A Go-To Guide for Your Equipment
Nothing ruins a morning like a surprise cold shower. You likely don’t think much about your water heater until something goes wrong, but when it does … you’ll want it fixed as soon as possible! Water heaters, just like other components of your plumbing system, can show signs of problems before they become urgent. It can be helpful to know more about your equipment so you can feel confident that everything is working as intended!
In this blog, you’ll learn more about your unit and what to keep an eye out for to prevent damage and breakdowns. And if you do find yourself in need of water heater repair—know that your local plumbing company will always be available to help!
Tanked vs. Tankless Water Heaters
Did you know there are different kinds of water heaters? It’s important to know which you have in your home, so you know what you can expect from your equipment. Tanked water heaters are best for homes that use a large amount of hot water and for homeowners who want lower installation costs. However, they also take up more space, which can be a deterrent for families with less room for storage. These units hold pre-heated water, providing instant access to larger amounts of hot water whenever you need it. However, they are also less efficient and can be more expensive to replace, leading to potentially higher costs in the future. Tanked water heaters tend to last 10-15 years. Tankless water heaters are smaller units that heat the water as needed. This means the hot water isn’t available immediately, but it does use less energy, as it isn’t heating constantly. Using less energy can also lead to lower utility bills, though the maintenance and installation costs for tankless units can be more expensive. Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than tanked units, with some lasting 20 years or longer. Depending on your family’s water needs, a tanked or tankless unit may be a better fit for your home!
What To Do When Things Cool Down
The most immediate sign of trouble with your water heater is an obvious one: no hot water. This may indicate a defective component in your equipment that will need repair or replacement. But, watch out for these other, less obvious signs of potential issues to keep you ahead of the problem:
• Temperature variations. If your water is running too hot or too cold, you may need to adjust your settings or have a professional assess the situation.
• Unusual noises. If you’re noticing rumbling, popping, screeching, or other new sounds coming from your equipment, it’s important to have a technician determine the cause.
• Leaking around fittings or base. Leaks may point to various issues from faulty connections to tank corrosion. Leaking water can damage the area around your heater, so it’s important to have this checked and fixed quickly.
• Discolored water or rust. If you notice discoloration, you should have your equipment professionally checked for disrepair.
If an expert determines that the issue you’re seeing is minor, or if your unit is relatively new, it’s likely that you’ll be able to repair the components. If you find yourself calling for repairs frequently, or your water heater is more than a decade old, it may be time to discuss investing in a replacement. Having your equipment regularly inspected and maintained by a professional can also help catch issues before they become urgent. If you haven’t had your unit looked at recently, consider speaking with a professional about scheduling a tune-up!
Trust Timo’s With Your Water Heater Service
When your water heater is leaving you cold, the team at Timo’s can help. If you’re experiencing any problems with your plumbing in Thousand Palms, CA, our certified technicians are ready to find the solution for you. As a local, trusted name in plumbing, heating, and air conditioning, you can count on us for dependable work and warm service. Contact Timo’s online or call 760.475.9542 to set up an appointment today.
