Water Heaters

One of the worst inconveniences any Keller, TX homeowner can ever endure is a failing or broken water heater. We have all become accustomed to having hot water on demand at any time during the day or night, whether for washing dishes, taking a shower or doing laundry, and having to face the lack of this commodity, especially during the winter months can wreak havoc in ways you can’t even imagine. Because, let’s face it, the last thing you want coming out of your pipes when you are covered in soap is ice-cold water. Because of this, having to repair or replace your water heater should be one of the most important things on your list once it starts to act up, and before you get hit by ice on a cold morning. But, how do you know which is your best option? Should you repair your old water heater? Should you change your entire water heating system? There are a few factors that will help you decide which way to go, so let’s take a look at the most common water heater problems and see what water heater repair options are available to you.

1. You have no hot water or it gets cold very fast.

This is probably the easiest problem to detect. You turn on the hot water tap to wash your dishes and it either never heats up or it turns cold after you wash only a few glasses, even when nobody else has used hot water all day. There are several possible reasons why this could happen, some are easier to resolve than others, but the main ones are usually the following:

  • Your thermostat is not set to the correct temperature – Your water heater’s thermostat should be set to anywhere between 120 and 140 degrees. You can try setting it to that temperature and check again after an hour. If your water doesn’t come out hot after this time, the problem could lay elsewhere.

  • The heating element may have given out – all water heaters, whether electric or gas powered, should be scheduled for maintenance at least once a year. When proper maintenance isn’t provided, the heating element may give out due to normal corrosion and age. This is one case in which you may benefit from water heater repair, but always keep in mind that a replacement might be necessary too.

  • Your water heater’s tank may be too small – if you take into consideration how many appliances demand hot water throughout the day. It may be that your water heater’s tank is insufficient and can’t provide enough hot water for you to shower after you did a load of laundry, put the dishes in the washer, and your teenager has used the bathroom before you. In this case, replacement is probably the best way to go because you can get a new, larger, water heater to fit your home’s demand.
  • The location of your water heater is not insulated – this normally happens when your water heater is located outside and is exposed to cold and rainy weather. In this case, if your water heater is in good working order when the weather is warm, you may benefit from a simple water heater repair and the installation of insulation to keep it from going cold when you least expect it.

2. Your water heater is making loud noises

Most water heaters make very little noise. In fact, you normally shouldn’t even notice it working. Hearing loud noises coming from your water heater means there is a problem brewing that must be taken care of as soon as possible, because there may be a build-up of sediment that is making it difficult for the water heater to work and if left unattended could lead to leaks and costlier water heater repair or replacement.

3. Your water heater is leaking

The surest sign of your water heater leaking is a pool of water around the tank or the pipes that go into it. When this happens you should call in an expert immediately because it won’t stop on its own and could cause damage to your property’s foundation, walls and furniture. Additionally, mold can set in due to the humidity accumulating inside your Keller, TX home’s walls. There are several reasons why your water heater would start leaking, but the most important one is the expansion of the tank’s metal every time it heats water. This can lead to tiny fractures that increase in size as the leak gets worse. Another reason could be that the connections were improperly tightened or have loosened over time. No matter what the reason, once it starts leaking you should call for water heater repair right away.

4. Your water heater is corroded on the inside



If you start seeing rust spots on the outside of your water heater, it means the inside has corroded as well. Sadly, no amount of water heater repair can solve this issue so you will have to talk to the experts to get a replacement before the problem grows to a point in which your home is damaged from the leaks the rusted area will produce.

Should You Opt for Water Heater Repair or Simply Replace The Old One?

There are two very important factors that should help you decide whether you need water heater repair or replacement. One is the nature of the problem and the other is the age of your water heater. At Tioga Contractors we are happy to help you make the correct choice. Our water heater repair experts in Keller, TX have been specially trained to provide the most accurate information based on the specifics of your water heater’s issues and the needs of your household. So, don’t hesitate. If your home’s hot water supply is failing and your water heater has stopped working properly, give us a call and one of our pros will be happy to help you get your hot water running again the way it should always do.

Photo by etorres at Shutterstock

Winters can be cold and unforgiving, and the last thing you want is to wake up to a cold shower or have your heating bill skyrocket because your water heater isn’t working correctly. Unfortunately, most homeowners pay little attention to their water heater until it breaks down. By then, it’s often too late to save the unit, and you’re stuck with a costly repair or replacement.

Tioga Contractors have been offering water heater repair services in Flower Mound, TX, for various water heater brands and types. We’re a licensed, bonded, and insured company with over 20 years of experience. We stay abreast of all water heater advancements and technologies to offer our customers the best possible service.

