Tag: heater

Is Your Household Suffering From a Faulty Water Heater?

3 Signs of Malfunctioning Water Heaters

Water heaters are one of the most important appliances in the home. The good news is that with the right information, families can be prepared to deal with a failing water heater. Before water heaters malfunction, they can show certain signs indicating they need service. Here are some signs indicating that the water heater is experiencing problems and needs repair or replacement. 

Unusual Noises 

sounds

Water heaters aren’t intended to be displayed. They are usually tucked away in a closet or basement, virtually forgotten. One of the reasons they may get neglected is because they are quiet and reliable. Since water heaters are so quiet, the first sign that something is wrong is loud noises from the unit. 

Under normal circumstances, gas water heaters will make a quiet rushing noise as the burner cycles, and electric water heaters make even less noise. So if homeowners hear unusual noises from their water heater, it needs service. The most common noises a water heater will make that indicate a problem are thumping or popping sounds. When water heater maintenance is neglected, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the hot water tank. These solids interfere with water heating and allow water to boil underneath the scale. Hearing strange sounds from the tank typically means the tank needs to be drained and flushed by a professional to remove the sediment and prevent tank corrosion. 

Discolored, Stinky Water 

sink

Corrosion is an ever-present problem in plumbing. In water heaters, anode rods protect the tank and nearby plumbing from corrosion. However, these anode rods protect the tank by allowing themselves to be corroded instead. Once the anode rod corrodes, the water heater loses its protection. 

One of the signs that the anode rod in a water heater is bad and needs to be replaced is foul-smelling and discolored hot water. Discolored and bad-smelling hot water could also indicate the hot water tank is already corroded. If the tank is corroded, it will likely require a water heater replacement. 

Water Leaks 

One of the risks of neglecting to replace a corroded water heater is leaks become more common. Leaks in the tank of a water heater caused by corrosion will likely require replacing the system. This is why water heater maintenance is so essential. It prevents corrosion and the need for early replacement. 

However, if leaks not caused by corrosion are spotted in the water heater, it may only require repair. A plumbing contractor can inspect the water heating system to determine the extent of the damage and the cause of the leak so they can recommend the best solution, whether it be repair or replacement. 

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC was named on the Best of HomeAdvisor list three years in a row serving Chandler and the surrounding communities. They provide flat rate pricing, always on-time service, and financing. Call them today for water heater services in Chandler, AZ.

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Getting a New Water Heater Has its Benefits

Start the New Year With a New Water Heater 

Water heaters play a significant role in the home’s general operations. Without a working one, life can become more difficult for everyone. If a water heater is nearing the end of its life, needs frequent repairs, or shows signs of damage such as corrosion, it’s time to get a new one before a complete breakdown. However, getting a new water heater doesn’t have to be negative. Installing a new water heater has many benefits, three of which will be discussed in this blog. 

Saving Money on Energy Bills 

As water heaters age, they lose efficiency, meaning they have to work harder and use more energy to do the same job. This loss of efficiency leads to increased energy bills. To save money and improve efficiency in the new year, homeowners should consider getting a new water heater. 

EnergyStar produces a wide range of water heaters to meet homeowners’ needs. And, thanks to the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, homeowners can save even more money by installing a new water heater with tax credits and rebates when it meets the energy efficiency requirements.  

Better Hot Water Recovery Rate

waterNobody wants to get in the shower only to have the water get cold in seconds or not get cold at all. Instead, everyone wants a water heater with an excellent hot water recovery rate, meaning it can heat water quickly after the hot water has been used up, so nobody gets stuck taking cold showers.

New water heaters tend to have much better recovery rates than older models. Families can get more hot water faster and without interruptions by replacing an old, inefficient water heater with a new one that has a good hot water recovery rate. Water heaters can come with different recovery rates, and homeowners should consider these factors when deciding on the recovery rate that will work best for a home:

  • The home’s size 
  • How many appliances require hot water 
  • How many people live in the house 

More Space for Storage

heaterSome modern water heaters are designed to be more efficient and take up less space than traditional tank-style models, specifically tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters are ideal for those looking to maximize their storage space as they're much smaller units that can easily be mounted on a wall. This allows homeowners to free up room in the garage, basement, or closet, making it much easier to store other items that might not have fit before. 

Tankless water heaters are also great because they provide an on-demand hot water supply instead of keeping a tank of water hot like other water heaters. This can help homeowners save significantly on energy costs compared to traditional storage tank water heaters. Not only do tankless water heaters help save money and space, but they also provide convenience and lasting durability that households can rely on.  With so many benefits, it's no surprise tankless water heaters are becoming an increasingly popular choice among homeowners.

About West Plumbing LLC 

Named “Best of Home Advisor” for three years and counting, West Plumbing LLC serves Chandler, AZ, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, financing, and emergency plumbing services. Call them today for water heater services in Chandler, AZ.

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