Water Heater Repair in Dayton, OH
Homeowners often take hot water for granted until it disappears. A water heater has a limited lifespan and will fail. Perhaps that failure will occur silently in the middle of the night, without drama. Or the old heater may crack or leak, leading to inconvenience and property damage. Smart Dayton, OH homeowners do not take their water heaters for granted.
Water Heater Basics
There are many heater varieties, sharing in common the essential function of providing hot water on demand. The most common type of residential water heater is the familiar bulky metal cylinder. It is both a heater and an insulated storage unit, holding 30-80 gallons of heated water. All water heaters are intricate mechanical devices with several critical components and have limited lives.
Warning Signs of Water Heater Problems
A water heater has many essential moving parts that eventually fail. The homeowner may notice a lack of hot water or a decrease in water pressure. Other warning signs include:
- No hot water or inadequate quantities
- Tepid water
- Low pressure
- Leaking around tank
- Discolored water
- Strange odors
- Strange sounds
- Visible rust or cracks
- Old age
Causes of Water Heater Failure
Failure of any single essential part may disable the water heater. The three most common causes of water heater problems are:
- Failure to Properly Maintain the Tank. Routine inspection of the anode rod and draining and flushing extends tank life and identifies minor problems before they escalate.
- Sedimentation. Water contains particles, and over time those particles settle on the tank bottom, becoming a layer of insulation between the heating element and the water. The tank uses excess energy and water takes longer to heat.
- Internal rust/anode failure. Conventional water heaters contain an anode rod, typically a piece of magnesium, aluminum or zinc to slow internal corrosion. The anode rod requires periodic replacement.
Other common causes of water heater issues are:
- Faulty heating element
- Broken or malfunctioning thermostat
- Defective gas valve control
- Broken pressure valve
- Rusted, unsealed tank
- Damaged supply line
- Water leak
- Unlit pilot light
- Tripped circuit breaker
Water Heater Lifespan and Professional Maintenance
The average life span of a water heater is eight to twelve years. Regular professional maintenance extends heater life. We recommend annual maintenance to include draining, flushing, inspection, and deep cleaning. Draining and flushing expel collected sediments.
A regular inspection and deep cleaning of the coils, rods, and other minor components identify latent problems before they become costly repairs or emergencies. Cost-effective routine service extends heater life and provides peace of mind. Because water heaters are intricate devices, performing DIY repairs may cause more problems.
Repair the Old Unit or Replace It?
Your Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling technician may diagnose a serious problem. In such a case, how does a homeowner decide whether to repair an old unit or purchase a new one? The rule of thumb is the “50% rule”: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the cost of a new appliance, consider a replacement. This is especially true if the unit is older and outside of the warranty.
Replacing old, inefficient water heaters benefits homeowners in several ways:
- Improved energy efficiency
- Reduced utility bills
- Fewer repairs
- Improved hot water recovery rate
Choosing a New Water Heater
Choosing from among a host of water heater alternatives can be a daunting task. Conventional? Tankless? Will it fit? Is any extra electrical or plumbing work necessary? Our team of Dayton, OH professionals is here to help. Trust Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling professionals to suggest quality, lasting solutions, without pushing flashy or expensive products. We will assist you in selecting a water heater size for your budget and domestic needs. Summers wants to save you money while providing an effective solution.
Use Trusted, Experienced Professionals
Leave water heater services in the hands of experienced Summers plumbers. Licensed installation by Summers ensures all codes and safety standards are met. We properly size the heater to meet domestic needs. Our staff provides sound maintenance advice to maximize heater life. Professional installation and servicing reduce the chances of drama and damage that often accompany the DIY scenario.
Why Choose Summers Plumbing?
Choose Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling as your plumbing professional for its reputation for integrity, competence, and fair prices. Summers is licensed, insured, and bonded for your peace of mind. We offer the finest products, together with competitive financing. Emergency plumbing services are available around the clock. Friendly, local Summers technicians are just around the corner. Expect prompt, courteous service and fair prices.
