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Water Heaters Can't Last Forever

When Do You Know It’s Time to Replace the Water Heater?

It’s easy to overlook a water heater. Unlike air conditioning, broken or old water heaters are not always obvious to spot. While it may be hard to replace such a loyal appliance, water heaters can not last forever.

The Water Heater Is Too Old To Function

There are two main types of water heaters: gas and electric. Both water heaters are efficient and have newer models available. Both models will also grow old.

A gas water heater usually uses natural gas. This is less energy efficient but often costs less than electric water heater bills. This is primarily due to the cost of electricity. Another reason many homeowners choose to use gas is its ability to work even in a power outage.

Tankless heating can be used for both electric coils and gas units. The electric units typically last seven years, but tankless gas heaters can run for over 20 years.

The lifespan of a regular gas water heater is approximately 12 years, but electric heaters last anywhere from 10-15 years. Routine maintenance does factor into the overall lifespan of all water heaters.

Water Damage and Leaks

The consequences of a leaky water heater are harsh. If a leak is not fixed soon, this can cause water damage to walls and floors. Proper maintenance can prevent leaks from occurring in the first place.

A gas water heater can leak for multiple reasons. Heaters over 15 years old tend to leak more as the components get worn down from long-term use. This is a common problem when rust forms inside the tank. Any type of corrosion will allow a way for water to escape.

The anode rod attracts corrosive material. If the rod begins to wither, this will also create leaks. The substances that once kept the water heater safe will devolve over time and may damage the heater itself.

Leaks that occur in the inner shell of the tank will eventually cause the external shell to crack. Unfortunately, leaks that occur from inside the shell are difficult to find. If an electric water heater is older than ten years, this can cause deterioration within the tank.

Does It Refuse To Power On?

Not all problems are related to water damage. A water heater installer may not be necessary if a gas heater refuses to work. This problem may be due to a malfunctioning circuit breaker. Faulty power cords or simply running out of gas can cause a water heater to stop working.

If the thermostat stops working, this can be misleading. Thermostat issues are more likely to occur than water heater damage. If the upper element of the tank loses power, there will be no hot water available. The reset button can help homeowners understand where the problem is coming from.

Water heaters may stop working due to a loss of water pressure. If a municipal water supply has reached above the TPR valve, this will cause an increase in the volume of water. Significant water pressure will eventually cause leaks if it is not fixed. Depending on the cause of water pressure, one can sometimes solve this problem by lowering the thermostat. If this does not work, a water heater service familiar with water heater installation can help.

Many water heaters stop working because of age. Although a loose part or faulty valve may be to blame, age is common for water heater replacement.

Affordable, Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable, Plumbing, Heating & Air has over 20 years of experience serving Fairhope, Alabama, and surrounding areas. To book an appointment or access their 24-hour emergency service, call Affordable, Plumbing, Heating & Air today.

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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.

3 Reasons a Water Softener Is the Best 2021 Investment

Get Rid of Hard Water for Good With a Water Softener!

As the world nears the end of 2021, the effects of hard water might not seem like the highest priority on homeowners' lists. However, hard water can cause many problems not only for the home and plumbing system but also for those living inside the home. It is important that homeowners and plumbing systems alike have soft water. The best way to ensure the home has the best quality water is to install a water softener. The moment homeowners have their water softener installed, they instantly notice all of the positive side effects.

Not only will a water softener benefit the home and those living within it, but it will also help to save homeowners money on plumbing repairs and even buying new clothes! Continue reading to learn more!

Evidence Homeowners Can See

It's nearly impossible to ignore, with the visible evidence of the effects of hard water all around the home. All of that soap scum accumulation and mineral build-up around faucets is directly due to hard water. It doesn't matter how much the homeowner cleans; if there is hard water in the home, there will always be soap scum and mineral build-up.

The same goes for water spots on the dishes. Some might say that it is the dishwasher's fault for not drying the dishes all the way, but that is not the case. Most of the time, water spots are a result of hard water.

These are just the visible effects that hard water has on the home. Continue reading to learn all about hard water's effects on areas that homeowners can't easily see, like the plumbing system.

