Are You in Need of a Water Heater Repair? | Richardson, TX
Most households in North America use a storage water heater. These consist of a cylindrical vessel that keeps water continuously hot until it is ready to be used, with most houses having a tank size between 20 to 100 gallons. Depending on the setup, the water is heated via electricity, propane, or solar energy; with most water heaters using natural gas. Natural gas heaters are popular in the United States since the gas is often conveniently piped throughout most major cities and towns, and it is currently the cheapest source of energy to use.
But like any other equipment in the home, your system might need a water heater repair. A water heater is a compound machine, with parts wearing out or breaking. Many components of the water heater are under pressure, so it is advised that a water heater repair is carried out by a trained technician.
Parts of a Water Heater
A water heater repair consists of inspecting all parts of the system.
The gas water heater: This type of setup consists of a dip tube, gas burner and chimney, vent shaft, heat out pipe, thermostat, T&P valve, a drain valve, insulation, and an anode rod.
First, the water heater has cold water brought into the tank via its dip tube. The gas burner heats the water, with the releasing hot air going through the chimney in the middle of the water tank. The chimney relocates this toxic, hot air outside all while heating the metal of the chimney. As this chimney heats up, the surrounding water is heated. The hot water is then dispersed through the home’s plumbing system via the heat out pipe. When you turn on the faucet, cool water is brought through the dip tube, displacing the hot water and pushing it through the pipes. Homeowners usually have the option of setting their preferred water temperature with a thermostat, which is connected to the gas line and adjusts the right amount of gas for the right temperature.
The electric water heater: The electric gas water heater has similar components to a gas water heater — the only difference is that the electric gas water heater has an electric heating element instead of a gas burner. There is also a power supply and no gas chimney.
An electric water heater works similarly to a gas water heater. It brings cold water through the dip tube, and it heats up via an electric heating element within the tank itself. The heated water rises and is moved to the home via the heat out pipe. Water heater repairs occur regardless of heating element.
Why Do Heaters Malfunction in Richardson, TX?
Compacted rust: Sacrificial anodes are highly active metal rods that will develop rust, and stop functioning altogether after a certain point.
Sediment buildup: When water is heated enough, free-floating minerals separate and settle on the bottom of the tank. This sort of settlement will build up and reduce the efficiency of the water heater, potentially causing further damage. This is especially true in Richardson, TX, a state that has one of the hardest water in the nation, according to the Environmental Working Group.
Odd high-water pressure: High water pressure can damage your heater as well as the pipes connected to it.
Corrosive fumes: Not only does rust corrode the internal parts of the water heater, but the fumes stemming from the heated water may also contribute to erosion. For combustion to occur, water heaters need to draw in air. The issue lies in inadequate air quality. This sort of eroding air can cause your tank to deteriorate.
You have the wrong sized water tank: As mentioned, the water tank can come in a myriad of sizes. If you buy a heater that is too small for your needs, then it will need to work more intensely and activate either its gas or heating element more frequently. That means that there is a heightened chance that the internal parts will erode or for something to go wrong. Preferably, it’s best to purchase the biggest water tank you can afford.
Different Types of Water Heater Repairs
While water heaters are generally reliable, they occasionally have problems, such as not generating hot water or having water that has a distinct or offensive smell. If you need to inspect your water heater, make sure to turn off the gas supply or unplug its power source. Here are some of the more common water heater problems that we have faced:
A lack of hot water: An inspection will examine the thermocouple, the gas control valve, or the electrical heating element for electric water heaters. If the water is heating up but isn’t warm enough, then it might be a compound issue. These problems can include a malfunctioning temperature setting, a heating element that has worn out, or sediment at the bottom of the tank.
Rusty water: The rusty water is caused by pipe corrosion or bacteria building up. We will hone in on the reason for the rusty or foul-smelling water. If it is bacteria, then the water tank will be deodorized.
Strange noises coming from your water tank: The occasional noise from the water tank is normal — it is a machine that is actively warming up cold water. However, a loud popping noise can be a result of settlement building up on the bottom of the tank and causing it to overheat. Hissing noises can indicate a leak that is allowing water to drop down onto the burner. If it is a new water heater, this could be condensation dripping into the burner. This will subside within a few hours.
A leaky water heater: Even though it might look like a minor nuisance, it can quickly become a big problem. Even a small amount of water pooling around your water heater can potentially damage your floors and walls. In some cases, you might need a complete replacement of the water heater, especially if it is an older heater. Our technicians will determine the source of the leak, and check the cold-water inlet and hot water outlet connections.
About Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain Water Heater Repairs
Catering to the Richardson, TX area, Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain offers residential, commercial, and emergency water heater repairs. If you are experiencing an intermittently performing water heater, then contact us. Our water heater repairs are the right fix at the right price.
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