Understanding the Most Common Water Heater Problems

Posted on January 13, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Are you having trouble with your water heater? If so, you’re not alone. Water heaters are one of the most common household appliances to experience problems and require repair or replacement. Fortunately, many water heater issues can be easily fixed without costly repairs or replacements. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common water heater problems and provide tips on how to identify them early and take measures to fix them before they become more serious. We’ll also explain what signs may indicate that it’s time for a new water heater altogether.

Read on to learn more about understanding the most common water heating issues!

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Typical Water Heater Issues and How to Deal With Them

Not Enough Hot Water

One of the most common water heater problems is a lack of hot water or an inconsistent temperature when running. This can be caused by a few different factors, such as sediment buildup and incorrect settings. If your water isn’t getting hot enough, start by checking your thermostat to make sure it has been set correctly. You may also need to flush out the tank to remove sediment buildup if you’ve noticed any rust-colored water when running your tap. This is a relatively straightforward process that can usually be done on your own with the help of a few simple tools.

Electrical Issues With Electric Units

If you have an electric water heater, it may be having problems due to faulty thermostats or heating elements. The thermostat controls the temperature of the water, and the heating element helps to heat it up. If either of these are not working properly, you will start to notice a lack of hot water or an inconsistent temperature when running. You may need to replace one or both components if they are not functioning properly.

Water Leaks

Leaking water is another common problem with water heaters, and this can be caused by several different factors. If the tank itself is leaking, you may need to replace it entirely. However, if it’s a pipe or valve that’s leaking, then you may be able to fix it yourself using some basic plumbing tools. If you’re not sure what’s causing the leak, it may be best to call a professional plumber to help identify and repair the problem.

Old Age

Finally, if your water heater is 10 years old or older, then it may be time to replace it altogether. This is because older water heaters are often inefficient and can end up costing you more in energy bills. If your water heater is on its last legs, it’s a good idea to invest in a new one as soon as possible.

Water Heater Maintenance is Key For Avoiding Repairs

These are just some of the most common water heater problems that homeowners may experience. While many can be easily fixed without costly repairs or replacements, it’s important to stay vigilant and look out for signs that may indicate a more serious issue. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a professional water heater repair technician or plumber for help. Doing so will ensure your water heater is functioning properly and will save you from costly repairs or replacements down the line.

Are you ready to say goodbye to the frustration of malfunctioning water heaters and directly experience reliable maintenance and repairs? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water heater repair in Indianapolis, Indiana, today. We serve residential and commercial clients and work with all make and model units.

What You Need to Know About Water Heater Descaling

Posted on October 21, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Your water heater is an essential part of your home, and it’s important to keep it in good working order. One such responsibility is water heater descaling. Continue below to learn more about decaling a water heater, plus who to trust for professional water heater repair and service near you.

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3 Main Methods of Water Heater Descaling

Water heater descaling is a process that removes mineral deposits from the inside of your water heater. These deposits can build up over time and cause your water heater to work less efficiently. Descaling will help restore your water heater’s performance and extend its lifespan.

There are a few different methods you can use to descale your water heater. You can use a chemical descaler, an electronic descaler, or a mechanical descaler. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Chemical Descaling

Chemical descaling is the most common method of water heater descaling. It involves using a chemical solution to break down the deposits inside your water heater. Chemical descaling is effective, but it can be harmful to your water heater if not done properly.

Electronic Descaling

Electronic descaling uses high-frequency sound waves to break down the deposits inside your water heater. This method is less common than chemical descaling, but it is growing in popularity because it is gentler on your water heater.

Mechanical Descaling

Mechanical descaling involves physically removing the deposits from your water heater. This method is the most labor-intensive, but it is also the most effective.

Conclusion…

No matter which method you choose, descaling your water heater is an important part of regular maintenance. By removing the deposits from your water heater, you will help keep it running efficiently for years to come. Contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for assistance with water heater descaling and preventative maintenance.

It’s only getting colder out there! Are you ready to get your water heater in tip-top shape for the upcoming winter season? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana for water heaters. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Can a Hot Water Heater Really Explode?

