Three Signs That the Water Heater Needs Repairs

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Is a Faulty Hot Water Heater Affecting the Home?

Water heater problems are pretty obvious to spot. For instance, if the water isn’t getting hot, this points to a water heater problem. If leaks collect around the water heater’s base, this is also a sign that the appliance needs professional attention.

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that problems are inevitable once a water heater hits the 10-year mark. Leaks will arise from nowhere, and the water may only stay hot for a few minutes at best. Thankfully, if a homeowner can quickly recognize the signs of water heater distress, they can get professional help before a problem worsens.

Loud Sounds Point to Sediment Build Up

Believe it or not, sediment can collect inside water heaters over time. This can create something called “hard water,”––and it’s fairly unpleasant. It’s like standing under a shower head that releases a mixture of water and sand. It can even wear on the home’s pipes over time.

Here’s what homeowners need to know about sediment buildup inside a water heater:

Certain minerals will build up inside the storage tank when the water heats up. Typically, these materials fall to the bottom and create a scraping sound.
Sediment inside the water heater does more than creating unpleasant sounds. It can also affect the water’s temperature, causing it to go from very hot to very cold within seconds.
Sediment buildup also causes an increase in energy bills. The sediment makes the water heater work “overtime” to get the water to the desired temperature.

When a plumber checks a water heater, it can provide more insight into the reason for sediment buildup. They may recommend water heater replacement if the problem is bad enough. More specifically, they’ll likely recommend installing a tankless water heater. These appliances typically have fewer problems than storage water heaters.

Discolored Water Comes Out of the Faucet

When rust-colored water comes out of the faucet, this is more than unsanitary; it also points to problems inside the water heater itself. It likely means that the inside is rusted. It also could mean that the anode rod isn’t attracting enough sediment, and now, that sediment is eating away at the water tank.

Without prompt attention, the water heater could:

Start to leak. This could cause drywall damage––as well as high water bills. It can also cause corroded pipes.
Stop working. Without proper attention, the anode rod could stop working, preventing the water from reaching the desired temperature.
Cause mold damage. If water escapes from the water heater, this could eventually lead to mold and mildew growth.

The Water Heater Constantly Leaks

On the surface, a leaking water heater could seem nothing more than an inconvenience. However, it could point to an underlying problem requiring immediate attention. Some reasons for chronic water heater leaks include:

Loose gaskets
A faulty drain valve
Rust or corrosion inside the tank
Severe sediment buildup

As noted, water heaters don’t last forever. It’s better to replace a faulty water heater instead of constantly scheduling repairs.

About Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has been telling homeowners the same thing for years: water heater maintenance is preventative maintenance. That’s why these professionals offer same-day service, no-obligation estimates, and a host of other services. Residents living in Danbury, Connecticut, can schedule a consultation today to learn more.

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Schedule Water Heater Maintenance Before the Cold Hits

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Prevent a Winter of Cold Showers With Water Heater Maintenance Today!

Much like any other appliance within the home, the water heater requires a certain level of attention. Without water heater maintenance, the water heater is likely to suffer through an array of problems throughout its lifetime. Professionals want homeowners to understand the importance of regular and professional water heater maintenance and the details of what happens during a maintenance appointment. Homeowners are more likely to schedule regular and professional maintenance if they know everything professionals do to ensure the system runs efficiently.

Continue reading to learn about the importance of water heater maintenance, what happens during a maintenance check, and the signs that the water heater could be in trouble.

Is Water Heater Maintenance That Important?

Of course, professionals will tell homeowners that water heater maintenance is important but don't take their word for it. Read the facts to know exactly why it is so important and how it can benefit homeowners in the short-term and long term.

Here are some of the reasons water heater maintenance is so important:

Ensures the appliance runs efficiently throughout its life and lives longer than most other water heaters
Reduces the number of breakdowns and surprise repairs which saves the homeowner money
Reduces energy bill because the system runs efficiently longer
Ensures the homeowner always has hot running water in their home

Without regular professional maintenance, homeowners can't guarantee any of the above-listed benefits. Not only that but in most circumstances, if homeowners can't prove that they are up-to-date on their maintenance checks, then it is likely that their water heater warranty will void out if they need a replacement for whatever reason.

What Do Professionals Do During Water Heater Maintenance Anyway?

During the typical water heater maintenance check, the professional will first check and clean around the outside of the water heater. If there is any water pooling around the outside, this indicates a leak somewhere in the tank itself. They will also check all parts during this time to replace any small pieces that are worn down.

