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How You Know Your Water Heater Is Struggling

There’s no convenient time for to get your water heater replaced, but staying ahead of the game can mean no cold-shower surprises. Water heaters work overtime to keep hot water available at all times, and we sometimes take them for granted. Can you spot the signs your tank is on its last legs? The expert plumbers at Hawk Plumbing of Fort Worth, TX have some tips to help you understand your heater, spot when something is wrong, and understand when it’s time for a replacement.

WHAT’S IN YOUR HEATER

To help you understand when your water heater is not working correctly, you first need to know how it works. Conventional water heaters hold water in a tank and heat it using either an electric element or a gas burner. A desired temperature is set on a thermostat, usually between 120° and 140° F, and the tank works to keep the water at that setting. Pressure builds inside the tank, meaning you always get water when you turn the faucet on. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, insert the heating element into the water line and flash-heat the water.

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

If you lack hot water, take a moment to check the tank. A pilot light could go out on a gas water heater, or an electric version could trip a breaker. Once you have determined that’s not the problem, it’s time to call a professional, as several things could be wrong. The gas burner or heating element may have failed, the thermostat may be malfunctioning, or valves may be jammed.

WHEN DO YOU REPLACE

You can learn a lot about your water heater by looking and listening. Puddles on the floor are a clear sign to call a pro, as are strange tank sounds or spotty heating. Many factors lead to water heaters needing to be replaced. Over time, minerals interact with the steel components in the tank, causing corrosion and leaks. Older tanks lose efficiency and heat retention as their internal insulation ages. Tankless water heaters have many moving parts that may need professional servicing. If several parts break at once, your only course of action is to replace the water heater.

If you find yourself in need of water heater repairs or think it’s time to replace it and need a professional opinion, give us a call at Hawk Plumbing of Fort Worth today.

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