Posted on July 22, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

You’ve heard the tales, but yet, you still wonder if water heater explosions are real thing. In short, hot water heaters can and do explode. Does this mean you have to be worried about your place going up in flames unexpectedly? No, especially with the right knowledge and water heater care.

Continue below to learn which conditions can cause a hot water heater to explode, plus how you can prevent any water heater problems in your home, including catastrophic explosions.

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Facts About Hot Water Heater Explosions

Hot water heaters use a fuel source to operate, which is a combustion hazard in itself. But there is a lot more that can make these critical appliances turn into an explosive device. Although there are number of reasons why a water heater can spontaneously burst into flames or even explode, the most common causes behind water heater explosions include rise in internal temperature, rise in pressure, and gas leaks. Of course, gas leak hazards are only an issue for gas powered water heaters. Electric water heaters and tankless water heaters are also prone to explosion or combustion, but in very rare cases.

Why Do Water Heaters Explode?

Tank Pressure

Hot water heaters generate a massive amount of pressure through the process of converting water into steam. In turn, steam causes the volume of water to increase, which builds even more pressure within the tank. Without proper care and maintenance, hot water heaters can experience internal malfunctions that inhibit their ability to withstand or prevent rising pressure. As a result of a pressure imbalance, the tank can rupture and explode.

Gas Leaks

Gas-powered water heaters are subject to fuel line damages. For this reason, it is critical to provide optimal maintenance and care for gas-powered water heaters, plus keep them secured and protected year round. If the fuel lines connected to the water heater are damaged, it is possible for gas to leak out and form localized puddles inside and/or around the unit. When the pilot light flicks on, it can create an immediate explosion, just as if you were to throw gasoline into a fire.

How to Prevent Your Water Heater From Becoming a Danger

You never want to let a hot water heater sit for too long without giving it any attention. Not only should you be performing routine water heater checks yourself, but you should also be hiring a water heater repair and service technician to perform annual maintenance on your unit. Routine water heater maintenance and inspection is necessary to prevent your water heater from experiencing any problems, including becoming a catastrophic hazard. Talk to an experienced Indianapolis water heater plumber for help creating an effective water heater maintenance plan for your home or office.

Are you convinced that it’s time to schedule your annual water heater inspection? Well, you’re in the right place! Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services for water heaters, today. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services all throughout Central Indiana.

What You Need to Know About Water Heater Sediment Buildup

Posted on March 25, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

The actual process of heating water inside your water heater causes calcium carbonate to precipitate out of the water, and eventually settle at the bottom of the tank. The degree and rate of sediment accumulation depends upon what make and model water heater you have. Furthermore, some regions experience a higher degree of sediment buildup, adding in another factor to consider when diagnosing water heater problems. Fortunately, proper and regular flushing helps prevent sediment build up, but this service requires the assistance of a professional.

Continue reading to learn some common problems associated with water heater sediment buildup in order to determine whether or not your unit requires professional service at this time.

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Not Enough Hot Water

Check for a broken dip tube, wrong setting on a thermostat, a defective thermostat, burned out heating elements (electric), or a heavy buildup of sediment. See our blog, “Why is My Hot Water Not Working?” to learn what you can do about this issue.

Broken Dip Tube

The dip tube is a long slender tube that fits down into the water heater inlet, and usually has a small hole about 6 inches from the top. The dip tube directs the incoming cold liquid down to the bottom of the tank. If the dip tube is broken, the incoming cold liquid can mix with the outgoing hot liquid and cause it to seem as though you are running out.

Noisy Tank

One of the most common indications of sediment accumulation in water heaters is noise. Steam bubbles form under the sediment when the burners come on, and as the bubbles escape from under the sediment, noises like popping and crackling are produced. Sizzling noises can be caused by condensation dripping onto the hot burner.