Perhaps the most important part of water heater maintenance is when a professional flushes the system. Flushing the system will give the professional a good visual of what the inside of the tank looks like, but it will also clean the system out, so the homeowner doesn't have to worry about mineral build-up and surprise breakdowns.

Is My Water Heater in Trouble?

Water heater maintenance is also important because it shows homeowners the exact state of the appliance. If their water heater is in trouble or showing signs of premature breakdown, water heater maintenance will prevent the breakdown from occurring, thus prolonging the appliance's life.

Here are some signs that the water heater is in trouble:

Inconsistent water temperature
No hot water at all
Inconsistent water pressure
Leaking outside the tank of the water heater
Unusual noises coming from water heater
Discolored water

Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Works Hard for Their Customers

Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning works around the clock to ensure their Danbury, CT customers always have efficient plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. They can also be reached 24/7 via live chat on their website, so homeowners don't even have to call to schedule an appointment. They are the trustworthy company homeowners count on every single day. Call now to schedule water heater maintenance!

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Start the New Year With a New Water Heater!

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Say Goodbye To Old Water Heaters If They Show These Signs

Over the years, water heaters have proven to be an indispensable home appliance. This is especially evident during the winter, when temperatures drop drastically. Water heaters can be prone to wear and tear and damage due to prolonged use. As a result, homeowners need to conduct routine checks on their water heating appliances to identify problems in advance. In this article, plumbing experts share a few signs that indicate that a water heater may need to be replaced immediately.

The Water Heater Has Outlived Its Shelf-Life

Water heaters have an average life span of about 10 to 15 years. However, this depends on several factors, such as the exact type of water heater and the quality of maintenance the water heater has received. Routine maintenance should resolve most complications. However, in extreme cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire unit. Homeowners are advised to contact a professional plumbing service if their water heaters are between 10 to 15 years old or have started malfunctioning.

Some common signals include:

Rising energy costs
Fluctuating water temperatures
Low water pressure
Less hot water capacity

There's Rust in the Water Heater

One of the signs of a damaged water heater is the presence of rusty hot water. It is important to determine the source to find out the exact reason for the rust-colored water. For example, suppose rust is still visible after turning on the cold water. In that case, the problem could be larger than initially thought, such as a burst pipe, usually located outside the building. On the other hand, rust-colored hot water is usually due to a home's water heating appliance.

One of the most common reasons for rust-colored water is the corrosion of galvanized iron wires. These wires are present in the water heater and can corrode with time, consequently releasing rusty water. Another source of rusty-colored water is the presence of mineral build-up in the water heater.

Flushing the home water heater system can fix mineral build-up. Flushing also has the additional benefit of removing sediments present in the storage tank and even prolongs the water heater's life.

The Tank Is Leaking

Plumber kneeling beside a leaking water heater, using a wrench, with a toolbox and water pooling on the floor, highlighting the importance of maintenance and repairs for plumbing issues.

Because the tank is part of the water heater, it is usually insulated. Leaking tanks are difficult to identify since they are not easily detectable from the outside, further stressing the importance of routine maintenance and checks. Wear and tear, caused by age, is usually the most common reason for this problem. It is almost always advisable for leaking water heaters to hire a professional plumber to replace the entire unit.

About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning have over 30 years of experience serving the Danbury, CT area with a wide range of services from plumbing to HVAC. The company offers unmatched speed and accuracy when responding to HVAC problems thanks to its team of professionals who are always available for water heater service!

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Professional Tips About Emergency Heater Repair Services

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Prepare for Heater Repair Emergencies

No matter how prepared a homeowner might be, no one is ever ready when an emergency strikes. It is possible to have safety procedures mapped out and to go through the motions to prevent a crisis from ever happening in the first place. But when an emergency does occur, it's almost promised to knock homeowners for a loop. It doesn't matter what kind of emergency it is either.

Take a home's heating system, for example. Some circumstances can lead to homeowners needing emergency heater repair services. Like anything else in life, homeowners need to know how to handle a heater emergency when they encounter one.

For those interested in learning more about handling a heater emergency and how to prevent emergencies in the future, continue reading below.

How To Know if the Heater Needs Emergency Services

It isn't often that the heater requires immediate attention, but it's crucial to act fast when it does. Homeowners need to have a plan in place, and most importantly, one that involves having a trusted technician nearby for when emergencies occur.

