Don’t Let a Faulty Water Heater Affect Your Home

Signs That the Water Heater Needs Service

A water heater is an essential household appliance often overlooked until the moment it malfunctions, like being greeted with a cold shower on a chilly morning can be jarring. Understanding the signs that a water heater needs professional attention is vital in preventing such unpleasant surprises. This blog will share various signs that a water heater is experiencing issues and requires attention from a professional. 

It’s Making Unusual Sounds

soundsThe sounds a machine makes can tell a lot about the state it is currently in. Loud, popping sounds from the water heater, for example, may be due to excess sediment in the water heater tank and maintenance being neglected. Over time, the sediment and mineral deposits can form a hardened layer over the heating element or along the inside wall of the water tank, which creates a loud popping noise as heat builds up inside the tank.

This indicates the water heater needs maintenance, which involves having a plumber drain and flush the hot water tank and check the anode rod to see if it needs to be replaced. These essential water heater maintenance tasks help the unit perform efficiently and help prevent tank corrosion which would require replacing the water heater early. 

Hot Water in the Home Is Smelly and Discolored

sinkAnother common sign of water heater problems is the quality of hot water that comes out of plumbing fixtures around the home. If the hot water smells bad or comes out looking cloudy, discolored, or tinted red with what looks like rust, it can be a sign of corrosion in the water heater. 

A corroded water heater means that the tank material has degraded over time, which can cause bits and pieces of the rusted tank to come off and contaminate the water that comes out of it, creating poor water quality. When the water heater has corroded, it will likely require a replacement rather than a repair.

It’s Leaking

Any leak in any part of the home requires immediate attention, including if this happens to a hot water heater. Leaks from a water heater may mean that corrosion has damaged the tank’s material and compromised its durability, causing a leak, or the leak may be due to a more minor issue, such as a loose valve.

While it’s possible for a leaking water heater to be repaired if it requires a part or valve to be tightened or replaced, a corroded water heater will likely need replacement. A professional can assess the extent of the water heater’s damage to determine the best solution to fix the water heater.

About Total Comfort Solutions

Total Comfort Solutions has over a decade of experience serving Walla Walla and the surrounding communities. They provide 24-hour emergency service, straightforward pricing, and on-time service. Call them today for water heater services in Walla Walla, WA.

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Benefits of Installing a New Water Heater

Benefits of Water Heater Replacement 

There’s nothing worse than a cold shower in the middle of the winter, except for a shower that starts hot and then turns icy cold in seconds. In both of these situations, it’s wise to consider water heater replacement. While one can hire a professional to render various repairs, if these repairs are too frequent, it could be more cost-effective to get a new appliance. But getting a new water heater installed isn’t a negative. This blog will discuss some of the main benefits of getting a new water heater. 

Saving Money on Energy Bills 

On average, a water heater can last 10-15 years with proper maintenance. Some water heaters (tankless water heaters) can last 20 years. However, one thing’s certain: a water heater’s age shows with each passing year. This generally manifests as higher energy bills, decreased efficiency, and frequent inconveniences. 

Installing a new water heater benefits homeowners in that it will work more efficiently and cost less to operate. The new water heater will be more efficient and save homeowners money on energy bills, so installing a new water heater can actually save homeowners money when the old water heater is inefficient. 

Faster Hot Water Recovery Rate

waterEveryone wants a water heater with a fast hot water recovery rate. That means it can dispense and heat water quickly after the hot water has been used up. As a water heater ages, it generally loses its quick recovery rate, meaning it takes longer to heat water. A water heater that could once heat 25 gallons of water in minutes could now take close to an hour to work as expected. 

With a new water heater, one can enjoy the following benefits: 

  • Longer, hotter showers 
  • Shorter waiting times for hot water
  • Cleaner clothes and dishes 
  • Energy savings 

Space Savings 

heaterAnother benefit of new water heaters is that they can be much smaller and save space. Today’s water heaters are more efficient and require less space, particularly tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters are compact units that can be mounted on a wall, making them an ideal solution for areas with limited space. This is especially beneficial in homes where the heater needs to be installed in smaller storage locations like garages, basements, or closets. 

By having a tankless water heater, homeowners can free up valuable real estate from the area in which it is installed and make more efficient use of their limited space. Furthermore, tankless water heaters are incredibly energy-efficient because they only heat the water when needed, rather than storing hot water in a large tank like traditional models. This energy efficiency also leads to lower water heating costs. 

About Total Comfort Solutions 

Total Comfort Solutions is a family-owned and operated business serving Walla Walla, WA, and the surrounding areas since 2008. They provide straightforward pricing, on-time service, and a worry-free process. Call them today for water heater or tankless water heater services in Walla Walla, WA.