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.