At Canyon Plumbing & Heating, we have over 20 years of residential plumbing repair throughout Boulder, CO. Besides providing expert service, we provide integrity and respect so you can trust the work and the technicians providing it. Contact us today when you have a plumbing problem that requires a professional touch.
A spike in your water bill could mean an unseen water leak. Let our water leak detection service locate the problem quickly.
Common Water Heater Problems
If you’re like most homeowners, you never think about your water heater until there’s a problem. Whether you have an electric water heater or gas water heater, it’s usually out of sight, out of mind. However, like all appliances, your water heater has a finite lifespan and will eventually fail. You can extend the useful life with proper maintenance, but be on the lookout for these signs that say your water heater may need replacing.
- Lack of Hot Water: A water tank that doesn’t produce enough hot water is a common problem, which can usually be fixed by turning up the temperature. If that fails, however, it may be that the heating element is going bad, and the unit needs replacing.
- No Hot Water: If you don’t get any hot water when you turn on the tap, it could be that the pilot light has gone out on your gas water heater or a failed heating element in your electric water heater.
- Foul-smelling Water: If the water coming out of the tap has a foul smell, it may be contaminated with bacteria. Call a plumber and find out if flushing the tank will solve the problem.
- Noisy Tank: If you hear banging sounds are coming from the water tank, it’s likely sediment buildup that’s the cause. If you have too much sediment, flushing the tank usually fixes the problem
The best way to avoid costly repairs is to schedule regular water heater maintenance with a trusted plumbing company like Canyon Plumbing & Heating.
Gas vs. Electric Water Heaters: Which Is the Best?
Many Boulder homeowners have the choice between gas and electric appliances such as dryers and water heaters. For most people, it’s easier to replace a water heater with what the home has been fitted for, but if you have the choice, which type is the best?
Both gas and electric water heaters are measured by input, which is the amount of electricity or gas used each hour to heat the water in the tank. Gas water heaters are measured in BTUs, and electric water heaters are watts. The average input rating for a gas water heater is between 30,000 to 180,000 BTUs. The higher the BTU rating, the quicker the unit heats the water.
- Electric water heaters range in power input from 1,400 to 5,000 watts, and it’s the same as the gas water heaters — the more watts put in, the quicker the water heats.
- Gas water heaters are often more expensive to install than electric water heaters, but depending on gas prices, they’re usually cheaper to operate.
If you have the option to install either type or are considering making a switch, consult a professional plumber to find out which system is best for your home.
To restore your drains to like-new condition, contact us about our drain cleaning services today.
Leaking Water Heater Causes
A leaking water heater may seem like a minor annoyance; however, if you ignore it for too long, it can develop into a messy disaster. If you notice water leaking from your water heater, you must call a professional plumber as soon as possible for repairs or replacement.
The four most probable causes of water heater leaks are:
- Cold, Hot Water Inlets & Outlets: If the inlet or outlet connections aren’t secure, it can cause leaks, which is an easy problem to fix. Check the connections to make sure they’re secure, and if not, tighten them to see if that solves the problem.
- Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve: The temperature and pressure relief valves keep your water heater running smoothly and safely. If the water temperature or pressure is too high, these valves activate to drain off the excess. So, if you see water running down the side of your tank, it could be that it’s coming from one of these valves.
- Heater Drain Valve: Like the other valves, make sure this one is closed completely; if it is and you still experience leaks, it may need replacing.
- Corroded Tank: The most common and serious cause of water heater leaks is when the tank corrodes from the inside. Without routine maintenance, sediment builds up in the tank and can cause corrosion to eat away at the bottom causing a leak.
Don’t take chances with a leaking water heater. Call a professional hot water heater repair company like Canyon Plumbing & Heating.