Evidence Homeowners Can Feel

As if seeing the effects of hard water on the home wasn't reason enough, homeowners and those living in the home will notice the effects on themselves as well.

Hard water has the following effects on humans:

Dries out skin, leaving it itchy and prone to cracking
Dry and itchy scalp that could lead to dandruff
Dull, brittle, static-filled hair
Stiff and scratchy clothes with dull colors

That's not all! Certain studies indicate that over long periods of exposure, hard water can lead to certain diseases, like:

Diabetes
Reproductive failure
Heart problems

Evidence the Plumbing System Experiences

All areas of the home are affected by hard water, including the areas that no one sees, like the inside of the plumbing system. Hard water also affects certain appliances like the refrigerator, dishwasher, and laundry machine.

The effects of hard water on the plumbing system are serious and can cause the homeowner much grief and unnecessary money. Let's put it this way. Even if the homeowner stays on top of regular maintenance checks for every appliance and system in their home, it will not save them from premature appliance breakdowns and frequent repairs and cleanings.

The longer a homeowner goes without a water softener, the more care and professional attention their home's plumbing system will need.

Hard water causes things like:

Low water pressure
Clogged pipes from mineral build-up
Leaking or burst pipes
Malfunctioning appliances from build-up

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air Is the Way To Go!

Homeowners in Fairhope, AL call the experts at Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air when they need any plumbing or HVAC services. This company always provides great customer service and top-notch workmanship that homeowners can depend on. They are also available 24/7, so call today to get on the books for water softening service!

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Homeowners Guide to Water Softeners

What is hard water? Hard water is water that has an unusually high level of minerals. It can harm your plumbing, increase your water bills, and damage your skin.

High levels of mineral deposits in tap water are very common, but luckily there are water softening treatments that can help. Keep reading to find out more about the signs that you have hard water, how water softener salt works, and how much hard water costs.

Signs You Need Water Softener Services

Here is a list of signs to look out for that indicate you may need water softener services for your home:

Mineral Buildup: One of the first signs of hard water that people notice is a visible build-up of minerals on the appliances, including the shower, sink, or bathtub. This mineral buildup will recur until the hard water has been neutralized.
Fading Clothes: Graying clothes are another sign of hard water. When you wash clothing with hard water, over time the minerals in the water will slowly fade out the color of linens and other fabrics.
Water Tastes or Smells Bad: The smell of eggs or chlorine can indicate that you have a problem with hard water in your home. If the water tastes or smells bad, then you should consult with a plumbing technician to see if water softener services can help.
Dry Skin and Hair: Hard water can dull out more than just your laundry. Excessive mineral deposits in the water you bathe in can make your skin and hair feel dry and flaky.
Constant Repairs and High Water Bills: If your water bill is unusually high or you need constant repairs to keep your plumbing running, hard water might be the problem.

These are just a few of the many problems that homeowners face when dealing with hard water. Diagnostics should be run by a technician to determine if hard water is a problem in any house experiencing these signs of hard water.

How Does Water Softener Salt Work?

Water softener salt can be found at hardware stores such as Home Depot. Water softeners use salt, sometimes in the form of pellets, to help with the

purification process. As the salt is mixed with the hard water, it can help break down the minerals in the water, eventually “softening” in the process.

Sodium in the water is essential for the necessary ion exchange to take place to remove calcium and magnesium minerals that cause hard water. However, it’s important to note that water softener salt will not add any extra salt to the tap water, making it a safe option for all homeowners.

What Does Hard Water Cost Homeowners

Over time the costs of hard water can add up. Hard water can be the cause of unnecessary repairs due to the mineral build-up.

In addition to the price of calling a plumber all the time for repairs, the hard water also leaves a mess behind which needs cleaning up, taking time out of your day--and perhaps the biggest cost of all is the years that hard water can take-off of the expensive home appliances and plumbing.

This is why it is so important to recognize when your home needs a water softener installation.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air has been committed to serving the Fairhope, AL community since 1996. Each of the technicians from the Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air team is highly trained and professional.