There are few things worse than waking up in the morning expecting a hot shower, only to find there’s no hot water because the water heater failed. Unfortunately, it happens all the time because most people don’t think about their water heaters until it’s too late. At Sheely Plumbing Inc., we know how inconvenient it is for the whole family to be without hot water, which is why we offer expert hot water tank installation and repairs for the residents of Alto and Grand Rapids, MI, and beyond. Remember the name Sheely Plumbing Inc., and call when your water heater acts up.
You don’t have to panic during a plumbing emergency. Call us for our 24-hour emergency support!
These Signs Say Your Water Heater Tank is Failing
Your water heater works tirelessly to provide you and your family with hot water throughout the day. Like any appliance, your water heater will eventually fail; however, if you watch out for the following symptoms, you can replace or repair your unit before it gives out completely.
- Foul-smelling or tasting water
- Rusty or discolored water
- Water that takes too long to get hot
- Hot water doesn’t last as long as it used to
- You see water leaking around the tank
- You hear banging or rumbling noises coming from the tank
- The water heater is over 15 years old
If you notice any of the above signs, call us for water heater inspection as well as repair or replacement. We work on all makes and models and proudly install Bradford White water heaters.
How to Maintain a Water Heater
Like a car, maintaining major appliances is wise to ensure their long life and service. Routine maintenance also prevents catastrophic failures because it’s easier to catch and repair small problems before they balloon into big ones. A water heater replacement isn’t cheap, which is why you should follow these steps to maintaining yours to extend its life for as long as possible.
- Check the Anode Rod - If the anode rod is coated with calcium or shows signs of corrosion, replace it with a new one.
- Wash Out the Tank - Over time, sediment builds up in the water tank, which causes the system to lose efficiency and fail prematurely. Drain and flush the tank until all the sediment is removed.
- Adjust the Temperature - For every 10 degrees you lower the temperature on your water heater, you can save up to 5 percent on your energy bills. Also, lowering the temperature puts less strain on the unit, which increases its lifespan.
- Insulate the Heater - Insulating the heater increases its efficiency and reduces its workload.
- Call a Pro - Once a year, call a water heater maintenance company for inspection and maintenance.
If you smell gas in your Alto or Grand Rapids home, don’t delay and call us for our gas line repair immediately.
Water Heater Repair vs. Replacement
A water heater can be an expensive investment, which is why many people prefer to repair their old units rather than buying new. However, sometimes it’s more beneficial to purchase a new water heater instead of throwing more money into your old one. Here are a few things to consider.
If your water heater is over ten years old, if it leaks around the base, or works sporadically, it’s time to replace it with a new unit. Also, track your energy bills to watch for sudden spikes. If energy bills go up, it could be a failing water heater, and a replacement will bring your bills back down to normal levels. Lastly, if the cost of the repair is 50 percent or more than the price of a new unit, get a new one.