Most people don’t give much thought to their water heater problems. You want warm or hot water, turn on the faucet, and voila! Until one day your shower water turns colder and colder and you’re hurrying to rinse off the last of the shampoo, teeth chattering away.
So, you need it fixed, of course. But do you know who to call? Spoiler alert, it’s not a heating and cooling company and it’s not always a plumber. Here’s how to tell the type of contractor you need.
When to Call a Plumber
Licensed plumbers are trained in all functions and components of water heater repair and replacement, including wiring, piping, anode rods, heating elements, and gas lines. If your water heater is making strange rattling, clanking, or banging noises, there’s probably sediment build-up inside the tank. Often, flushing the tank works like a charm. However, if corrosion is present, a replacement system might be your only option.
Stopping a leak around the fitting could be as simple as tightening bolts around the heating element. If wiring, a faulty pilot light, or corroded valves are the issue, a plumber can fix those, too. In fact, a plumber can address low water pressure, rusty or foul-smelling water, lack of hot water, and more. So, make Norhio Plumbing your first point of contact, as we maintain and repair all makes and models of water heaters.
When to Call an Electrician
If your electric water heater keeps tripping its circuit or causing fuses to blow, then the likely problem is either an overloaded circuit or faulty wiring. That’s a job for an electrician. However, if you don’t already have an electrician, call Norhio just the same and we’ll be happy to recommend one.
Repair or Replace?
A well-maintained tank-style water heater should be able to provide you with up to 12 years of service, while a tankless heater can last up to 20 years. Which begs the question – if your system is giving you trouble, how will you know if you should continue to repair it or if it’s time to upgrade to a new, more efficient unit? Before you can decide, it’s helpful to know the age of your water heater. Check the appliance’s brand and serial number and cross-reference the brand’s numbering system to get its age. Considering upgrading if:
- Your water heater is approaching the end of its expected equipment life
- If water doesn’t get as hot as it once did, even after adjusting the thermostat
- You’re calling a technician for repair more frequently, and the cost of repair keeps climbing
So, what kind of shape is your water heater in? The next time it causes you even a bit of concern, contact Norhio Plumbing for a professional diagnosis and a recommendation on the best course of action. And remember – we don’t start any job until after you’ve approved our guaranteed price quote.
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