Thermal Expansion

When water is heated it expands. If the inlet is not blocked by a check valve, pressure reducing valve, or other device, the increase in volume simply travels back into the source. If the inlet is blocked, this increase in volume will cause an increase in pressure, sometimes to dangerous levels. The temperature and pressure valve (T&P valve) relieves pressure by discharging some liquid. A thermal expansion tank can be installed in the line that will absorb the increase in volume, preventing the relief valve from discharging unnecessarily.

T&P valves are strictly an emergency measure and should be replaced every 2 years. At 180 degrees, the temperature that the T&P valve opens, damage can occur to your system and you may have voided the warranty on your water heater. The improper installation of backflow preventers can block the thermal expansion leading to operation of the T&P Valve.

Water Hammer

When water is traveling in the pipes it has kinetic energy (energy of motion). When a valve shuts off suddenly a shock wave results. Hammer most often occurs when a valve shuts off suddenly. Commercial arrestors are available to combat this problem. They consist of a small air bladder within a cylinder plumbed to the piping system near the valve causing the problem. Some hardware stores carry them. Sometimes if the piping is sagging then supporting the pipe solves the problem. See our blog, “How to Solve a Water Hammer Problem” to learn more.

Milky Colored Water

Water contains dissolved oxygen and other gases. When it’s heated it has less ability to hold these gases and when the pressure is lowered as the liquid comes out of the tap these gasses can form tiny bubbles giving the liquid a milky appearance. Letting it stand for a few minutes will allow these bubbles to rise out of the liquid and it resumes its clear appearance. See our blog, “Why is My Faucet Water Cloudy Then Clear?” to learn more about this topic.

Request a Free Water Heater Repair Quote in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-714-0759 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable technician about water heaters, today. We are happy to answer any questions you have about water heater service, installation, maintenance, hot water problems, and more, anytime. We even offer 24 hour emergency services for water leaks, floods, and more. Call 317-714-0759 for professional water heater repair services in Indianapolis you can trust!

Should I Drain My Water Heater?

Posted on August 15, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Routine water heater maintenance is the most important priority for hot water heater. Not only will regular upkeep ensure your water heater is performing at maximum efficiency, which in turn saves you money on water and energy bills, it also ensures that you will not have to pay for costly repairs, or worse, premature replacement. After all, a new water heater will set you back at least a couple thousand dollars. For these reasons, especially personal comfort and quality of living, it is important to understand the maintenance needs of your water heater, and implement them as necessary.

Continue reading to learn more about standard water heater maintenance, including whether or not you should be doing it on your own.

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The best defense against costly breakdowns and hot water deficiencies is routine maintenance. Although it is important to hire a professional water heater technician to service and repair your water heater unit, there are some things you can do on your own. The main water heater maintenance priorities are inspections, flushes, and minor repairs and part replacements.

Water Heater Inspections

It is important to monitor your water heater so that you can catch small performance or mechanical issues early on, before they can cause you high water and energy bills or loss of hot water. The anode rod is a vital part of your water heater because it absorbs corrosion; however, it wears out overtime. They must be replaced as soon as they are corroded, otherwise, the corrosive agents in hard water will begin to deteriorate your inner unit shell instead.

Water Heater Flushes

Hot water heaters must be drained on a regular basis to eliminate the buildup of sediments and hard mineral solids. By eliminating these hard solids, you can better protect the interior workings of your water heater, as well as, prolong its life and enhance its performance. Less scale buildup also reduces the likelihood of frequent breakdowns and costly repairs. Have your water heater flushed at least once every year. Although it is possible, and common, for homeowners to drain their water heaters, it is wisest to hire a professional for the job just in case there are other issues that need to be addressed.

Professional Water Heater Service

There are some tasks that your water heater will need, that you cannot possibly perform yourself unless you have the proper training, tools, equipment, and permits. For this reason, you will need annual water heater service from a professional plumbing company. They have the knowledge and qualifications to deliver professional water heater service for all make and model units. Be sure to choose a licensed and insured Indianapolis water heater repair company that provides excellent customer service and reasonable rates.

Who Can You Trust for Water Heater Service?

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding hot water heaters, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Call 317-784-1870 to get started.