Some common signs of heater emergency are:

Dust accumulation causing the furnace to break down
The furnace is making loud noises
The area around the furnace is burnt black
The house smells like smoke
Compromised integrity due to old age

Any one of these problems could occur at any moment, especially during the holidays, because the furnace has to work overdrive. Homeowners have to understand that their furnace is working just as hard as them during holiday dinner, if not harder.

How To Prepare Before the Technician Arrives

It might come as a surprise, but there are a few things that every homeowner is supposed to do to prepare for the technician to arrive. It typically isn't a huge deal if they aren't done, but it helps make the job go smoother.

Below is a small list of things to prepare for a professional furnace inspection:

Remove all debris surrounding the unit
Make sure all pets are put away
The homeowner needs to prepare to be there the entire time
Expenses should always be talked about before the work is done

The holiday season is upon us, whether we are ready or not. It is time to get that heater checked and prepared for the months ahead.

Tips To Prevent Emergencies in the Future

There are different things homeowners can do to decrease the number of emergency heater expenses. Of course, the occasional emergency is still bound to happen, but local professionals can get there when it does.

Here are a few ways to prevent heater emergencies:

Give the system a break, especially during holiday dinner
Program the thermostat
Watch for warning signs
Regular maintenance

In the end, it is always best to get maintenance done regularly to ensure the furnace runs properly. When done properly, routine maintenance helps strengthen the overall durability of the machine.

About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Perhaps the worst time to suffer from a heater emergency is during the winter on a weekend night. However, when homeowners call Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, they can trust that the problem will be fixed promptly and efficiently with their emergency heater repair services. Call today to schedule heater repair in Danbury, CT!

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Unfortunate Ways a Faulty Water Heater Impacts Your Home

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Faulty Water Heater Problems

Water heaters are one of the great inventions that make it possible for us all, urban to suburban to rural, to have hot water at a moment’s notice. People have come a long way from pioneer days when the only choice for heating up water was on the stove. Understandably, these integral pieces of the home receive a lot of use.

Over time they will wear out and present several signs and symptoms that tell us they are ready to be replaced. While expecting hot water and receiving cold when you turn on the tap is certainly one issue, there are three more signs that can point to a water heater going bad. Read on to discover all you need to know in order to diagnose your water heater.

Listen for a Noisy Water Heater

Man covering his ears, reacting to loud noise, symbolizing issues with a noisy water heater.

Water heaters, for the most part, function on a nearly silent level. You will occasionally hear them turn on in order to heat water, but it should be quiet enough that you don’t notice it operating on a regular basis.

If, however, you begin to notice noise coming from your water heater, it’s time to take note of impending issues with your water heater. Why would it make a loud thumping noise? Over time, minerals and sediment build up inside your header. These minerals settle to the bottom and harden.

When enough builds up, it will cause a loud rumbling noise to occur when your water heater turns on. This is an essential sign that your water heater is nearing the end of its lifecycle, so it's time to start listening for any water heater noises that may be happening in your house.

Look for Colored Water

All water should come out of your faucet clear. It should have no coloration so if you turn on the tap one day and it has a rusty appearance, this could point to issues with your water heater. When your water heater begins to age, it can develop sediments inside which then flow through your pipes and out your faucet creating murky appearing water.

Rusty water flowing from faucet into sink, indicating potential water heater issues and sediment buildup.

If your unit has begun to rust inside, you’ll see rusty-colored dirty water come out your faucet. Whenever your water isn’t clear, you have a problem and need to call in the plumbers to take a look. This isn’t an issue that should be ignored and it’s never healthy to drink water that has enough minerals or iron inside to make it rust.

That Metallic Taste Isn’t Normal

Attention sign in bold red, emphasizing urgency regarding water quality concerns related to rusty water from aging water heaters.

Above and beyond the color of your water and the sound your water heater makes, the taste of your water is the biggest sign as to the health of your water heater. If ever your water tastes or smells metallic, it’s a sign that your water heater is putting rust into the water you’re drinking. This is the number one sign of old and aging water heater units.

Even if your water doesn’t look any different, if it smells or tastes like there’s metal inside, it’s time to change your unit. Water should never be anything other than clear and pure. Anything less is a cause to call out a plumber for an inspection.

Trusted and Experienced Plumbing Experts

Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning serves the Danbury, CT, area for maintenance, repair, installation, and emergency plumbing and HVAC needs. They offer flat-rate pricing, NATE certified technicians, on-time appointments, and always put their customers first.