Common Signs Your Need Repair

Over time, water heaters will experience normal wear and tear. If this happens, ignoring the problem will only worsen and could lead to a complete breakdown of the unit. That’s why it’s essential to know the common signs that your water heater needs repair:

Water leaking from the tank: A small drip may seem like nothing to worry about, but if left unaddressed, it can lead to extensive water damage and mold and mildew growth.

Rusting water heater: Rust is a sign of corrosion, which weakens the tank and can cause it to leak eventually.

Not enough hot water: This could be due to various issues, including a faulty heating element or a problem with the thermostat.

Water heater makes strange noises: If you hear banging, popping, or other odd noises coming from your water heater, it’s a sign that water is not circulating correctly. That can eventually lead to leaks in the heater or even a complete tank rupture. Again, an expert can help diagnose and rectify the problem.

Water temperature is inconsistent: This is usually a sign of a problem with the thermostat, heating element, or the pressure-balancing valve.

Water containing debris: If you notice dirt in your water, that means you have sediment buildup, or your water heater’s anode rod has corroded and needs to be replaced.

Smelly water: Water with a strange odor is often a sign of bacteria growth in the water heater. This needs to be urgently addressed as it could lead to serious health complications.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to seek a water heater repair service to properly diagnose and fix the problem.

Tips on How to Prolong the Life of Your Unit

Besides regular maintenance and repairs, there are things you can do to prolong the life of your water heater and prevent future problems. These are:

Install a water softener: Water hardness is one of the leading causes of water heater problems. By installing a water softener, you can remove the minerals that cause corrosion and scale buildup.

Install a whole-house filtration system: This will help remove sediment, debris, and other contaminants from your water, which will help prolong the life of your water heater.

Flush the tank: With time, sediment will build up in the bottom of the tank. This can cause several problems, including decreased efficiency and increased wear and tear on the unit. Flushing the tank regularly will help remove sediment and prolong the life of your water heater.

Benefits of Professional Water Heater Services

There are many advantages to having your water heater serviced by a Flower Mound, TX professional, including:

Accurate diagnosis: Issues such as a faulty heating element, a problem with the thermostat, or sediment buildup are always to blame for your water heater problems. A professional water heater repair will be able to diagnose the problem and offer the best solution.

Preventative maintenance: Professionals will also be able to perform preventive maintenance on your unit to help prolong its life. They can accurately diagnose issues with your water heater and provide the best solution

Repair warranty: Most contractors offer a repair warranty, which will cover the cost of any future repairs.

Improved efficiency: A well-maintained water heater will be more efficient, leading to lower energy bills.

Safety: Water heaters can be dangerous if they are not properly maintained. A professional water heater repair will be able to identify any potential safety hazards and fix them before they become a problem.

Convenience and peace of mind: Water heater repair can be a difficult and time-consuming task. Furthermore, improper repairs can often pose a safety concern if electric or gas lines aren’t fixed properly. Hiring a professional water heater repair company will save you time and energy and give you peace of mind knowing they’ll do the job right.

When to Replace Your Water Heater

Although water heater repair can often prolong the life of your unit, there will come a time when replacement is the best option. You may need to replace your water heater if:

  • If your unit is older than 10 years
  • If your unit constantly needs repair even after professional maintenance
  • Your unit is no longer efficient, and your energy bills have increased
  • Your unit is leaking, and repair is not an option
  • The unit is showing serious signs of wear and tear
  • Less and less hot water is being produced

Have Water Heater Issues? Tioga Contractors is Here To Help!

Don’t wait to call a professional if you have water heater issues. Regular Water heater repair and maintenance is the ideal way to prolong the life of your unit and prevent future problems. At Tioga Contractors, our team of experienced professionals can help you with all your water heater needs. Whether it’s a gas water heater, tankless water heater, or electric water heater, our professionals have the expertise to diagnose, repair, and replace your water heaters.

We have built a solid reputation in the Flower Mound community for:

  • Providing top-quality services
  • Being fully equipped to handle any size job
  • Offering competitive rates
  • Providing 24/7 services
  • Guaranteeing 100% customer satisfaction
  • Being licensed, insured, and bonded
  • Offering affordable services

Don’t let your water heater go uninspected and without proper maintenance. Contact Tioga Contractors today at 469-789-1293 to schedule a water heater repair service. We look forward to helping you keep your home or business in Flower Mound, TX, running smoothly!

Photo by at J.J. Gouin Shutterstock

We all use the water heater as a basic necessity in our homes. Though, this is the most basic and yet the most neglected appliance in our home. Do you know that a water heater constitutes to almost 25% of your household energy bill?

