heater Archives - Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Signs to Replace the Water Heater

Don't Get Stuck Without Hot Water This Winter

A sudden loss of hot water during winter is a scenario to avoid. Recognizing the subtle indicators of water heater decline allows for proactive measures. Timely system replacement prevents uncomfortable disruptions and potential damage.

Temperature Issues

Inconsistent delivery of warm water throughout a home suggests a failure of an internal component: uneven heating or the complete absence of hot water points to a significant operational deficiency. Running out of hot water much faster than usual also signals that the unit's capacity or efficiency has diminished.

Replacement becomes necessary when components like the heating element or thermostat malfunction persistently. Addressing these temperature inconsistencies prevents further strain on the entire plumbing system. A reliable supply of consistently hot water ensures daily comfort and functionality.

Leaks or Corrosion

Visible signs of degradation on the storage tank, such as rust or scaling, indicate advanced internal deterioration. Discolored, rust-tinged water or water carrying a metallic odor signals internal corrosion compromising water quality. These symptoms demonstrate a breach of the protective lining and subsequent structural integrity loss.

A unit visibly leaking water or exhibiting pooling at its base confirms a critical structural failure. Such leaks often stem from long-term corrosion weakening the tank's metal shell. This physical damage necessitates immediate replacement to avert significant water damage to the surrounding property.

Old Age or Frequent Repairs

Traditional storage-tank water heaters approaching or exceeding a ten-year operational span are nearing the end of their useful service life. Issues arising in older units often signify that cumulative wear and tear is compromising performance and safety. Replacement, rather than repair, frequently provides the most reliable and long-term cost-effective solution for aging systems.

A high frequency of repair calls confirms a unit's struggle to maintain optimal performance. Allocating resources to repeated fixes becomes economically inefficient compared to investing in a new, energy-efficient model. Choosing replacement over persistent patching secures optimal performance and avoids recurring maintenance expenses.

Professional water heater replacement ensures reliable hot water delivery. This proactive measure avoids unexpected breakdowns, maintaining comfort and system efficiency. Installation of modern, high-efficiency systems provides superior energy performance and peace of mind.

Call Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air is a trusted plumbing, heating, and AC company serving Fairhope, AL, and beyond. They offer prompt service, no overtime charges, and 24-hour response. Call them for water heater repair and installation services in Fairhope, AL.

Signs of a Faulty Water Heater That Needs Service

When to Think About Water Heater Repairs

A home’s water heater is a critical piece of equipment that goes underappreciated until it fails, seemingly out of the blue. Most water heaters show signs before they fail, allowing perceptive homeowners to take preemptive action, like calling for water heater repairs. While some signs are obvious, like leaks or a loss of hot water, others are more subtle, meaning homeowners must stay on their toes.

Here are three common signs that many homeowners overlook that indicate the need for water heater repairs.

Utility Costs Are Rising

Utility costs are always rising. Despite market influences, the price of natural gas and electrical power only seems to worsen. Water heaters already use up to 30% of the energy in the average home, making them expensive to operate. How much worse could the problem be if something went wrong with the water heater?

Monitoring utility bills is a great way to track the water heater’s condition. Since water heaters use so much energy, it can be relatively easy to spot spikes in energy bills. A spreadsheet or utility tracker can be used to monitor water consumption and the energy source used by the water heater. If the two bills correlate higher every month, it is a good sign something is wrong with the water heater. For more correlations, look for things like:

Neglected water heater maintenance
Frequent repairs
Aging water tank

If these signs are present, along with the rise in bills, water heater repair or a new installation are the best options to get bills back under control.

Owners Can Hear Strange Sounds

Struggling water heaters often make noises that indicate problems. The trouble is that most people don’t spend enough time near their water heater to know the difference between normal operations and regular noise. Furthermore, a noisy water heater may go undetected simply because no one checks on it. Routinely checking the water heater and scheduling annual water heater maintenance can help find sounds that indicate repairs are needed. Common sounds that indicate abnormal operation are:

Thumping
Rumbling
Whistling
Popping
Hissing

If these sounds are heard at any point, a professional should be called to assess the situation. They can recommend whether maintenance, repairs, or replacement are the best actions.

Unusual Color or Smell to the Water

The final sign of a struggling water heater has to do with the water quality of the hot water coming from the appliances in the home. Hot water should be identical to cold water except that it is heated. It shouldn’t have any tinge of red to it or carry any sediment. As a water heater corrodes, it can increase the sediment in the water and even allow rust to leech into the water, affecting the appearance and taste. Often, odors accompany this, although there are occasions when the water will appear fine but smell sulfurous. If the water quality from the hot water tank is bad, a professional opinion is needed.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air offers upfront pricing on plumbing service and leaves no mess behind once they’re done. Their membership program extends the life of the plumbing in the home, especially the portion dedicated to water heater maintenance. Call today for water heater services in Fairhope, AL.

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Everyone Should Add a New Water Heater to Their Holiday Wishlist

Why Getting a New Water Heater Can Save Power (and Money)

Water heaters do more than heat water; they make the home a warm, cozy paradise during the winter months. A water heater that doesn't get the water hot enough (or can't maintain a consistent temperature) needs replacing. Plain and simple.

