Trouble With Your Water Heater?
It started out simply enough. Sometimes the shower ran cold before you were finished. Sometimes the water didn’t seem like it was getting as hot as it used to out of the kitchen faucet. Then, you feel like you’re not getting any hot water at all, whether it’s consistent or seems to happen once in a blue moon. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions by homeowners when it comes to their water heaters and our take on it. If you need someone to come out to your home and take a look at your water heater, call us at John’s Plumbing and Pumps for high-quality water heater repair or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions: Water Heaters
The following are some of the most common questions we receive about water heaters and the possible causes and solutions to these issues.
When Should I Replace My Water Heater?
The first thing you should consider when determining whether you need to replace your water heater is the appliance’s age. Most water heaters last between 8 and 10 years. However, with regular maintenance, you can extend your water heater’s life. However, if you haven’t replaced your water heater in a decade, it might be time. If your water heater is having issues, it’s possible that the professionals here at John’s Plumbing and Pumps can repair it, but you’ll need to call us for an inspection.
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
Call John’s Plumbing and Pumps for proper diagnosis of all your water heater issues!
Traditional water heaters have a tank of water that is heated to a temperature you set. When you use hot water while washing dishes or taking a shower, cold water replaces the hot water in the tank. The water heater then heats that cold water to the temperature of the rest of the water. In some cases, you may use all the hot water in your house and you have to wait until the water in the tank warms up again.
Tankless water heaters don’t have a tank of water to heat. Instead, they heat water on demand. This means that you have hot water any time you need it and as much of it as you need. Tankless water heaters tend to cost less when it comes to utility bills and maintenance, but they cost more (compared to a traditional water heater) at installation.
How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
Tankless water heaters heat water without using a storage tank. If you have a tankless water heater, any time you turn on the hot water tap, cold water travels through the plumbing into the tankless water heating unit. Either through the use of a gas burner or an electric element, the unit heats the water. As a result, you get a constant, endless supply of hot water when you use a tankless water heater.
Why Doesn’t My Water Heater Work As Well As It Used To?
If your water heater isn’t working as well as it used to work, it’s usually due to sediment buildup in the tank. As time goes on, water heaters accumulate sediment and lime deposits (from the water) in the tank. If you neglect regular maintenance and do not remove the lime deposits, the sediment can create a barrier between the burner and the water, which greatly reduces the efficiency of your appliance. The end result is water that doesn’t get as hot as it used to and an increase in the amount of energy needed to deliver hot water. Your utility bills will go up and you’ll notice a difference in performance. That’s why it’s critical to keep up with water heater maintenance.
Why Isn’t My Water Hot Anymore?
If you notice a difference in the water temperature, it’s possible your water heater can be repaired instead of replaced. There are two common causes to a lack of hot water, and they can usually be repaired by a professional plumbing contractor such as our team here at John’s Plumbing and Pumps. The first common cause to a lack of hot water is with electric water heaters. It’s possible that one of the heating elements is not operating properly or the thermostat has malfunctioned.
Another main cause to a lack of hot water is a broken dip tube. If the dip tube breaks off inside the water heater tank, the cold water mixes with the hot water instead of being forced to the bottom. This process will cause the water not to get as hot as it used to.
How Can John’s Plumbing and Pumps Help You?
If you’re having trouble with your water heater, you can call us at John’s Plumbing and Pumps. Our experienced staff and team of plumbing contractors have years of experience in the plumbing industry and can help diagnose your water heater issues. Whether you need water heater repair or water heater replacement, we can help. Hot water is vital for you and your family; you need hot water to bathe, clean, and cook. Don’t delay if you have water heater issues. Call John’s Plumbing and Pumps today!