Water Heater Repair Or Not: When To Call For Service | Mansfield, TX
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Water heaters provide years of hot water that is good for cooking, cleaning, and bathing, and without it, life can be unbelievably stressful. But with water heater repair service, those living in Mansfield, TX know they have nothing to fear. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can provide that and so much more.
Conventional water heaters use a tank and rely on several different sources of energy, including propane, geothermal, natural gas, oil, and electricity. The good news is that these traditional versions will still provide hot water even in the midst of a major power outage, and that is something that residents can feel reasonably relaxed about. Even with the ones that are powered by electricity, residents can still use the hot water that remains in the tank as long as they use it wisely. The tank itself can store several gallons of water that can last for several days, and residents in Mansfield, TX know that if the hot water is used conservatively they can still glean several days of use. In fact, it is estimated that the average water heater tank can hold anywhere from 20-100 gallons, and that’s a lot of water to be held within a single tank.
You may come home from a busy day at the office, hoping to be able to relax in a long, hot, steaming bathtub, only to find that there is no hot water coming out of the tap when you turn it on. You may also hear strange, odd noises, such as a heavy, metallic clanging that come right from the source of your water heater or its tank. And believe it or not, this is the perfect time to call for water heater repair service.
There are other reasons to consider water heater repair service. If your water has a rusty appearance or appears to have a metallic flavor to it, this is a sign that your water heater is in trouble and you need to call for service as soon as possible. And do not be fooled. Even a metallic smell is a sign that something is wrong and you need to call for water heater repair service as soon as possible.
Having only cold water coming out of your faucets points to the possibility for the need for water heater repair service. There are other instances when your water may come out as only lukewarm or that it may not stay warm for very long during use. At times, your water may come out as being extremely hot or cold, depending on the problem with your water heater.
Rusty colored water may mean that you need to have your heater’s anode rods checked as part of your water heater repair service. In fact, it is largely possible that anode rods can wear down as they try to protect your water supply from the metal portions of your water heater.
Even something as simple as sediment build up can have an effect on the overall functionality of your water heater. When your water is actively heating, the sediment is separated from your current supply and is settled into the bottom portion of your tank, which can gradually build up over time and leak into the water you are using. It can even affect the water heater’s ability to perform its job effectively, which is the very reason for you to call for water heater repair service in Mansfield, TX. In fact, a plumber can check for the damage that is caused by the sediment build up and flush it out of your water heater immediately.
A good, quality flush should be done professionally as part of your general water heater repair service. In fact, when you call the plumber to come for an annual inspection of your home’s entire plumbing system, that is the perfect time for you to have it done.
Those who plan on purchasing an older home should think about having the water heater checked for signs of malfunction due to age and use. Sometimes, it may be best for you to consider the size of your household, the space you live in, and the amount of people who may be residing with you before deciding to purchase a new unit.
Size is important when considering the purchase of a new unit. In fact, it is something that you should discuss with your plumber prior to buying anything brand new. Not only should you look at the size of your household, but you should consider the number of your in-home appliances that may require the use of hot water in order to be able to do their jobs properly.
Most water heaters have an average lifespan of around 8-12 years, depending on the unit itself and the amount of use that it has undergone. Sometimes, poor air quality in the area can be a major factor in how long your water heater can last, as it has an impact on your unit’s ability to function properly. All water heaters, especially ones that have tanks, rely on the ability to draw in air in order to heat your water, which means that any type of poor air quality can have an impact on corrosion. Once the tank of your water heater becomes corroded, failure happens. And when failure happens, you lose hot water, which means that it’s time to call a professional for water heater repair service.
Rust and corrosion are the cancers of anything that’s made of metal, whether its your pipes, your faucets, or even your doorknob. Those who own water heaters know that water can eventually cause the corrosion that leads to rust. In fact, when the rust eats away at the inside of the tank of your water heater, holes can happen. Sometimes, these holes can be so small that they are difficult to detect with your own eyes, and that’s when you need to take a good look around the bottom of your water heater. If you happen to notice any water that appears to be pooling around the base, that is a good sign that maybe you should think about calling on the experts for water heater repair service.
