this can be solved by flushing the tank and replacing the anode rod during maintenance. However, more severe damage can be done if water heater maintenance is neglected because the water heater can corrode without replacing the anode rod or flushing the tank of sediment. Then water heater replacement might be the only viable solution.

Smelly and Discolored Water 

sinkAny changes in the appearance and smell of hot water at home may indicate a problem with the water heater. Water that smells strange or slightly metallic could be a sign of sediment buildup or corrosion in the hot water tank. The same is true for water that looks cloudy or murky or water that looks like it has a slightly orange or reddish hue to it.

These could be an indicator of a corroded water heater or pipes that have corroded. When corrosion occurs in a hot water tank, replacement often becomes the best solution. It’s essential to keep up with routine water heater maintenance to prevent corrosion and extend the water heater's lifespan.

Presence of Leaks

A leaking water heater is a problem that needs immediate professional attention. A leak in the water heating system - either in the pipes or the water tank itself - creates problems with dropping water pressure and may also lead to water damage. Homeowners who notice signs of a water leak, such as wet spots or dripping water, should have their water heaters inspected by a professional right away. 

Even if there are no visible signs of a leak, any decrease in water pressure that affects only the hot water from plumbing fixtures could indicate a problem with the water heater that needs to be fixed. The good news is that these problems can be resolved by a professional plumber, though whether this problem requires repair or replacement may depend entirely on how severe the damage is to the system. 

About JR Putman Plumbing

JR Putman Plumbing has over four decades of experience serving the Sacramento area since 1981. They provide same-day service, financing, and live answers 24/7. Call them today for water heater repair and replacement in Rancho Cordova, CA. 

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Install a New Water Heater for the New Year

Benefits of Getting a New Water Heater

An old water heater can silently cost homeowners a lot of money as it becomes less and less efficient. This is especially true of old traditional water heaters that maintain the temperature of hot water in a large tank. It takes a lot of energy to keep water at a specific temperature, especially in bulk. Homeowners who start their new year with a new water heater may be surprised about their potential savings and benefits. 

Improving Efficiency and Lowering Energy Bills

As water heaters age, they become less efficient and require more energy to heat the same amount of water. This means that an old and outdated water heater will cost homeowners more money on their energy bill each month. The wear and tear on older water heaters can also cause them to break down over time, resulting in costly repairs or replacements. 

Replacing a water heater with a new, more efficient model is a great way to save money and improve the efficiency of the hot water system. Newer models can reduce energy costs by up to 30%, which adds up over time and translates into savings for homeowners. Additionally, installing an energy-efficient water heater will provide a better performance, reliability, and a longer lifespan.

Water Heater Replacement Can Improve Hot Water Recovery Rate

heaterThe hot water recovery rate describes the speed with which a water heater reheats water in its tank after the hot water has been used up. The higher the recovery rate, the fewer time homeowners will have to wait between uses — and the less likely they are to end up with a cold shower. Not heating water as rapidly as it used to is definitely a sign of an aging system.

When buying a new water heater, it's important to consider the recovery rate. A higher recovery rate means the tank will replenish hot water faster, so families won't have to wait around for it. Newer models typically feature better recovery rates than older units, so with a new hot water heater, the recovery time will be much quicker, and no one will be left in the cold. 

Saving Space With Tankless Water Heaters

saveOne of the most advanced options for a new water heater is to go “tankless.” Though tankless water heaters or on-demand water heaters typically do have a tank of some sort, it is a fraction of the size of a traditional water heater and provides the following advantages:

  • It fits conveniently on a wall in a closet or other small space
  • Allows for more storage in said space
  • It is highly efficient, only heating water as needed
  • It provides practically unlimited hot water

Tankless water heaters are an excellent choice for households that need efficient water heating and extra storage space.

About JR Putman Plumbing

JR Putman Plumbing has over three decades of experience serving Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day service, financing, and 24/7 live answers. Call them today for tankless water heater or water heater services in Sacramento, CA.

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