Water heaters are one of the home appliances that property owners seldom give a second thought to, until such time as they malfunction or stop working completely. However, these units often don’t give much warning before they stop working, which is why it suddenly becomes a household emergency when there’s no hot water available.
Below are some ways that will help you determine when it’s time to call in the professionals to assess your water heater – you may be able to have it serviced or replaced before such time as your family is left without hot water for an extended period of time.
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1. Insufficient Supply of Hot Water
Has it reached a point where you and the rest of your family are fighting over who gets to shower or bath because there never seems to be enough hot water? If your family is still growing or you’ve added an extra bathroom to your home, your current water heater may simply not be able to keep up with demand anymore.
In most cases, a 30-gallon unit will be sufficient for one person, while a 50-gallon water heater will help ensure that no one in the family will have to wait any longer than necessary to enjoy their time in the bathroom. When considering upgrading your water heater, it’s essential to check for online reviews and ask your plumber for recommendations beforehand. This will help you choose a unit that will not only cater to your family’s needs; it will ensure that it lasts for as long as possible as well.
2. Hot Water Temperature is Fluctuating
The thermostat on your water heater should stay where it’s been programmed, but this may change as the unit gets older. This can result in some family members enjoying a hot bath, while others may end up with lukewarm water instead. While this problem can sometimes be rectified by replacing the thermostat or heating element, the time will come when the entire unit will need to be replaced.
3. Hot Water Is Rusty
If rust has started appearing in the hot water that comes into your bath or shower, there’s a strong chance that the water heater itself is rusting inside. As with many other items, water heaters have somewhat of an expiration date in that when this time is reached, the unit will start rusting and deteriorating on the inside. If this is happening in your home, the only way to rectify the situation will be to replace the water heater itself.
4. Unusual Noises
If tapping and/or knocking noises seem to be coming from a water heater, there’s a strong possibility of it having a severe sediment build-up on the inside. Over time, this sediment will cause small tears to appear in the metal on the inside of the heater – which will result in it starting to leak over time.
In some cases, a water heater displaying these symptoms can be drained completely to help remove the sediment. However, if the noises persist after this has been done, they will need to be replaced.
Find the Best Water Heater Repair and Replacement Specialist in the Dayton Area
Although some homeowners may be comfortable performing repairs to a water heater, many aren’t – and a full replacement is something that should also only be done by a qualified, licensed and insured plumber.
When looking for a professional to repair or replace your home’s water heater, always ask for referrals and ensure that your chosen contractor carried the required insurance to do this type of work. Failure to do so could result in an insurance claim for water damage occurring to your property as a result of a malfunctioning heater unit being denied.
Before agreeing to let a contractor repair or replace a water heater, ensure that you obtain at least two estimates from other companies that do the same work. This will allow you to determine whether the pricing you’re being charged is fair and accurate.
It’s also essential to inquire about the warranty being provided on your new water heater and the labor – this should also always be obtained in writing.
MD: Work with reliable water heater repair companies in the Dayton area.