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Water Heater Repair 101: Different Types, Potential Problems, And Professional Repairs | Sugar Land, TX
Nothing is more frustrating than walking into your bathroom only to find icy cold water or discovering that your home’s hot water has mysteriously disappeared. Don’t let water heater issues catch you unaware. By learning about water heaters, potential problems, and how to identify them, you’ll be better equipped to know the right type for your home and make timely water heater repairs.
Types of Water Heaters
Here are 4 major types of water heaters:
Conventional water heaters
The unit has an insulated tank that holds and heats large amounts of water. When hot water is used, cold water enters the tank to be heated by a gas burner or electric heating element.
The main components of conventional water heaters include:
- Tank: The tank is typically made of steel or glass-lined steel and holds between 20 and 80 gallons of hot water.
- Dip Tube: This tube delivers the cold water to the bottom of the tank, where it can be heated.
- Thermostat: The thermostat controls the temperature of the water in the tank.
- Drain Valve: This valve allows you to drain the tank for maintenance or repairs.
These water heaters offer a larger hot water supply but require more space and energy to keep the water heated.
Tankless water heaters
Tankless water heaters heat water as it flows through a heat exchanger. These units do not store hot water like conventional storage tank models but instead provide hot water on demand.
The main components of this unit include:
- Heat Exchanger: This component heats the incoming cold water as it passes through.
- Burner (Gas) or Heating Element (Electric): This component heats up the heat exchanger.
- Flow Sensor: The flow sensor detects when hot water is needed and signals the burner or heating element to turn on.
- Control Board: The control board regulates all functions of the unit.
These systems require less space and are more energy efficient than tank-based ones but have a limited water supply.
Solar water heaters
Solar-powered systems use energy from sunlight to heat up water. They’re environmentally friendly but require adequate sunlight exposure for optimal performance.
The main components of a solar-powered system include:
- Solar Collector Panels: These panels absorb sunlight energy which heats up fluid inside them that then transfers this energy into stored hot-water tanks
- Storage Tank: A large insulated container that stores heated-up fluid
- Circulation Pump – A device that moves fluid between collector panels and storage tanks
- Controller – An electronic device that monitors system performance and adjusts settings accordingly
Solar water heaters are environmentally friendly but require adequate sunlight.
Heat pump water heaters
Heat pump water heaters use electricity to transfer heat from the air or ground to heat the water.
The main components of a heat pump water heater include:
- Evaporator: The evaporator absorbs the heat from the air or ground and transfers it to water in a tank.
- Compressor: The compressor increases the temperature of the water.
- Condenser: The condenser transfers heat from water to air.
- Expansion Valve: This valve regulates water pressure in the water tank.
These units are typically more expensive and energy efficient than conventional water heaters.
Common Issues with Hot Water Heaters
Here are common water heater problems that most homeowners in Sugar Land face:
No hot water
An inadequate hot water supply in your property indicates an issue with your water heater. Possible culprits may include a faulty thermostat, water pressure issues, a leak in the tank, or a tripped circuit breaker. You can easily troubleshoot this by checking the thermostat to see if it is set correctly. Also, check if the circuit breaker has tripped or if there is a water pool near the water heater. If everything still seems normal, call in a water heater repair service.
Leaking tank
Your water heater tank or pipes can develop cracks or rust with time, leading to leaks. Not only does this reduce the efficiency of your system, but it also wastes energy. If you notice water leaking from your water heater, turn off the water supply and call a professional water heater repair immediately. They’ll be able to advise whether repair or replacement is the best solution.
Strange noises
Another indicator to schedule for water heater repair is if you hear popping, cracking, or other weird sounds from the unit. These noises could be due to sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. The buildup can cause overheating, which can damage your system.
Low water pressure
Low water pressure is another issue that affects many homeowners. This problem is likely caused by clogged pipes or a malfunctioning pressure relief valve.
What to Expect from Professional Service
A professional water heater repair can help diagnose and fix any problems with your unit to prevent small issues from developing into a full-blown disaster. Here’s what to expect from a professional plumbing service:
Inspection and diagnosis
The plumber will comprehensively examine the different parts of the unit to identify any problems accurately. That can include inspecting water tanks, pipes, thermostats, ignition systems, and other components. They’ll explain what caused the issue and recommend how to proceed with repairs.
Repair or replacement options
Based on their findings during the inspection, they’ll recommend either repair options or replacement if necessary. They’ll also give you an estimate for each one to allow you to make an informed decision.
Efficiency improvements
The water heater repair pro may recommend upgrades such as insulation around pipes or tanks that can improve efficiency and save you money on energy bills.
Safety checks
Finally, they’ll perform safety checks, such as checking for gas leaks or ensuring proper ventilation before leaving your home after the repairs or replacement work.
Need professional water heater repair services? Look no further than bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of West Houston. We’re the leading plumbing service provider in Sugar Land, offering unmatched water heater repair, maintenance, and installation services.
Contact us today for water heater repair services you can trust!
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