Common Water Heater Problems & How to Prevent Them

Are you worried about the condition of your hot water heater? Maybe it’s getting old or just not working the way you need it to. Below are some common water heater problems our Sarasota plumbers see that mean your unit needs some TLC, professional water heater repair or it might need to be replaced with a newer, more reliable unit.

1) No Hot Water

Are you running out of hot water more quickly than you were before? It could be because you’re spending more time at home, have more people in your household, or some other reason, but chances are, your hot water heater is the source of the problem. If you have less hot water than you used to, it’s likely time to replace your water heater.

2) Water is too cold

If your water doesn’t get as hot as it used to, or as hot as you need it to, there’s a problem with your water heater. Before calling a plumber, check to make sure that the temperature control switch on the front of the heating unit didn’t get turned down. Sometimes just bumping the heater can throw things off and make your water colder. If that’s not the issue, we recommend calling in a water heater expert, like the ones you can find at Wimpy’s! 

3) water heater is leaking

If you notice dried water marks or puddles of water around your water heater, you have a leak and it needs to be addressed right away. Call us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air and we’ll get to you ASAP.

How to Take Care of Your Hot Water Heater

Regular water heater maintenance can help avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your appliance. Spending just several minutes on your water heater a few times per year can mean the difference between having your hot water heater last for a long time and replacing it more frequently.

Here are some simple things you can do to maintain your water heater and keep it running as efficiently as possible:

• Maintain clearance: Most water heaters need about 2 feet of clearance on all sides, unless otherwise indicated in your owner’s manual.
• Check the temperature settings: 120 is the recommended setting, and you’ll save about 5% in heating costs for every 10 degrees that you turn it down. As mentioned above, it’s possible for this to get bumped so make sure it’s where you want it! 
• Test the temperature release valve: Discharge it 3-5 times, then keep an eye out for leaks in and around it. If it’s leaking, call a plumber!
• Drain your water heater: You only need to drain ¼-⅓ of the tank a few times a year to remove any sediment or other debris. Read our How to Drain a Water Heater post for a full walkthrough!

Sarasota Water Heater Help

If you’re experiencing any of those common water heater problems we outline above or need help maintaining your water heater in Sarasota or the surrounding area, reach out to us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air. We’d be happy to show you what needs to be done or perform the water heater maintenance for you. Give us a call today!

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How to Drain a Water Heater

Maintenance plays an essential role in making sure that your plumbing system is working well and is running as efficiently as possible. Your hot water heater is an important piece of this puzzle. Regular water heater maintenance, like flushing the appliance, can also help increase the longevity of your system. This means you’ll require fewer repairs and go longer without having to replace anything.

We’ve already talked about what you need to know about draining your water heater, and in this post, we’ll go over exactly how to do it. It’s a fairly simple process that is easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Follow our guidelines below to learn how to drain a hot water heater properly!

1. Flush Out the Water Heater

Connect a hose to the appliance’s drain valve, then open it and let the water heater flush out. If there is a good deal of sediment coming from it, repeat this process again.

2. Turn Off the Water Heater

Turn off the water heater by flipping the breaker or switching the gas to “Pilot”, and turn off the water supply too.

3. Open Up the Drain Valve

Place the hose over a bucket or a floor drain. Open the valve and twist the hot water pipe that is located at the top of the tank until water comes out.

4. Drain the Tank

Flip the water flow back on and allow it to run for about 10 to 20 seconds. Now, open the drain valve again and let that water flush out of the tank. Continue doing this step until there is no more sediment in the water that’s draining.

5. Refill the Water Heater

Close the drain valve and take the hose off of it. Turn on the water supply to the water heater. Turn on a hot water tap somewhere in the property, and as soon as the air is out and water starts flowing, turn it off.

6. Turn the Water Heater Back On

Turn on the pilot light, gas, or electricity again. Give the water heater about an hour to heat back up fully.

7. Test the Drain Valve

Make sure there are not any leaks around the drain valve. If there are, make sure that the valve is closed fully. If that doesn’t fix the leaking, try capping the valve or having it replaced.

Wimpy’s is Here to Help Drain Your Water Heater

Make sure that you stay on top of the maintenance for your property’s water heater. It is an easy process that will provide you with plenty of peace of mind. If you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself, give the team at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air a call. We can also answer any questions you may have about water heaters!

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Is it Time to Replace My Water Heater?

Are you struggling to get the hot water that you and your family need to live normally at home? Do you know that your water heater is getting older but you’re not sure if you need to replace it yet?

Here is everything you need to know to decide when to replace your water heater, straight from the mouths of our experts.

Factors Affecting Water Heater Lifespan

There are a few factors that help determine how often your water heater needs to be replaced.

• How often do you perform water heater maintenance? Regular maintenance will help your heater last longer.
• How long do you wait before calling for water heater repair? If you call for repair as soon as you notice a problem, your water heater experiences less wear and tear.
• How high is your water quality? If you don’t have hard water or you have installed a whole-house water softener or water conditioning system, your water heater should last longer.

Signs You Need a New Water Heater

If you’re experiencing problems with your water heater, call us at Wimpy’s right away. The following issues sometimes (but not always) indicate that you need a new water heater.

