Water heaters and boilers require constant care and proper maintenance to ensure that they furnish all your hot water and air conditioning needs. There are three main types of water heaters, namely conventional storage water heaters, tankless water heaters, and hybrid heat pump water heaters. Tankless and heat pump water heaters can be expensive to buy and install but they have very low operational costs. Conventional storage water heaters are the most popular models because they are cheaper to buy and install. However, conventional storage water heaters are highly inefficient because they are prone to standby heat loss. When choosing a new water heater, you should always consider these factors. You should also consider the type of fuel that you are going to use. Water heaters use electricity, natural gas or propane, geothermal energy, fuel oil, or solar to heat water. Some hybrid models use two or more types of fuels. You should always ensure that your home water heater is in good working condition to avoid hot water problems. Look out for the following signs because they indicate that you need to repair or replace your water heater. These tips apply to businesses and commercial properties, as well. Any water heater issues or concerns should be checked out immediately by a professional commercial plumber to avoid costly repairs, safety concerns, and liabilities.
Water Heating Problems
If your water heater is not heating water properly, then you need to call your local plumber for repairs. There are many different types of water heating problems. You might notice that your water heater is not heating the water to the required or expected temperature despite the control dials showing these temperatures. This means that the water heater could be producing water at a lower temperature than the one you have set. This could be an issue with the heating element or the temperature control dials. If you notice such a problem, contact a professional plumber for DC water heater repair services. You might also notice that the water heater, especially the standard tank model, is producing lower amounts of water than expected. This could be an indication of a leak in the tank or the connecting pipes. Call your local plumber as soon as you notice any of these water heating issues.
Corrosion
Another key indication that your water heater requires repairs or replacement is corrosion. You can detect corrosion in your standard tank water heater from the quality of the heated water. If your water heater produces rusty-looking or rusty-tasting water, then the tank is corroded. Conventional storage water heaters have an anode rod that attracts all corrosive elements from the water. This rusty water is an indication that the anode rod is worn-out and needs replacing.
Leaking Tank Or Pipes
As mentioned above, one indication that your water heater is leaking is low hot water supply. You can inspect your water heater on your own to determine whether it’s leaking or not. Check the tank and the connecting pipes carefully for any leaks. You should call a professional plumber for assistance if you notice or suspect any leaks in your water heater.
Expired Warranty
Tankless water heaters last longer than conventional storage models. Standard tank water heaters last about 10 years, while tankless models last 20 years or more. You should consider replacing your water heater as soon as the warranty expires. This is to avoid costly repairs and functional inconveniences.