My Water Isn’t Getting Hot. Do I Need Water Heater Repair & Replacement?

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Your water heating system is not especially complex, but it does involve some specialized components that are designed specifically for use in the water heater repair & replacement industry. A trained home plumbing inspector will know what to look for based on whatever problem you are having. As an example, let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons for the lack of hot water and what solutions are available.

Begin With a Plumbing Inspection

Plumbing inspections are an important part of household plumbing, including water heater repair & replacement. The plumbing contractors will locate and diagnose any plumbing situations and provide you with the options available. You may not have to replace the water heater, and some repairs can be made in only an hour or less.

Heating Elements

The heating element is a special component that is inserted into the water heater and is directly controlled by the thermostat. When the thermostat falls below the set temperature it activates a switch that causes the heating element to warm the water surrounding it in the tank. All 3 of these parts, the thermostat, the switch, and the heating element, can be replaced, but it should also be cautioned that an aging water tank can also cause heating elements to become corroded or blocked.

Plumbing Blockages

Over time, old pipes can become clogged with mineral buildup that prevents your hot water from flowing properly. This leads to less hot water reaching the faucet. As old water tanks begin to break down, they can contribute to the clogs by adding rust or other corrosive byproducts to the water flow. Depending on the location and age of the pipes, you may have to have the water heater or some of your home’s plumbing replaced.

Valve Repair and Replacement

Most water heaters have valves at the intake and output connections to the tank. Valves that are only partially open or not functioning correctly have the effect of reducing water pressure and apparent water temperature. Some types of water valves can be repaired, but it is much more common to simply replace a failed valve. Repairing a valve requires more time and labor to rebuild than the cost of a new one. 

There are other reasons for not having hot water, including things like a tripped circuit breaker or broken connection. All of the possibilities will be examined during your home plumbing inspection, options will be provided, and you can select the one that seems the most appropriate for the situation.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

4 Reasons Water Heater Repair & Replacement May Improve Your Family’s Health

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No one looks forward to water heater repair and replacement, but it is something that most homeowners will eventually have to face. Not only do faulty water heaters have the potential to cause extensive home damage, but a bad water heater can also lead to serious health concerns for your family.

1. Mold and Mildew

Mold is one of the biggest health risks posed by your plumbing system and water heater repair and replacement may be the fastest and safest solution. While mold manifests itself visibly on ceilings, walls, and floors, it also releases spores into the air which can be inhaled by family members and their pets. If your water heater is getting old, it may be providing bacteria with a viable breeding ground that impacts everyone in the home and may have serious consequences for people with respiratory problems like COPD and asthma.

2. Wet Floors

As water heaters get older, the potential for leaks increases. Leaking water heaters increase the risk of slip and fall injuries along with issues like floor or ceiling deterioration that are unrelated to health– until plaster begins to fall or floors start to cave in. The best remedy is to call for a home plumbing inspection at the first sign of a leak and get the problem corrected before it can develop into a major renovation.

3. Water Quality

A water heater’s tank and internal parts can become corroded or rusty when they get old. If you have noticed that your water smells funny, has an unpleasant taste, or seems to be cloudy or discolored, the problem may be that your water heater is getting old and needs to be replaced. This problem is usually associated with an aging water heater but the deterioration will occur faster if you live in an area with hard water, even if you use water softeners.

4. Reduce Infestations

If your water heater begins to leak a little, it is time to take decisive action. Rodents and insects are attracted to moist areas because they need water to live and insects like flies and roaches need moist surroundings to breed. Coincidentally, rodents are also a major cause for water heater repair because they gnaw at the wiring which can lead to water heater failure or even electrical fires.

Your water heater is a vital component of your home plumbing system, but most water heaters are only rated for 10 to 15 years of service. If your water heater is starting to show its age, now is the time to schedule a home plumbing inspection to determine whether repair or replacement is a viable solution.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

What Happens If I Ignore the Need for Water Heater Repair & Replacement?

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It is never a good idea to ignore the signs indicating you need water heater repair & replacement. Minor problems that are not repaired often get worse and may lead to significant repairs. Even worse, what begins with water heater malfunctions can affect your walls, flooring, and more.

Reduced Water Pressure

Older pipes and tanks can become clogged with rust and corrosion. The first signs of trouble may be nothing more than discolored water coming out of the tap or reduced pressure. Ignoring this key indicator may lead to a complete loss of pressure at the tap or dangerous pressure behind the clog. Since your plumbing is only rated for a specific amount, excessive additional pressure has the potential to cause joints or the tank itself to spring a dangerous and damaging leak.

Variations in Water Temperature

There are a few causes for your water to stop heating properly. The heating element is the most common and least dangerous. The most dangerous cause is a bad thermostat on your water heater. And while this may first be noticeable as a loss of hot water, it can just as easily become jammed, allowing the water in the tank to heat far above what the tank is rated for. Although rare, a combination of a bad thermostat and a faulty pressure relief valve may even result in an explosion of boiling hot water.

