“Do you offer water heater repair in Decatur?”
One of the most frequent questions homeowners ask when they call Anthony Wimpey Plumbing is do we repair water heaters. The answer is yes, we do. However, just because we offer water heater repair in Decatur, that does not mean your particular water heater is a candidate for a repair.
The repairability of a water heater depends on multiple factors. Assuming you are not an expert on water heaters and the factors that make them repairable or not, we will help you understand more about this here. First, let us look at hot water, how a water heater works, some common problems you may experience, and whether or not a plumber can repair these issues.
One Day Without Hot Water Is Too Long
It is difficult to imagine going without hot water for any period. We rely on heated water to wash dishes, clothes, and ourselves. Baths and showers, dishwashing, laundry, hand washing, house cleaning – all of these things depend on hot water. Without it, we risk more than just a change in our routine. Hot water helps sanitize, killing germs, viruses, and bacteria. These can proliferate, grow, and thrive without proper cleaning protocols.
How A Storage Tank Water Heater Works
- A water heater is a relatively simple device designed to heat the water in your home.
- Water fills the storage tank. It flows through the dip tube on top of the tank.
- Next, the thermostat checks the temperature of the water in the tank against the set temperature. If the water is below the set temperature, the thermostat activates the process to heat the water.
- The thermostat triggers the electric heating element or gas-fired burner in the storage tank water heater. These elements heat the water in the tank to the set temperature.
- The heated water moves from the tank into the heat-out plumbing pipe and out of a hot-water faucet when you turn on a hot water tap in your home.
Valves You Need To Know
Storage tank water heaters have several important valves you should get to know. Knowing where these valves are, what they do, and how to use them is something a homeowner will find useful.
Shut-Off Valves
There are two shut-off valves, and typically one has a blue lever and the other one red. The red knob controls the hot water leaving the storage tank to reach your tap. Likewise, blue knobs indicate cold water. The cold water inlet valve, with the blue knob, supplies cold water to fill the storage tank. The cold water shut off valve is the one to be turned off for water heater repair in Decatur.
Automatic Shut-Off Valve
These valves shut off the water supply to your home when they detect a leak. An automatic shut-off valve is a smart preventative measure reducing the damage water leaks can do.
Drain Valve
The drain valve is close to the floor near the bottom of the front of the storage tank. It looks like an outdoor spigot. And this is the valve for draining water from a storage-tank water heater. Use the drain valve to flush out mineral deposits and sediment and empty the tank for water heater repair in Decatur. Operate with caution; the water may be boiling.
Pressure Relief Valve
This safety valve appears on tank water heaters and releases pressure in the tank when it exceeds 150 psi.
The Decatur Water Heater Repair Pros
The skilled plumbers at Anthony Wimpey Plumbing can help. We have over three decades of experience with a commitment to exceptional customer service. We diagnose and fix your water heater quickly and efficiently. You will never spend more than necessary for water heater repair in Decatur. If your water heater is fixable, we do offer water heater repair in Decatur, and we will repair it for you with a guarantee on our work. On the other hand, if water heater repair is not a viable option, we will work with you to arrive at the solution that works best for you and your family.
Common Water Heater Issues in Decatur
Like with any major home appliances and equipment, water heaters eventually malfunction. Some problems are more common than others. These are the most common problems that storage tank water heaters experience.
Running Out Of Hot Water
Quickly running out of hot water is a common issue for homeowners. A faulty water heater thermostat may be to blame. However, it is more likely due to the size of your water heater. Indeed, your storage-tank water heater is too small if you run out of hot water frequently. Upgrading to a larger tank unit or a tankless water heater will fix this problem.
According to energy.gov, to properly size a storage water heater for your home, use the water heater’s first-hour rating. The first-hour rating is the number of gallons of hot water the heater can supply per hour (starting with a tank full of hot water). It depends on the tank capacity, source of heat (burner or element), and the size of the burner or element. Learn more about sizing your water heater.
Water Is Too Hot or Too Cold
Sometimes the water temperature is not to your liking. Too hot or too cold, either way, there are a few reasons this happens. The temperature on the water heater might need to be adjusted. Try 120 degrees Farenheight, the recommended temperature. A malfunctioning thermostat or heating element can fix the issue if resetting the temperature does not. Another probable cause for this issue is sediment build-up in your tank. To solve this, a plumber can drain your water heater, remove the sediment and mineral scale, and refill it.
Orange Water in Decatur
Rusty orange-colored water says that your water heater has rust and corrosion damage. Seeing rust in your water indicates that the anode rod that prevents rust from accumulating in the tank needs replacing. Sometimes the whole water heater will need to be replaced.
Hot Water Heater Leaking
Leaks are annoying and may be due to a broken drain valve, excessive pressure in the tank, rust and corrosion damage, or built up condensation. No matter what the cause, when you notice a water heater leak, call the professionals at Anthony Wimpey Plumbing for immediate assistance. You will save time and money when an expert addresses the leak sooner than later.
Anthony Wimpey Plumbing Is Ready To Help You
If your water heater is not performing optimally, there is no need to put up with it. You would be happier if you did not go a day longer dealing with a frustrating water heater issue. Small problems have a way of turning into big ones when it comes to plumbing. Do not ignore the signs that something is wrong with your hot water system.
Count on the reliable team at Anthony Wimpey Plumbing for any water heater concerns. We not only offer water heater repair in Decatur but also water heater replacement and installation as well. Call 404-948-3720 for friendly, courteous service from the pros at Anthony Wimpey Plumbing. We are Decatur’s favorite plumber.