Do plumbers fix hot water heaters? That’s the question of the day, and we have the answer.
Many homeowners are dying to know – do plumbers fix hot water heaters? The answer is yes. But it’s not always a straightforward repair. Water heaters seem simple – so simple, in fact, we often don’t give them much thought as long as we get hot water when we turn on the tap. But these appliances require a lot of expertise when it comes to repairing and replacing them. If your hot water is not meeting your expectations, it can affect your daily life. Imagine living without one! But when they’re on the blink, it’s vital to rely on a professional for repairs.
How do you know when to call for repair? We’re breaking down all of the information you need.
How Does a Water Heater Work?
A traditional water heater consists of a tank and some peripheral components that make it work to heat your water. It starts when water goes into the top of the tank through a pipe called a dip tube. There is also a thermostat that checks the water temperature and signals a heating element to turn on when the water drops below the set temperature. Most water heaters should be between 120 and 140 degrees. Any lower and bacteria can grow inside the tank, and any higher and you run the risk of scalding. When you turn on your hot water, whether in a sink, shower, or bath, the water moves out of the tank through the heat-out pipe and up through your pipes to your faucet.
Safety Features on Your Water Heater
Because water heaters run on electricity or gas and contain many gallons of water, they can cause a lot of damage if something goes wrong. From water damage from a leak to catastrophic damage from an explosion, it’s critical to make sure your water heater is installed correctly and has all of the safety measures required by law to protect you, your home, and your family. There are some safety features on every system to help prevent any hazardous or dangerous situations. These features include:
- A shut-off valve that prevents the tank from overfilling
- A pressure relief valve that releases water from the tank should excess pressure build-up
- A drain valve so you can drain the tank for cleaning, maintenance, repair, or replacement
- An anode rod that helps prevent rust from forming inside the water tank
Things That Can Make a Water Heater Break Down
Nothing lasts forever, including your hot water heater. Because it handles so much water on a regular basis, its life expectancy is generally between eight and twelve years. In those years, issues can arise. Here are some of the most common:
Lack of hot water:
The cause could be a faulty thermostat, a broken heating element, or a pilot light that’s out
Inconsistent water temperature:
The cause could be to a failing heating element
Running out of hot water more quickly than usual:
This could be from a failing heating element
Rust-colored water:
Rust or corrosion inside the tank can lead to rust-colored water
Water that has a bad odor:
If your water smells bad, it could mean you have bacteria inside your tank
Water leaking from the tank:
Leaks can come from a broken pressure relief valve or from cracks inside the water tank; even tiny cracks can lead to leaks
Solving these issues can be as simple as turning up the thermostat or as complicated as replacing the entire tank and water heater system. Only a professional plumber should evaluate your water heater to diagnose the problem.
Why Use a Plumber for Water Heater Repair?
Plumbers come in differing levels of training and experience. When you have a plumbing issue like a leaky faucet or a running toilet, you might be able to DIY the fix and get relatively good results. When it comes to your water heater, however, it’s essential you have a licensed plumber complete any repairs. Why? Because dealing with water and electricity or gas requires the expertise that only comes with a plumbing license and experience. Doing any repairs yourself can lead to improper installation and the potential for a dangerous situation for you, your home, and your family.
Call on Anthony Wimpey Plumbing for Water Heater Repair
Imagine going even one day without hot water – no hot water for doing dishes, laundry, taking showers and baths, washing hands, or cleaning your house. It’s hard to even think about living without hot water. It’s not just a nice to have – it’s a need to have. To stay healthy and keep your home clean, you need hot water.
If your hot water heater is on the blink, don’t try to fix it yourself. If you’re wondering, do plumbers fix hot water heaters? The answer is yes, and the team at Anthony Wimpey Plumbing has the experience you want when it comes to your hot water. Contact us today for a free estimate.