Creaking and Banging

If your water heater or the pipes connected to it are making unusual noises such as tapping, knocking, or whistling your water heater is telling you that you need service right away. Loose pipes are perhaps the most benign source of tapping and knocking, and even that can become a major water leak at any time. Other sources of unusual noises include a faulty thermostat, worn valves, and over-pressured water. Call a home plumbing service to have the situation corrected as soon as possible.

Water Damage

Bad pipes and water heaters are only the beginning once the situation becomes critical. Water damage can affect everything from your floor joists to your ceilings, causing mold and mildew, turning gypsum to mush, and more. Water damage is expensive and may not be covered on all home insurance policies. On the other hand, having your water heater repaired promptly may be covered by a home warranty.
The key thing is that a faulty water heater is always an immediate concern because it can easily lead to far more dangerous and costly problems. If you have noticed any of these warning signs and haven’t called a home plumbing contractor, time is not on your side.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

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If it is time for water heater repair & replacement, you should consider a tankless water heater instead of replacing that big tank you’ve used for years. Tankless water heaters offer quite a few benefits, from saving energy to hot water on demand. Take a look at these benefits of tankless water heaters, and you will quickly see how upgrading is a great choice.

Instant Hot Water

Plumbing contractors typically install tankless water heaters under a sink or in the attic, or some other location near where the water will be used. That means you get hot water on demand without any long waits as the hot water is pushed from a distant tank. 

Easy Installation

Tankless water heaters take up very little space and are designed to be installed inline. That makes installation fast and easy. Upgrading to a tankless system can be done in as little as a day, so you could be enjoying hot water on demand tonight.

Energy and Water Reduction

Tankless systems do not waste water pumping the hot water from your water tank to the sink the way that a standard water heater would do. That reduces the amount of water you use as well as using less power because you only heat the water you need instead of filling your pipes with hot water that will be cold before it is used.

Space-Saving Design

Not having a tank means your tankless water heater is more versatile. It can be placed in the attic, the basement, or simply installed under your sink. When the old tank has been removed, you will actually reclaim some of your home’s square footage. Hot water on demand and brand new storage space make upgrading an enticing idea.

Longer Lasting

Tankless water heaters can last up to twice as long as a traditional tanked water heater. Tankless water heaters are rated for up to 20 years of trouble-free operation, so your installation will save you money in the long run. Additionally, there are fewer components so you will be able to avoid future repairs such as failed thermostats, bad valves, and more.

You don’t have to wait for your existing water heater to fail before you install a tankless system. If your hot water tank is more than 5 years old, the day that a system component fails is getting closer. Before you wake up to water that just doesn’t get hot anymore go ahead and set up an appointment to upgrade to a new, on-demand hot water system that your family will love.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

How to Know if Your Water Heater Should be Repaired or Replaced

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The cost difference between water heater repair & replacement may seem daunting, but the truth is that repair costs can outweigh the cost of a new water heater if they become a frequent occurrence. Here are some critical factors to look at when trying to decide whether the time has come to make that replacement.

Age

Most water heaters are only expected to last about 15 years before water heater repair & replacement becomes an issue. Under the right conditions, you may get as long as 20, but that would be pushing the limit and risking a major plumbing problem. For the best results, changing the water heater at around 12 years is recommended.

Water Quality

The quality of your hot water at the tap may deteriorate toward the end of the water heater’s span. The components that heat the water and the container tank itself may rust or corrode over time, contributing to residue in the water you use.

Reduced Water Temperature

The heating element will fail on rare occasions, and it collects a thick coating of minerals over time that can inhibit proper water heating. If the water usage has remained stable but the amount of hot water seems to be shrinking, you may need to have the water heater’s thermostat or heating element replaced. These are relatively inexpensive repairs and rarely need to be done more than once.

Tank Leaks

Metal tanks will eventually rust or lose integrity under pressure. If you notice water leaking out of the unit, replacement is probably your only alternative. You may also hear hissing or squealing noises if the leak is very small. Tank failure is rare, but it does happen more frequently in older water heaters. Replacing water heaters before they leak can prevent additional costs related to water leaks such as floor or ceiling damage. 

Rising Energy Costs

When a water heater is not functioning properly, it uses more energy to maintain expected performance. If your energy bills seem to be rising for no reason, it is probably a good idea to schedule a home inspection, and water heaters are a common culprit. 

Thermostats, valves, and heating elements are easily accessible and not expensive to replace. Most homeowners will never replace more than one or two of these items, but as water heaters begin to fail, one bad component can lead to other problems. Water heaters can be replaced quickly and eliminate the costs associated with multiple repair bills.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.