The most common thing that affects water heaters is sediment buildup, especially as the water heater gets older. When water is heated, minerals like calcium and magnesium collect along the sides of the tank and the burner. If these minerals are not filtered out of the water heater, they form a sediment barrier that will settle on the burner and seriously affect your water heater’s performance.

Is your water heater leaking?
If your hot water heater is leaking, a leak from the top is by far the best scenario. A leak that is originating from the top of a water heater, if caught in a timely manner, is almost always repairable. However, if not fixed promptly, these types of leaks can lead to serious and costly damage, as water travels down the exterior of your water heater.

Common Causes
#1 – Cold Water Inlet Valve
#2 – Loose/Corroded Pipe Fitting
#3 – Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve

If you find your water heater is leaking from the bottom, there’s a good chance it’s a serious problem. A pool of water underneath your water heater can often be one of the first signs you notice of trouble. This is a common place to find a leak and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Common Causes
#1 – Internal Tank
#2 – Drain Valve
#3 – Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve

WHEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY WATER HEATER?
Most hot water heaters will last around eight to twelve years. Once they’ve been around for this long, they start to lose their efficiency and become more prone to failure.

Water heaters are among the top energy users in your home—in many cases, they account for as much as 25% of your home’s energy use. As they get older and less efficient, this number climbs even higher, and the unit gets more and more expensive to operate.

Don’t wait until your water heater fails or becomes inefficient before you consider a replacement. Many options exist today that will keep your home running comfortably and also save you money.

Don’t DIY Water Heater Installation!
You may have looked up videos about how to install a water heater yourself, but our team cautions strongly against trying to DIY anything related to water heaters—particularly ones fueled by natural gas. Hooking up gas lines should always be done by a professional. Plumbers must get a special certification in order to perform gas plumbing services, and the average homeowner simply doesn’t have the knowledge to do these tasks safely.

Wondering who to call for, water heater service, water heater installation, water heater repair? Don’t put your family at risk—if your water heater isn’t burning properly or your tank is damaged, contact Ready Plumbing right away!