Your family needs an ample supply of hot water for daily activities like washing clothes, dishwashing, and bathing. For families with small children and elderly residents, a malfunctioning water heater can be a matter of health and safety.
Common Water Heater Issues
Common water heater problems include cold or tepid water, a leaking tank or scalding water. The cause of these issues can be difficult to identify, so it’s important to hire a professional plumbing contractor who is familiar with the knowledge needed to locate the problem and make the appropriate repairs.
In most cases, a lack of hot water is caused by a faulty circuit breaker or a broken high-temperature cutoff switch. If the water is lukewarm, the dip tube inside the tank may be cracked. Scalding water is usually the result of a damaged pressure relief valve or a bad thermostat. In either case, scalding water is dangerous and should be immediately addressed by a trained plumbing professional.
If your water heater is leaking, shut the unit down. If left unaddressed, water leaks can cause substantial damage to walls, furniture, and carpeting. A leaking water heater can’t be ignored, and you may want to call us for emergency service to minimize the damage.
Water Heater Replacement
If your water heater is aging or obsolete, it may make sense to install a new energy-efficient model. The water heater you choose should produce enough hot water to serve your entire family without being outrageously expensive. Water heaters are available in two configurations:
- Conventional: A traditional water heater has a storage tank and either gas burners or electric heating elements. When the water temperature falls below a preset level, the unit engages, and the water is reheated. The capacity of a water heater is determined by its “first-hour rating,” which calculates the BTU output relative to the tank size. Check the Energy Factor (EF) to see how efficient the unit is. A higher EF rating indicates better efficiency.
- Tankless Water Heaters: Tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular, because the water is only heated when it’s needed. These units provide “on demand” performance since they don’t have a storage tank. Energy isn’t wasted heating water that can sit in a tank for hours or days. Capacity is critical when selecting a tankless model, so you should always consult a professional plumber before making a purchase.
Your Water Heater Experts
Hot water is essential, so don’t take chances with a handyman or a DIY project. The professionals at HRI plumbing can evaluate your current unit and provide economical alternatives that will save you money and provide limitless hot water for all of your needs for your home or business in Jacksonville, Springfield, New Berlin, Pleasant Plains, Rushville, IL and the surrounding area.
