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Why You Shouldn't Do DIY Water Heater Repairs

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:36:55 GMT

Several working parts in water heaters are well-known for breaking down. Water heater repairs are an economical way of avoiding costly replacement. However, these repairs should always be completed by a qualified professional, and here's why.

Personal Injury

Whether your water heater is gas-powered or electric-powered, certain actions, like DIY repair attempts, can be very dangerous. One wrong connection and you're facing some serious personal risk. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, your water heater temperature should be no higher than 140 degrees or you could face a scalding risk. Trying DIY repairs can cause such issues, especially since you're unlikely to be as aware as a professional of proper settings and internal setups. You need specific knowledge of how your specific brand of water heater operates. Without that knowledge base, you're risking personal injury.

Property Damage

Personal injury risk should be enough to ward off any DIY water heater repairs, but if it's not, then consider the potential expensive property damage that could occur. A faulty water heater can wind up causing a great deal of property damage to your home. Of course, if you try DIY repairs and it results in a failure with property damage, then there's a possibility that the insurance company won't cover the cost of repairs. Your DIY water repairs can then get very expensive.

More Damage to the Water Heater

Good intentions can often have bad results. If you don't have the necessary skill set, you may wind up causing more damage to your water heater, which, of course, will be more expensive to repair in the long run. Many plumbers are called in after the fact to repair water heaters after DIY fails.

A small problem with your water heater that's inexpensive to fix can turn into an expensive problem rather quickly if the initial repairs aren't done right. It's best to get a professional to make the repairs from the start and avoid the potential extra expense.

Professional water heater repairs will save you time and money and help ensure the repairs are done safely. Professional water heater repair is also a safer option than DIY water heater repair. Call Carroll Plumbing today to get the repairs you need.

Signs It's Time for a Hot Water Heater Replacement

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 12:19:16 GMT

Your water heater plays a vital role in your home. Therefore, you must ensure that you're proactive about maintenance and repairs. You should also be alert enough to know when it's time to get a new one. Here are some signs you may need to invest in hot water heater replacement .

Age

Different water heaters have different lifespans. A water heater past its life expectancy should be replaced even when it's not causing problems. According to Forbes, water heaters can last for about ten years on average. If yours is older than this, you must certainly consider a replacement. If you aren't sure about the age of your water heater, try to check the number on the manufacturer's sticker. However, remember that the date may not be written in an easily identifiable format. A letter usually indicates the month, and the first two digits represent the year.

Noise

If there's noise coming from the water heater, it's never a good sign. This usually means there is a significant problem. As such, you must find a water heater repair service to check and see where the noises are coming from. In most instances, there will usually be some sediment in a noisy water heater. This is common as the water heater ages. The major contributor to sediment build-up is hard water. A loud water heater is usually a sign that you need to get a new one. This banging can cause the tank to crack, and you will end up with leaks.

Rust

If you start getting rusty water from your water heater, this is a sign that you need to invest in a new one. Water heaters are comprised of an anode rod that prevents the tank from rusting. While these rods can be replaced, if you take too much time without replacing yours, the tank will rust instead. This is when you start seeing rusty water that sometimes smells bad. The rust will break down the tank over time, causing some leaks. A professional can help you determine the cause of the rust and what part you need to replace. If the tank is too damaged, they'll recommend replacing the entire unit.

You mustn't put off hot water heater replacement until you can no longer get hot water in your home. As soon as you notice any of the signs above, you should look at modern water heating options. Get in touch with Carroll Plumbing today for a hot water heater replacement. We would love to hear from you.

Are expansion tanks needed on hot water heaters?

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 20:07:43 GMT

Are expansion tanks needed on hot water heaters?

So, are water heater expansion tanks required? Most cities require residential plumbing systems to be closed water heater systems. When a new water heater is installed on a closed system, an expansion tank is required by building codes. Expansion tanks are not required for open plumbing systems.

What is the purpose of a water heater expansion tank?

The expansion tank is designed to handle the thermal expansion of water as it heats up in the water heater, preventing excessive water pressure. If water pressure gets to high it can damage valves in plumbing fixtures, joints in supply pipes and the water heater itself.

Is an expansion tank necessary?

An expansion tank is always highly recommended if you have a 'closed-loop system' caused by any kind of check valve or pressure regulating valve installed on your house's water supply line. ... However, the long-term wear and tear of this excess pressure can reduce the life expectancy of everything in your plumbing

Will a bad expansion tank cause low water pressure?

Before installing an expansion tank, measure the tank's air pressure charge. When taken from the box, the air pressure in the expansion tanks will likely be lower than your home's water pressure.

What happens when an expansion tank fails?

Often the diaphragm dividing the two systems will fail, causing the two systems to become one. When this happens, the expansion tank turns into a “dead leg” that will eventually cause damage and premature failure to your water heate