Hot Water Heater Troubleshooting
Signs of Failure in Your Old Hot Water Heater
The typical gas hot water heater is expected to last 8-12 years before replacement is required. An electric water tank tend to last slightly longer. Here are some signs of impending failure to watch for:
- No Hot Water
If your water tank stops heating water, it could be any of several reasons:
the pilot has gone out. Follow your owners manual instructions to relight the pilot. Other reasons include gas turned off, water turned off or pressure too low, etc. If you are unsure, call All About Plumbing, Inc and we will troubleshoot your hot water tank for you.
- Thermostat is bad
Thermostats are a safety item that keeps gas from running when there is no flame burning it. They are easily and inexpensively replaced. If your tank tries to light then shuts off, this is the first place we look. Call us, we try to always have a few spare thermostats on our trucks.
- Color of the flame
The flame should blue. If it is yellow or multicolor it may need adjustment OR water could be dripping onto the flame. This will cause it to burn yellow. Dripping water only gets worse with a hot water tank, check it as soon as possible before it begins flooding.
- Hissing Sound
The only sound you should hear is the normal sound the natural gas makes as it moves in the system. If you hear hissing, or hear hissing with a yellow flame, this is likely caused by a large drip of water onto the flame. The drip will get worse and it is only a matter of time before you have a water flood on your floor.
- Pressure Relief Valve
If you see water dripping out of the pressure relief valve pipe, it may be failing. If it totally fails you will have a flood. These seldom fail but are are often easily and inexpensively replaced.
- Water on the Floor
If you see water under your tank, or around it, this is a sign that the tank has failed and is leaking. It will get worse and the tank needs to be replaced. Do it now, as it will leak only increase over time. Eventually you have wall or floor damage. If your tank is on the 2nd floor you may also damage the ceiling below it.
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Office Hours: M-F 9-5
Emergencies: 24/7 including holidays!
If it is Determined You Need a New Hot Water Heater
If you have an old, failing hot water tank or one that cannot be reliably (and inexpensively) repaired, it may be time to consider replacing it. We can help. We have in stock 40, 50 and 75 gallon Lochinvar hot water tanks. 100 gallon tanks are available within a few days. Ask us about tankless water heaters that can reliably provide limitless hot water (never run out!) and can be mounted to the wall giving you more floor space.
Our hot water heater package includes all this for one low price:
- Safely Drain Water
We will shut off your water and safely drain the hot water currently in the tank to ensure it doesn't spill on the floor.
- Remove Old Tank
We will turn off electric or gas and disconnect from source, turn off water supply and disconnect. Only then will we remove the physical tank and dispose of the old hot water tank at no cost to you.
- Install New Heater
We will physically move the new tank into position.
- Connect Power Source
Connect electric or gas line. If replacing with a gas tank, we will replace the gas line shutoff valve as a safety precaution, too!
- Connect Water Lines
We will connect to water lines. If the water supply shutoff valve is aging, dripping or in need of replacement we can do this also.
- Exhaust Line
If your current exhaust is 3 inch, we can bring you up to local building codes with an approved 4 inch exhaust and connect. This is a safety issue we can quickly correct. There is a small additional charge for this, but it is done only when needed.
- Get Ready for Hot Water
We will fill the tank, light the pilot and ensure the tank begins heating water. It is normal and typical for some air to escape from faucets in the home. Don't worry, this will stop in a few moments when you initially run your hot water.
- Test Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
A vital part of water heater installation is the provision of a temperature and pressure relief valve and relief line. The relief system is designed to let off excess heat and pressure automatically. We will test to ensure this safety feture if working as it should.
- Final Safety Check
We will check for water leaks and gas leaks at the new tank connections.
New Hot Water Tank WARRANTY
Lochinvar Hot Water Tanks carry a 6 year manufacturer's warranty.
Manufacturer Warranty Document
All About Plumbing, Inc provides a 1 year labor warranty.
Should any issues arise you are covered!
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