When this happens, you may wish to have the entire water heater replaced. A professional from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can quote you an estimate that works well within your budget, as well as help you in finding the right type of water heater that is suitable for you.
There are some signs that your water heater is heading towards the brink of failure, and one of them is that you may notice a decrease in your hot water supply. You may notice that your water supply is shifting from hot to lukewarm over time. Perhaps it’s been a good while since you’ve had water heater repair service done, or you just may need to simply replace your entire tank.
One of the ways to test the overall functionality of your water heater is to do random water temperature checks three times a day throughout your home. Simply choose a location, anywhere from your kitchen sink to your bathroom. Let the water run for about two minutes, then put it in a small cup, put in a digital thermometer, and record the reading. The thermometer should remain in the water sample for about 1-2 minutes. Once the digits stop, simply write them down in a notebook and show them to the plumber when seeking water heater repair service.
This daily log should last for at least a week. Take note of the time and the temperature of the water. If the water temperature dips anywhere below 100 degrees Fahrenheit over a period of several days, it could mean that your water heater should be inspected for damage and age. If this happens over any length of time, your best bet is to call a plumber for water heater repair service as quickly as possible. Most water temperatures that are normal should range anywhere from 100-110 degrees when checked. This simple yet critical task can be done with a meat thermometer.
Gas-powered water heaters make it easy for residents to check on the status of efficiency by simply looking inside the tank. All you need to do is look at the flame and you can tell if the tank is doing its job well. If the flame is a normal shade of blue, that means that your water heater is in full swing and working just as it should. If the flame appears to be orange or yellow, that means that the burner inside the tank is about to wink out, thus leaving you with a whole supply of cold water. This is something that only water heater repair service can fix.
Tankless versions, on the other hand, tend to heat your water supply as needed. They can remain hidden in places where no one can see them, and the most common area for a plumber to place them upon installation is right near your kitchen sink. They do their part to reduce the impact of global warming by simply using less energy to heat lesser portions of your water supply.
Tankless water heaters rely on two main sources of energy: electric and gas. Both versions are capable of heating your water on an “as needed” basis, which saves more water in the long run. Plus, these handy little devices are so tough that they can last for a period of up to twenty years in your home, and this is largely due to the fact that they suffer absolutely no corrosion. They have no tanks where water has a chance to create corrosion while being stored. Plus, they remain out of sight, which means that your basement or cellar can be used to store all valuables and other household supplies.
But beware, as even the tankless brands are prone to failure and malfunction and needing water heater repair. In fact, they come with their own baggage, and residents in Mansfield, TX should take serious note of anything that comes up.
Mineral and lime build up can happen with tankless water heaters as the water that passes through brings a fair portion of sediment and other natural elements. Calcium and magnesium are two of the most damaging elements to wreak havoc on your system, thus leading to the need to call for water heater repair service.
Regular flushings can eliminate some of the problems and water heater repair needs that are commonly caused by this type of build up. In fact, it is something you may wish to do on a regular basis. This can eliminate the need to replace your tiny unit and help it to last for the next twenty years.
Having too much water running from multiple appliances can run the risk of strain on any tankless water heater. Whether its multiple appliances, too many showers, or anything that uses an excessive amount of hot water, being mindful of water heater overload is critical to the lifespan of your tankless water heater. Sometimes, you may be able to upgrade to a more efficient unit, or you may be able to add another one, depending on the size of your household and how much hot water is normally consumed within a single day.
Ever heard of the “cold water sandwich?” This is when you have done something that requires the use of hot water, whether it’s showering or washing the dishes. Warm water comes up, then becomes cold water suddenly. This happens due to the remaining warm water that was left over during the previous usage, which simply means that you may need to wait until more water gets heated up before using it again. But if this is something that happens for too long, then you may need to have the unit’s flame checked for signs of failure.
Good water heater repair service is the best thing you can do for yourself and your home. Whether you have a tankless system or a traditional one, water heater repair service is critical to the life of your system. Simply call or visit online to schedule an appointment with Benjamin Franklin today.