Common Water Heater Problems
These common water heater problems can threaten the hot water supply in your LA home or business. Learn the signs that your water heater needs to be repaired and keep an eye out:
Inadequate Hot Water
If your Los Angeles home or business regularly runs out of hot water, it's possible that your water heater isn’t meeting the demands of your lifestyle or needs. Upgrading to a larger or more energy-efficient model is often the solution for ensuring a reliable hot water supply. However, if your hot water issue began recently, it could also be an issue with the thermostat or the heating elements inside your water heater's tank.
Water Leaks
Leaks in your water heater can arise from various sources, from gradual wear and tear on your plumbing to fittings starting to loosen. When the leak comes from the tank itself, it typically means you’ll need a full water heater replacement. Professional water heater repair in Los Angeles is a must for repairing water leaks swiftly and correctly.
Strange Noises and Vibrations
Odd knocking or rumbling noises from your water heater usually indicate sediment buildup inside the tank. When the water heater’s heating element operates, it disturbs the sediment and creates these loud sounds. The solution involves hooking up the water heater to a hose and then draining and flushing out the buildup. There are several additional steps required to drain the tank safely without damaging your water heater, so it’s a good idea to understand them before attempting to drain the water heater on your own. For this reason, many homeowners seek a professional to drain the tank during water heater maintenance.
Fluctuating Water Temperatures
A properly functioning water heater should provide a steady stream of hot water. Thus, if you're getting a surprise cold shower or suddenly scalding water, you should know that you might be dealing with hidden leaks or a thermostat that's not doing its job. A professional tune-up is one of the best ways available to get your water heater’s temperature fluctuation under control.
Faulty Gas Pilot Light
Having trouble getting hot water from your gas heater? Your pilot light might not be igniting the gas correctly. Troubleshooting this problem requires a detailed inspection by a professional, focusing on the pilot light mechanism, including the thermocouple and sensors. Moreover, a glitch with the pilot light could be a warning sign of more extensive problems with your gas setup. It's important to get these issues sorted out quickly to prevent further complications.
Water Heater Lifespan
Most water heaters are built to last anywhere from 8 to 12 years. However, with the right care and regular maintenance, they can stay operational for much longer. Keeping on top of any mechanical issues as soon as they pop up is key to making your water heater last longer. It's a good move to familiarize yourself with the typical plumbing problems that might affect traditional or tankless water heaters in Los Angeles, depending on which type you own.
Roto-Rooter’s Water Heater Repair Services in LA
When your water heater goes wild, Roto-Rooter of Los Angeles is always ready to tame the beast.
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Tips for Water Heater Maintenance
These expert tips from Roto-Rooter will help you keep your water heater in the best shape possible:
Conduct Regular Inspections
It’s important to get in the habit of performing regular checks on your water heater for leaks, strange sounds, or fluctuations in temperature control. Spotting these issues early is the key to preventing them from turning into bigger, more expensive repairs down the line.
Flush the Tank Once a Year
Los Angeles' hard water can be tough on water heaters. Mineral deposits from hard water create sediment buildup inside the tank, which makes a yearly tank flush important for those with traditional tank-based water heaters. While it’s possible to DIY this job by using a hose to drain your tank, the experts at Roto-Rooter of Los Angeles can save you a whole lot of time, effort, and mess.
Insulate Your Older Water Heater
Cooler winter evenings make your water heater work harder and less efficiently, even in the warmer climate of LA. Wrapping your older water heater in a special insulation blanket and situating it in a well-insulated spot can help maintain its operation in chilly conditions. Roto-Rooter’s team is ready to guide you to the optimal placement and insulation options for your water heater. Thankfully, the federal government mandated better insulation for water heaters back in 2015, meaning newer models are far more efficient and, therefore, do not need an extra insulation blanket to make them more efficient.
Pay Attention to the Anode Rod
Your water heater’s anode rod, often referred to as the "sacrifice rod," plays a crucial role in preventing corrosion. The rod attracts corrosion to itself, protecting the tank. Once the anode rod wears down to half its size or smaller, it’s time to replace it to ensure your water heater remains free from rust.
Lower Your Water Temperature
Many water heaters are programmed at temperatures higher than what the average home or business owner needs. Lowering the setting to around 120ºF can be a smart move — it saves on energy costs, minimizes strain on your heater, and lessens the risk of being scalded by water that’s too hot. This is especially important for households with young children and elderly residents.
Schedule Regular Professional Inspections
While monitoring your water heater on your own is valuable, the perspective of a professional can be a game-changer. The experienced plumbers at Roto-Rooter are on standby for both routine maintenance and urgent repairs, bringing years of expertise to effectively diagnose and resolve any plumbing issue.