Water Heater Repair Sherrelwood

Typically, when a water heater is in need of repair, it will exhibit some clear warning signs. The most obvious one is that it will stop delivering hot water consistently. You might also get rumbling or other unusual noises coming from the unit. Another sign that you might need to call a technician is if you've started to notice a significant uptick in your energy bills, or if you're seeing water around the base of the unit that wasn't there before. And if you get "rusty" water, that's bad. That's your heater corroding from the inside out. If you catch these problems early, you can usually avoid paying for a full replacement.

Generally, water heaters need maintenance only once a year, but that can differ from model to model and also with the age of your specific heater and the quality of your local water. Annual maintenance performed by a professional can help ensure your water heater operates efficiently and doesn’t break down unexpectedly. Services done might include inspecting and replacing the anode rod, checking the pressure relief valve, and flushing the heater tank to remove sediment that has built up in it. If you notice any issues with your heater, do not wait until the next annual check to have it looked at.

Water heater repair in Sherrelwood can sometimes be costly. It can be more than a simple thermostat repair, which might run around $150. If repair services go beyond the "average" type of service—say, you're dealing with a bad leak or something that requires more parts and labor—you may find your service going above and beyond the "typical" costs to more severe range of costs, like $1,500 to $2,000. Always ask for a quote before you proceed with service so you know what kind of cost to expect.

Determining whether to fix or substitute your water heater is mainly a function of its age and the seriousness of the dilemma it faces. For water heaters older than a decade, replacing them is most often the way to go. Repairs on these units generally do not provide a good return on investment (even though they can be many times cheaper than a full-on replacement), and they tend to be far less energy efficient than newer models. If you're getting the sense that your water heater is just about done for, call a technician.

Although a few small repairs can be managed by the average homeowner, almost all water heater repairs are best left to professionals. Working with water heaters means working with electricity, gas, and plumbing—it's no wonder that the U.S. Department of Labor listed "water supply and wastewater disposal" among the top industries for electrical, gas, and plumbing work-related hazards in its 2020 report. A service technician has not only training but also the experience to handle repairs without undue risk to life and limb. Hiring a qualified technician also keeps any warranties valid.

Postponing repairs on your water heater can cause some major problems down the road. If your heater is leaking, then it's just a matter of time before you've got water damage and possibly mold on your hands. And if your heater has other inefficiencies, then it's running up your utility bills and not giving you water that's hot enough to feel safe or comfortable. If your heater is older, then all these problems are more pronounced, and you're no doubt wondering how much longer it can keep going. Performing timely repairs can at least safeguard your unit against further issues and can also get your utility bills back to where they ought to be.

Should your water heater spring a leak, it is critical to cut the power and the water supply to the unit before proceeding with any inspection or attempt at fixing the problem. If the leak is localized and you feel comfortable doing so, try to determine the cause of the leak. It might be an easy fix, like tightening connections or replacing fittings. If the leak is sizable or if you're otherwise occupied with power and water shut-off, do yourself a favor and call in a professional to either assess the unit or perform the necessary repairs.

To prolong the lifespan of your water heater, you must maintain it regularly. This maintenance includes annual or semi-annual flushing of the tank (depending on the sediment level in your water) to remove sediment that has built up in the tank, regular inspection of the tank and pipes for signs of corrosion, and replacement of any corroded parts (including the all-important anode rod). It also involves inspection for signs that the heater itself is leaking, which, if not detected in time, can lead to corrosion of the tank and/or surrounding pipes and increased flooding danger. And if the sediment in your water heater is the result of hard water, you should be using a water softener.

Odd sounds—like popping or rumbling—that emanate from your water heater can mean one thing: sediment buildup inside the tank. And it can affect the water heater's efficiency and lifespan. Oddly enough, these sounds are most likely to occur when the tank is doing what it's supposed to do—heating water. The heating process causes the sediment to heat up and move around a bit. Not exactly a "water" emergency, but like so many emergencies, it's a sign that your water heater needs attention. You can often resolve this issue by flushing the tank, but if the noises continue, it's time to call in a pro.

Sherrelwood's water quality can affect how well your water heater works—and how long it lasts. If your water heater heats water from Sherrelwood, it might not work as well or live as long as it should. That's because the water from Sherrelwood could be too "hard" for the water heater to work well with it over time. There are two problems with hard water: first, it leads to sediment and scale buildup inside the heater, which makes the heater less efficient and more prone to failure; and second, minerals from hard water can react with the metals in the heater in ways that also reduce efficiency and increase the chances of the water heater failing.