When a water heater is about to quit, it will give you some indication of it. Perhaps the hot water in your shower does not hold up as it should, or there is an unexplained puddle in the basement or garage, or you are put off by strange noises. In all likelihood the unit has run its course.
We can make sense of what your water heater is saying. For over 1982 we have been at the service of homeowners throughout Greater Seattle as South West Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric. Give us a ring at (253) 642-8810, any time of day or night.
A water heater does not just fold without warning; be aware of the telltale signs and you will not be left with a cold, messy predicament.
Hot Water That Fails to Endure
You will notice the supply is not as good as it used to be. A long shower becomes lukewarm before you are done. This is usually due to sediment in the tank displacing the hot water and putting undue wear on the apparatus.
Noises You Should Not Be Hearing
A well functioning water heater is not going to bang or rumble. Popping and such are most often from hardened sediment on the floor of the tank. The water under those mineral deposits will get hot and bubble up, making quite a racket that speaks to the strain on the tank.
Water with a Rusty Tint
Check the hot tap for any orange or brown coloration. Corrosion in the tank is what that means and once a steel tank has rust it is not reversible. You would not want to put discolored water on your fixtures or in the wash, so do something about it right away. If you find rust you should ask:
- Is the cold water affected too?
- One faucet or all of them?
- Any rust to be seen on the fittings or the exterior of the tank?
- How old is the water heater? An older model is more susceptible.
Should the hot side be the only one showing rust then the tank is at fault.
Dampness Around the Base
Any dripping or pooling is not to be overlooked. We can fix a fitting or a valve that has gone loose but a crack in the inner shell of the tank body cannot be patched. Let a slow leak go and you may be looking at a flood and damage to your flooring and walls.
The Age of Your Unit and the Cost of Running It
Some twelve years is about all you can expect out of a tank water heater, maybe eight. Once yours is of that vintage keep an eye on it. There is no accounting for why your energy bills have crept up other than the loss of efficiency that comes with age. Eventually it is wiser to replace an old heater than to keep repairing it.
Call in the Experts
There is maintenance like flushing out the sediment, but an experienced technician can tell when the unit needs to be replaced.
We are licensed and insured (WA Contractor License #SOUTHWP807OJ) and carry BBB accreditation at South West Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric. No make or model is beyond us. Our work is backed by a Guaranteed Satisfaction and we will provide an upfront quote to preclude any surprises. Financing is available if needed. Do ask about Bill’s Comfort Club to have fees waived and for priority on the schedule.
An emergency call is on us, we are here 24/7. If the tank is being noisy or you are shivering in the shower, pick up the phone.
Do not wait until you have a flooded floor to do something about it. Contact South West Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, (253) 642-8810.
