Problems with water heaters can show up in many different forms, including various types of poor heating that simply demand better temperature regulation. Heater thermostats themselves can fail, but much more commonly, thermostat problems are really heating element problems, either because the element itself has failed or because sediment buildup is causing the element to underperform. Noise problems likewise can have more than one apparent cause, with the most common being that a failing heating element is noisy. The noises can also be caused by sediment buildup within the tank, either within the sediment layer or if the sediment buildup has reached a hazardous level. Both repairing the heating element and reducing the sediment problem—if sediment has become a problem—can restore the heater to quiet operation and keep it from underperforming.
Water heater repairs may be needed due to leaks, which are a common problem. Sometimes, they're due to faulty valves; more often, they're the result of corroded tanks. A minor leak that drips from the relief valve may not be a serious problem, but it may indicate the need for that part to be replaced. If you have a water heater that is leaking from a tank, however, consider yourselves on borrowed time. Once corrosion starts, it will only get worse. Avoid further risks and damage to your home, and call Horizon services today if you suspect your water heater is starting to leak. Should your unit emit strange noises, a prompt inspection by a professional may uncover sediment buildup or slightly detached parts that require attention. Even if the situation seems not too serious, it's wise to seek expert assistance because, in the long run, it ensures your water heater's components are in good working order and avoids future mishaps that could crop up at the worst possible time. That "time" might be, say, right after you return home in the dead of winter and attempt to take the first hot shower you've had in over two weeks.
The demands for repairing a water heater can be quite diverse, depending on the kind of system you have—tankless, electric, or gas-operated. I know this from having worked on all three types. And I know each very well requires a different knowledge base and set of tools. For example, with tankless systems, you're either looking at a bad heating element or an efficiency issue that's almost certainly being caused by a scaling problem. With electric heaters, you're much more likely to be facing a bad breaker or a burnt-out heating element. And with gas water heaters, well, the list could go on for a while, but suffice it to say that gas problems require a focus across a number of systems. The anode rod in a water heater deserves special attention. It is the component that protects the heater from rusting, which, with any metal structure, is the main thing that shortens the lifespan. The anode rod is supposed to last up to five years, but like almost any component in a water heater, its lifespan can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances of its water heater. To have any chance of lasting five years, it's mandatory that the anode rod be made of high-quality materials and that the water heater be a high-quality structure.