Water heaters, like other home appliances, come with certain lifespans. On average, a homeowner can have a water heater for six to 13 years without any problems. Beyond that range, they should consider the benefits of water heater replacement.

Signs of Water Heater Malfunction

As mentioned, if a water heater can't maintain a certain temperature or gets cold too quickly, it needs professional attention. There are other warning signs, however, including:

Leaks: Water heaters rely on electricity or gas to work. So, before a homeowner identifies the source of the leak, they should cut power to the appliance. From there, they should inspect pipes, inlets, and connectors for any leaks. They can either patch the leak themselves or consult an experienced water heater company.
Poor water pressure: This could indicate sediment build-up in the water tank. In this situation, homeowners should shut off the water heater's power and drain their tanks. It's worth noting that sediment build-up usually doesn't affect tankless water heaters.
Abnormal sounds coming from the water heater: Any hissing, clanking, or banging could indicate a faulty heating element. It could also mean that sediment is melting inside the water tank. Both require prompt attention.

To Repair or Replace? That Is the Question

Whether to repair or replace a faulty water heater depends on a lot of factors, including:

The problem: If the cost of fixing a water heater costs more than it's worth, homeowners should consider replacing it. Water heater installation could mean the difference between months of repairs or years of consistent water temperature.
Budget: A homeowner might not have the funds to buy a new water heater. In that case, they may consider fixing problems as they go, rather than spending a lot of money all at once.
Safety: If a water heater is severely damaged and poses a threat to a home's residents, it needs replacing. These hazards might include exposed wiring, gas leaks, and exposed heat elements. Each of these problems can result in fires or other life-threatening issues.

The Three Benefits of Installing a New Water Heater

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, three benefits of having a high-functioning water heater (or getting a new one) include:

Energy efficiency: A faulty water heater wastes energy. Homeowners might have to wait long periods for the water heater or shower more often. These can add hundreds to homeowners' heating and electricity bills.
Increased recovery efficiency: This refers to how well the heating element works. The better it works, the more satisfactory the water temperature.
Size: Homeowners can save space by opting for smaller water heaters. In turn, they increase their home's usable square footage and may even see lower energy costs.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating, & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air provides quality service to Fairhope, AL. These professionals offer emergency services, diagnostic procedures, and same-day estimates. Interested parties can call them today to explore their options.

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The Home Isn't Haunted: It's a Faulty Water Heater

It Might Be Time for Water Heater Repair

It’s almost Halloween, and noises inside the home can feel extra scary. Whether screeching, hissing, or humming, any one of these noises might have homeowners thinking their home is haunted. In reality, they most likely are having water heater issues. Homeowners should hear a specific sound and try to find out where it is coming from. Of course, if it seems impossible to find the root of the cause, homeowners can call a professional plumber to get the job done because chances are the sounds are coming from the plumbing system. Many times, it is the water heater tank.

If homeowners haven’t had water heater maintenance done in a while, it increases the chances of the noises coming from the water heater. To know for sure, continue reading below to learn more about all the different sounds a faulty water heater makes.

Screeching and Hissing Noises Would Scare Anyone!

Screeching and hissing are two noises no one wants to hear in their home. Fortunately, if the noise comes from the water heater, one can fix the problem with a quick water heater maintenance service. Having the water heater serviced at least once a year could help homeowners avoid the problem altogether. Still, if the noises are happening, homeowners should know why they are happening to call a professional as soon as possible.

Typically, when a water heater is hissing, it indicates a leak somewhere in the system. The homeowner will want to check out the water heater to see if there is a stream of water around the unit or coming from the pipe leading to the water heater.

On the other hand, screeching points to a valve that isn’t opening all of the way. It is usually the pressure relief valve, and in both circumstances, the homeowner should call a trusted professional to perform water heater repair before the problems worsen.

What About Rumbling, Popping, and Cracking?

Thankfully, any rumbling, popping, or cracking noises homeowners hear don’t usually point to an emergency. However, homeowners should have a water heater service done regardless because it still points to an underlying problem with the water heater itself.

When the water heater is making these noises, there is most sediment in the water heater tank. What homeowners hear is the actual sediment bouncing around and bubbling inside of the tank. Sediment build-up is normal and occurs in water heater tanks, but it is also something easily avoided with regular water heater maintenance. Some other signs that there is sediment build-up in the water heater tank are:

Fluctuating water temperatures
Diminishing hot water supply
No hot water at all
The water takes longer to heat up
Increasing energy bills

It’s Not a Ghost Humming: It’s the Water Heater

Humming is a noise that homeowners want to look out for. While it isn’t considered an emergency, it can lead to several problems if this noise isn’t fixed promptly. Humming from the water heater is a sign that the heating element is loose or going bad.

In this circumstance, the professional will most likely recommend water heater repair that involves the heating element. They may even recommend replacing the water heater if the unit is old. Regardless, any noise that comes from the water heater should always be checked out by a professional.

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air Provides Top-Rated Service

Fairhope homeowners call the professionals at Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air when they have plumbing issues. These experts work hard to always provide the best service for their customers because they care about their community. They are always open too, so homeowners don’t have to worry about the time! Call now for water heater service.