Water Heater Repair

Water Heater Repair or Replacement

When you call Al’s Plumbing, our team of experts will advise you on whether a repair or replacement is best for your specific situation. We will also guide you on best maintenance practices for avoiding problems in the future.

What are Common Water Heater Problems?

• No hot water. If the water heater is putting out very little hot water, the problem may be simple. The thermostat might need to be turned up. However, we suggest not going over the recommended temperature. On gas units, the pilot light must be inspected to ensure it is working properly; the thermocouple may need to be replaced. However, if the pilot light turns off each time it’s lit, the unit has a faulty pilot control valve. On electric water heaters, the problem may involve a faulty electrical heating element.
• Rust colored water. Rust colored water coming out of your faucets occurs if the anode rod becomes faulty. This rod is necessary because it dissolves and stops rust from generating in the tank. Whenever the anode rod fails to operate, rust will display in the tank, and the rod will need to be replaced.
• Foul odors. Some problems, however, will not affect how a unit operates. For example, you may smell a foul odor coming from your hot water supply. The smell is due to bacteria growth. Usually, this bacteria produces a rotten egg smell. A water heater contains hydrogen gas, and the bacteria feeds on this gas. Preventing this problem is tough because the anode rod generates the hydrogen gas.
• Odd Noises. A noisy, hot water heater could be the symptom of many issues. The most likely issue is sediment settling at the bottom of the tank and being burned by the heating element, or the heating element is starting to burn out.
• Water Leakage. A leaky hot water tank is a sign that the water heater is past its prime. These leaks could cause significant water damage in the home, so it is best to replace it with a new, energy efficient hot water tank immediately.

Why is Regular Maintenance So Important?

A basic water heater will provide several years of use. You can expect a well-maintained water heater to last about 10-15 years, depending on the type of unit you have (gas or electric).  Water heaters’ lifespan depends on your water.

However, various issues can decrease a unit’s overall efficiency, which is why regular maintenance is essential.

Besides maintenance, other factors can also affect a unit’s longevity: the level of installation, the unit’s design, and the general weather condition.

How Can You Avoid Future Problems?

If your unit has basic problems, such as an inefficient heating element, buying a new unit is not recommended.  Our technicians can easily repair the heating element or replace the component.

Total unit replacement is only recommended if it has a severe problem that cannot be repaired, such as a leaking or corroded tank.

Tankless Water Heaters:

A basic water heater will provide several years of use. You can expect a well-maintained water heater to last about 10-15 years, depending on the type of unit you have (gas or electric).  Water heaters’ lifespan depends on your water.

However, various issues can decrease a unit’s overall efficiency, which is why regular maintenance is essential.

Besides maintenance, other factors can also affect a unit’s longevity: the level of installation, the unit’s design, and the general weather condition.

Tank Water Heaters:

Al’s Installs Only One Premium Brand Of Water Heater: Rheem Professional Grade.

What is Special About Rheem Professional Grade?

• Water heaters begin to leak because the steel water tank corrodes over time and pin-holes form.
• All water heaters have a glass lining which protects the tank from corrosion. All liners fail over time, allowing water to get to the steel tank. Rheem Professional Grade water heaters have a thicker glass lining and baked These factors make the liner last longer.
• All water heaters have one Anode Rod. This rod starts to attract the corrosion (caused by the water) which minimizes the tank corrosion after the glass liner fails. Rheem Professional Grade has one Anode Rod with an optional port for a second rod.
• The Anode Rod, made of magnesium, corrodes easier than steel. Therefore, protecting the steel tank.
• This rod’s purpose is to extend the life of the water heater’s steel tank by providing a place for corrosion to occur instead of the steel tank. Magnesium is weaker than steel, so it attracts the corrosion instead of the steel water tank.
• Electric Rheem Professional Grade water heaters include a Stainless Steel (low positioned) heating element. This rod is more energy efficient and lasts longer than conventional steel elements.
• Cold water enters the water heater and sinks to the bottom of the tank. Once heated, water rises to the top. There are two heating elements, one higher (near the top) and one lower (near the bottom).

What does all this mean to me? Rheem Professional Grade water heaters last longer due to the thicker glass liner. They will last even longer with the optional 2nd Anode Rod.

Al’s Honors the Manufacturer Water Heater Warranty:

We service what we sell.  Al’s Plumbing honors the manufacturer warranty on everything we sell.  You won’t have to go to another company for warranty service.  Manufacturer Warranties vary from brand to brand and model to model.  We can tell you the warranty period before you buy.

Al’s provides Full-Service HVAC System Maintenance, Repair and Replacement Services on all brands of Air Conditioners, Furnaces and Heat Pumps (including Trane and American Standard).  We perform every service needed to keep your heating and air conditioning system running at its best.

We sell and install American Standard, Coleman and Ameristar — Air Conditioner unit, Furnace and Heat Pump.

Our HVAC Technicians are NATE (North American Technician Excellence) Certified.  They are trained and experienced in providing maintenance and repair of your HVAC System + Installation of new HVAC systems.

Al’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning

Contact Al’s Plumbing today to discuss any problem you may be having with your plumbing or HVAC system.  We are your emergency plumbing resource and offer appointments at your convenience, with 24/7 emergency service.  All of our plumbers are licensed and experienced in diagnosing and repairing your residential plumbing.