You and your family rely on on-demand hot water every day, which means your water heater is one of the most essential appliances in your home. Whether you have a leaking water tank, a lack of hot water, or are hearing strange noises; our licensed, highly-trained plumbers are standing by, ready to help with same-day service on your water heater repair needs.
Platinum Plumbing serves residents in the Bloomington-Normal area. If we can’t fix your water heater, we’ll find the right system for your family’s needs at an affordable price.
Call us when you need same-day burst pipe repair.
Which Water Heater is Best for Your Home?
Most homeowners use the same kind of water heater installed when they purchased their house, which is usually gas or electric. However, today, residents have other options worth considering if you need something that’s more energy-efficient or offers you better performance.
The typical water heater is rated on input, which means the amount of energy used per hour to heat the water in the tank. Gas water heaters range from 30,000 to 180,000 BTUs, while electric water heaters range from 1440 to 550 watts. The higher the BTU or wattage, the faster the water in the tank heats. Here are the main advantages of each system.
- Electric Water Heaters
If your house doesn’t have gas hookups, you’ll have to use an electric water heater; however, if you have access to gas and electricity, you have a decision to make. While electric water heaters are better for the environment, they also have a lower up-front cost. - Gas Water Heaters
While gas water heaters cost more to install than electric water heaters, they typically cost less to operate as natural gas often costs less than electricity. Also, gas generally is quicker at heating water, which makes them more energy-efficient. - Tankless Water Heaters
You may have heard about tankless water heaters but never considered one for your home. Tankless systems offer several advantages over traditional systems in that they are more energy-efficient, have a longer lifespan, and provide instant unlimited hot water.
If you’re not sure which system is right for you, call the experts at Platinum Plumbing for a consultation.
When to Consider Water Heater Replacement?
The average water heater lasts about 15 years, and while it’s tempting to stretch it out for as long as you can, eventually, these systems wear out and require replacing. Depending on your usage, your water heater may wear out more quickly than it should, so watch out for the signs that your system is in trouble and that you need to call a water heater maintenance company ASAP.
Signs That Your System Is in Trouble
- If you notice water leaking around the base of your hot water tank, it could be a loose part that’s to blame or something more severe like corrosion.
- Pay attention to your electricity or gas bill; if you notice a sudden increase in the price, it could be that your water heater is failing and using much more energy than usual.
- It begins making popping or rumbling noises. As your water heater ages, sediment builds up in the tank, which causes the system to lose efficiency. As sediment builds up, air pockets form between the sediment layer and the tank, and as the water heats up, it causes strange noises.
- If you find that the water isn’t getting as hot as it used to, or if the hot water doesn’t last long, call Platinum Plumbing for an inspection. The issue could be a failing heating element, or you might need a new water heater installation.
Is It Time to Change a Water Heater?
If you notice rising energy bills from an inefficient system or frequent water heater breakdowns that require repair, consider investing in a water heater replacement instead.
Replacing an old, worn-out water heater will help save you money in the long run and prevent future problems before they happen. New water heaters are much more efficient than older models, meaning that you’ll see lower energy bills each month. In addition, new water heaters come with a warranty, so if anything does go wrong, you’ll be covered. Investing in a water heater replacement now will save you money and headaches down the road.
Platinum Plumbing can recommend a new water heater that will suit your home and personal needs perfectly. We work with reputable brands, and offer efficient installations/tuning as well!
You can add value and function to your home with our repiping service. Call us today to find out more.
How Maintenance Extends the Lifespan of Your Water Heater
Having instant hot water in the home is a luxury most of us take for granted; however, if you fail to perform routine maintenance on this important appliance, you may find yourself having to suffer while taking cold showers for a while. Here are the reasons not to neglect your water heater.
- Ensures your family’s safety – Regular water heater maintenance ensures your family’s safety as the water inside the tank heats, pressure builds, and although water heaters have safety devices designed to relieve the pressure if it gets too high, these won’t do any good if they fail to work. Regular maintenance and testing of these critical parts keep your water heater functioning optimally and guard against excess pressure buildup.
- It keeps your system running efficiently – As your water heater ages, minerals and sediment build up in the tank, making your water heater work harder to heat the water and maintain the proper temperature. As your water heater works harder to do its job, it uses more energy, which means higher gas or electricity bills. By calling a water heater maintenance company, you can ensure that the minerals and sediment are flushed out and your system remains functioning correctly.
- Ensures that your system lasts longer – Routine water heater maintenance ensures that your system lasts as long as possible and provides you and your family with years of reliable service.
Are You Wondering Why DIY Water Heater Repair Is a Bad Idea?
When your water heater isn’t working properly, it’s always a good idea to call for professional help. There’s no need to risk the health of your plumbing system or your own health when expert help is just a phone call away.
DIY water heater repair is a bad idea for several reasons:
- First, if you don’t have the right tools and experience, you could end up doing more harm than good.
- Second, even if you do manage to fix the problem, you may not be able to get your warranty back.
- Finally, and most importantly, DIY water heater repair can be dangerous. Water heaters contain electrical components that can be very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
So, when in doubt, always call a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Water Heater Not Heating?
If your water heater isn’t heating, there are a few possible reasons:
- Check to make sure that the power is on. If the power is off, then the water heater can’t heat the water.
- Check the thermostat to see if it’s set correctly. If it’s not set correctly, then the water heater won’t be able to heat the water to the correct temperature.
- Finally, check for any Sediment build-up in your tank. Over time, sediment can build up in your tank and prevent hot water from flowing through properly. If you have any Sediment buildup, then you’ll need to have your tank cleaned out by a professional.
How Often Should You Drain Your Tank?
It’s a good idea to drain your hot water tank every 6 months or so. This will remove any sediment that has built up and will help keep your tank running efficiently. If you notice that your water is not as hot as it used to be, or if you’re having to run the tank for longer periods of time to get hot water, then it’s probably time for a drain.
If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, then you can always call a professional for water heater services. They’ll be able to properly assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
How Long Do You Hold the Reset Button on Your Heater?
Depending on the model of your water heater, you may need to hold the reset button for 30 seconds to 3 minutes. You can find more specific instructions in your owner’s manual.
If your water heater isn’t coming on after pressing the reset button, it’s possible that there is a more serious problem and you’ll need to call a professional for water heater repair. Some common problems that can cause the water heater not to come on include a tripped breaker, a bad thermostat, or a clogged burner.
Is Flushing a Hot Water Heater Necessary?
Yes, flushing a water heater is necessary to remove sediment and mineral build-up. If left unchecked, this sediment can cause the water heater to overheat and/or rust.
Flushing your water heater is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. All you need is a garden hose and bucket. Simply connect the garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and open the valve. Allow the water to run for several minutes until all of the sediment has been flushed out. Then close the valve and disconnect the hose.
How Do You Check the Thermostat on Your Heater?
The thermostat on most hot water heaters is located on the upper part of the heater. You’ll need to remove the cover to access it. The thermostat is usually a small cylinder with a dial on it.
To test it, turn the dial up to the maximum temperature and wait for the water to start heating. Once it does, turn the dial back down to your desired temperature and wait for the water to heat up again. If you’re not getting any hot water, then you may need to replace the thermostat.
What Happens if You Don’t Replace Your Hot Water Heater?
If you don’t replace your hot water heater, it will eventually stop working. This is because the heat exchanger begins to corrode and rust, eventually causing leaks.
Once this happens, you’ll need to have a professional repair or replace it entirely. Depending on the severity of the damage, repairs can be quite expensive. Replacing your hot water heater is much preferable to letting it continue to leak and cause damage to your home.
