The Homeowner’s Guide to Water Heater Repair and Installation
There’s nothing quite like taking the time for a nice, hot shower or bath to unwind and relax after a stressful day. What’s not so enjoyable is turning on the faucet only to wait what seems like an eternity for hot water to start coming out. Or even worse, the hot water never arrives at all.
Hot water in your home isn’t just a convenience; it also helps keep your family safe by sterilizing dishes and helping eliminate bacteria and other undesirables from your laundry and linens. So what should you do if your water heater isn’t working adequately or may need a total replacement? Give Kellie Plumbing a call, and we’ll sort everything out for you.
Signs You Need Water Heater Repairs
Water heaters are appliances that are happy to stay hidden away in a closet or the basement since they don’t need much attention. However, there are some signs that a water heater repair may be on the horizon.
Less Hot Water Than in the Past
Sometimes turning on the shower and not having any hot water has a simple explanation. Perhaps you’re the eighth person that morning to use the bathroom, or your partner just did their third load of laundry for the day. But if no one else has been doing household chores that require hot water, and you’re still running out of it halfway through your morning routine, something isn’t right.
A common problem with water heater tanks is that they build up sediments over time. This accumulation is particularly noticeable in areas that have hard water supplies. As the deposits take up more space in the tank, your water heater won’t run as efficiently, and you’ll notice the effects.
Zero Hot Water
If your water heater simply refuses to produce any hot water, it could be something as basic as a tripped wire for electric water heaters or a blown-out pilot light for gas ones. Flipping the circuit breaker back on or re-igniting the pilot light may do the trick, but if you continue to have the same issue, or you still aren’t getting any hot water, something else is to blame. At this point, you’ll want professional plumbers to check it out.
Strange Smelling Hot Water
Another sign you need a water heater repair is if your water smells funny. If you can’t quite pinpoint the smell but know it’s not normal, it could be from a build-up of bacteria in your water tank.
If your water smells like rotten eggs, the cause is likely a worn-down anode rod in your water heater. A certified plumber can go in and replace this rod, which should resolve the problem.
Leaks or Rust Around the Tank
It’s a good idea to visually inspect your water heater whenever it gives you trouble. If you notice pooling water or rust stains anywhere, the culprit is probably a leak. This leaking could happen for many reasons, so it’s best to call a professional from Kellie Plumbing to service it.
Any signs of rust on your water heater or rusty-colored water are also something to take seriously. External rust could be simple wear and tear, or it could be a sign of a leak you can’t see easily. Rust inside your hot water tank may mean it has a crack, too much sediment, or the anode rod needs replacing. One of our certified plumbers can address all of these problems efficiently.
When It’s Time for Water Heater Installation
In most cases, you’ll know when you need a water heater repair. What can be more challenging to determine is when you should replace your water heater altogether. When it comes to new water heater installation, there are three factors to consider:
Water Heater’s Age
Gas water heaters usually last around ten years, while tankless systems can work for 20 years or more. If you’ve had your tank for at least this long, start thinking about a new water heater installation.
Higher energy bills
If there’s nothing else to account for noticeable differences in your water and electric or gas bill, your water heater is probably the reason because it isn’t working as efficiently as it used to.
Repair Costs
A solid general rule is, if it’s going to cost you at least 50% of the price of a new water heater, you’re better off investing in a new heater. Otherwise, you’ll be throwing money at the old system that’s bound to break down again soon.
Whether you decide on water heater repairs or a total replacement to solve your hot water problems, Kellie Plumbing will be there every step of the way. We can assist with water heater maintenance, repairs, and installations throughout the Central Indiana area.