• Your water heater makes unusual sounds. This can indicate sediment buildup in the system, which usually means you need a new water heater.
• Your water heater only works intermittently. We’ll find out why you don’t have hot water all the time and help you decide if you should fix your current water heater or replace it.
• There’s a puddle of water under your water heater. Call us right away as water heater leaks can quickly become catastrophic and do major damage to your home.
• You don’t have as much hot water as you used to have. One of the tanks inside your water heater may not be working or the heater may not be able to effectively heat as much water as it used to.
• Your water is tinted red. This comes from rust and often means that one or more of the metal parts inside your water heater have rusted and corroded.

Water Heater Replacement Pros

Contact us at Wimpy’s today to talk about getting a new water heater. We’ll match you with the perfect water heater for all of your needs, then get it installed for you quickly and efficiently. Rely on our team whenever you need to replace your water heater.

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Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Which One is Right For You?

When you’re looking for a new water heater, it’s important to find the one that is right for you and your home. With so many water heaters out there these days, it’s easy to feel confused or frustrated because you don’t know what to buy. Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice for your family.

The Pros and Cons of a Conventional Water Heater

Conventional, or tanked water heaters are less expensive to buy and install, and repairs are also usually cheaper. However, you have to replace these water heaters more often, so the costs may balance out depending on your system and your home’s setup.

Conventional water heaters are also more expensive to use. Since you’re heating water and keeping it hot, you have a nearly-constant drain on energy, which you pay for every month.

These water heaters only hold so much water. If you need more water than the tank holds, you have to wait for it to fill up and heat again.

The Pros and Cons of a Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater is more expensive to purchase, install, and repair, but it costs less in energy costs and you don’t have to replace the unit as often. If you choose one of these, you may also have to pay some initial costs to move pipes around so it will work with your system.

The tankless hot water heater is smaller than the conventional version, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t have a lot of space. If you have a conventional setup, though, you may end up with extra space that you can’t really use.

A tankless water heater can provide you with as much hot water as you need because it heats as you use water. If you frequently run out of hot water at home, this may be the best option for you.

Sarasota Water Heater Pros

If you would like help choosing between a conventional water heater and a tankless water heater, or need any other kind of water heater service in Sarasota, contact us at Wimpy’s today. Our experts will make sure you get the best water heater for your needs.

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Why Should I Consider a Tankless Water Heater?

When you are ready to invest in a new water heater, you may be tempted to simply stick with what you have always known, in terms of make and model. For most of us, this is the tank water heater. Tank water heaters have long been a favorite among homeowners looking for a dependable and sufficient supply of hot water for use throughout their homes. However, we do advise homeowners to consider all available options before making a final decision. You may just find that there is something that suits your needs better, such as the use of a tankless water heater in Sarasota, FL.

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

As you’ve probably guesses, a tankless water heater is a water heater that does not require the use of a storage tank in its operation. Instead, such systems heat water only as needed, which is why they are commonly referred to as “on-demand” water heaters. When you call for hot water at a sink or shower in your home, or when the dishwasher or washing machine needs it, cold water is brought through the system. Electric heating elements or a gas combustion process heat that water as it passes through the system, en route to where it is needed. When no more hot water is necessary, the system simply shuts off until it’s called upon again. This operation benefits homeowners in a few ways.

First of all, this method of heating water completely eliminates the risk of encountering standby energy loss, in which heat from the water in a storage tank transfers out to the air surrounding it, leaving the water heater to effectively reheat the water in the tank. Additionally, tankless water heaters are very compact, making them ideal for homes with tight storage constraints. Plus, tankless water heaters, while generally more expensive than tank models, also have very long lifespans. Let Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air handle all of your water heater services.

Call today 941-322-1911 and find out why our customers say, I Love My Plumber! 

 

Signs of Trouble with Your Water Heater

There is no denying the fact that the water heater is one of the hardest working appliances in just about any residence. Every time that you wash your hands with hot water, do the laundry, or run the dishwasher, not to mention take a nice, relaxing shower, you are depending upon the effective and reliable operation of your water heater in Sarasota, FL.

That is why encountering any problems with the water heater in your home is so troubling. The good news is that the professional plumbers here at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air are here to help. We’ve listed a few common warning signs of water heater problems below. Contact us at the very first sign of trouble.

Inconsistent or Insufficient Hot Water

Among the most obvious signs of water heater problems is an inconsistent performance and/or an insufficient supply of hot water. If you take a good, hot shower some mornings, and other mornings it seems like the water won’t heat up as much as you’d like, you may have a problem with your fuel delivery, combustion system, or other important components. If you are simply running out of hot water frequently, though this was not always a problem, you may face similar issues. A faulty thermocouple shutting down the heating process could also be to blame.

Loud, Unfamiliar Noises

Do you hear a loud rumbling noise or other unfamiliar and alarming sounds coming from your water heater? Then you may need to schedule professional repair services. It could be that your tank needs to be flushed out due sediment buildups. However, your water heater could also be boiling water due to hardened sediment, which can lead to serious operational issues. Additionally, you could have combustion issues, or even overly high pressure in the system, which can lead to serious damages and dangerous situations.

Visible Leaks or Rust

Is there rust on your water heater? Even if you don’t see a puddle surrounding it, there is likely a leak in the system. A leaking water heater tank is going to require replacement. If it is a problem with a pipe or connection, though, repairs are probably possible. Any sign of water or rust on or around the water heater is cause for concern.

Call today 941-322-1911 and find out why our customers say, I Love My Plumber!