Question 1

How do you know if you need a new water heater?

Accepted Answer

There are a few signs to watch out for that may indicate you need a new water heater:

The tank itself is leaking - This is common over time as heating and cooling will expand and contract the tank. Unfortunately when this happens and the tank develops a leak, a repair is typically not an effective solution.
The water heater is making unusual sounds - A loud clanking or drumming sound means that sediment has built up in the tank and has hardened.
Water looks rusty - If the pipes have rusted internally, it will mean a water heater replacement.
The unit is older - Standard tank storage hot water heaters are built to last about 8 - 12 years. A good rule of thumb is to not repair units over 10 years old so you are not wasting money on an appliance that will not last much longer.

Question 2

How long is a water heater supposed to last?

Accepted Answer

Experts estimate that standard tank hot water heaters will last between 8 - 12 years, on average. Tankless water heaters typically last twice as long, about 20 years.

Question 3

Why is the water in my home not hot enough?

Accepted Answer

There could be a number of reasons why the water coming from the hot water heater is just not feeling hot enough:

Temperature is set too low - If the water heater is not set to a high enough temperature, it will never feel hot enough. Be careful not to set the temperature too high, however.
Dip tube is not working - You can also check the dip tube to see if it has broken or fallen off. If this is the case, incoming cold water will be drawn out through the hot water outlet without being heated first.
Burner is clogged on gas heater - Dirt can build up on the burner which will impact its heating abilities.
Sediment buildup - If there is too much sediment that has built up on the bottom of the tank, the unit could take longer to recover its hot water supply.

If your hot water heater is just not producing enough hot water, we can help. Contact PDM Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today to learn more or to schedule a service!

Question 4

What is the most common problem with water heaters?

Accepted Answer

The most common problem with a water heater is no hot water. When you are no longer receiving hot water from your water heater, this can be due to a few problems. The simplest fix is to check and see if your pilot light blew out. If your pilot light is out, you can simply reignite it to start receiving hot water again. Another issue that could prevent you from receiving hot water is if too much sediment has built up in your water heater’s tank. To learn more about getting your water heater repaired, contact us today.

Question 5

What would cause a hot water heater to stop working?

Accepted Answer

A hot water heater may stop working because

The thermostat is faulty.
The water pressure has dropped.
The pilot light went out.

Some of these issues are easier to diagnose and fix than others. If your hot water heater stops working and you lack plumbing knowledge, you should have an experienced plumber diagnose and repair your water heater issue for you. To get your water heater repaired, give us a call today.

Question 6

How do you know a water heater is going bad?

Accepted Answer

A few ways to tell your water heater is going bad include:

Your water smells or appears rusty.
You notice noises from your water heater.
Your water is no longer heated properly.

Another large indicator that your water heater will need to be replaced soon is if it is over 10 years old and requires many repairs. To find out more about getting your water heater replaced, call us today.

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