Your water heater gets more of a workout than almost any piece of equipment in your house. Not a day goes by that you don’t need it for warm showers and baths, plus washing clothes and dishes. When a major piece of equipment runs every day, it’s natural for it to have some issues that need to be repaired.
Luckily, homeowners in Suffolk County can always turn to the HVAC and plumbing professionals at Burt’s Reliable for their water heater repair needs. We also handle water heater installations and general maintenance. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the common problems that water heaters can experience and how our team addresses them.
This is a frequent complaint from folks and one almost anyone can relate to. How many times have you been surprised in the shower by a sudden burst of cold water? How often have you tapped your toes impatiently while waiting for a hot water tap to warm up?
Common causes for inconsistent water temperatures: The issue could be as simple as an incorrect temperature setting on your water heater. It could also involve a broken thermostat or an issue with your burner, both of which our team can fix. If your water heater is over eight years old, it might be reaching the end of its lifespan and need to be replaced.
It can be disconcerting to see that the hot water from your tap is coming out brown, rusty or with an unpleasant smell. This issue might be off-putting, but it’s something you might be able to resolve yourself.
Common causes of discolored, smelly water: If your water heater is to blame for the color or odor, the root cause is likely sediment, bacteria or other pollutants in your tank. The best course of action is to flush your water heater or have a Burt’s team member handle it for you.
Take a look at your owner’s manual for the details, but here’s the gist. Start by turning off the burner and closing the cold-water intake valve. Then, hook up a hose to the drain valve and let the tank empty out. Once it’s drained, flush it with some fresh cold water, close the drain valve and fill it back up again. We strongly recommend you flush your water heater once a year to prevent sediment buildup.
Water collecting at the base of your tank could indicate a significant problem with your water heater that needs to be addressed right away. There are also smaller, less pressing problems that can lead to small leaks. We suggest you contact us right away if you notice a water heater leak to determine how severe the issue is.
Common causes for leaking water heaters: At the less concerning end of the spectrum, your system might have a loose drain valve, inlet connection or outlet connection. It could also be a pressure valve failure. Replacing an individual part or tightening a connection can often fix the leak.
However, if your water heater tank has become corroded and is leaking water, your system could be on the brink of failure and needs to be replaced now.
It’s never a good idea to ignore issues with your hot water system, especially if they may indicate imminent failure. Our licensed, experienced team can quickly repair the problem with your water heater. If it’s past repair, we can promptly find a replacement system and get it in place before you lose hot water in your home.
Your home comfort is our top priority. Reach out to Burt’s Reliable today and tell us what kind of equipment service you need. We’ll take care of it!