This fact surely emphasizes on a great deal of work done by a water heater. Usually, a water heater lasts for around 8 to 12 years. This signifies that the installation of a water heater is a task that happens in years and is not a frequent project. Similarly, it also emphasizes on a fact that with such great advancement in the methodology of installation, repair, equipment and the up gradation in the appliances industry, there is no valid reason for us to handle the job on our own (as a DIY project). However, we must hire the professional services of a professional plumber in Fort Worth, TX.

While a newly installed water heater is not much problematic in terms of repair or inefficiency, the parts or the elements of the water heater are now easily available in the market and at reasonable prices. But, this should not be taken as an excuse for not hiring a plumber in Fort Worth, TX. A person who is aware of the technicalities of home appliances must know that a wise decision is always to hire the experience of an expert plumber in Fort Worth, TX.

Following that, have you ever experienced interrupted electric power or a wrong voltage issue? These are just two of the issues that a person faces when it comes to installing a water heater. However, in order to avoid these issues, you must hand over the newly bought water heater in the hands of a professional plumber in Fort Worth, TX so that it can be handled the way it deserves. And this would definitely make yours and your water heater’s life much more comfortable.

 

The installation of a water heater by a professional plumber in Fort Worth, TX

Here the steps that an experienced plumber follows and which makes us free from the headache of frequent repair and maintenance. Furthermore, this signifies the importance of having the right tools and equipment to carry out the installation task. Not to mention, only a professional plumber in Fort Worth, TX is equipped with these right tools.

Unpack the water heater and check the home connections

For a perfect start and the installation, the professional plumber in Fort Worth, TX ensures to follow these smart steps.

  • Always check the water supply, vent positioning, and gas supply for their functionality before you unpack a water heater
  • Ensure that all the required tools are available. This may include a drill or nut driver, pencil, measure tape, pipe joint compound, screws, utility knife, small bucket and a spray bottle
  • By following the given line on the box, unpack the water heater with the use of a knife. Also, make sure that the wires and control unit is not damaged and for this always use a dolly for the water heater and position it accurately.
  • Now measure the both of the earthquake straps. One at the top and under the T&P valve and another at the bottom, at the top of the pilot control.

It is important to make strong connections in order to avoid the leak

The most common problem that people usually face is that once the installation is completed, either they there is a gas leak or water leak issue. And this is because they fail to make the strong connections during the installation process. Hence;

  • Avoid soldering connections by connecting the water supply by the use of flexible copper supplies. Keep the shut-off valve closed and avoid spilling of water on the water heater surface by placing a bucket below. Also, ensure tight connections to avoid the leak.
  • Now place the vent hood in the correct positioning and press it. With this, you will be able to hear a clicking sound indicating the correct installation of it
  • Now put the vent pipe inside and if you choose to use an old pipe then make sure it is free from any holes or the cracks. To make them look good, attach the elbow and keep them in line.
  • Now connect the supply (gas) by keeping the valve closed. Also, with the use of the joint compound, joint the flex connector with the control unit and avoid putting way too much pressure on the unit while to place it.

It’s time to check the result by filling the water heater tank with water

Now, it’s time for you to double check the connections and fill up the water heater tank. In order to get the perfect result, the plumber in Fort Worth, TX suggests that there are few things that you should consider.

  • Once the tank is filled up, check for the leaks
  • Attach the earthquake straps after filling up the tank as the water heater is quite light in weight when it’s empty.
  • Attach the pipe with T&P valve to remove the excess water and keep the pipe 6” off the floor
  • Always turn the gas on by keeping the dialer set for pilot lightening
  • Double check for the gas leak by spraying soapy water on all the connections. Whenever, there is a leak it is indicated by the bubbles coming at the surface, however, if you notice any such issue then simply turn the gas off and fix the issue of these weak connections at first.

By following these smart tips and steps of water heater installation by a professional plumber in Fort Worth, TX, you may easily get over with the installation job in just half an hour. Also, this would give you a relief in terms of reduced need of frequent repair and maintenance.

What should be done now?

If you too do not possess the expertise to carry out the installation by yourself then do not hesitate in hiring in the expertise of Tioga Contractors as their experienced team of professionals plumbers in Fort Worth, TX is well-versed to handle the most uncommon plumbing issue in the best manner.

Water heaters are an indispensible part of most homes. A typical water heater has a life span of 10 to 15 years. At the end of the life span, water heaters generally require frequent plumbing service in Dallas, TX. While you can’t prevent the wear and tear of the water heaters, you can take a number of steps to extend the life of the heaters and save money on costly plumbing repair in Dallas, TX.

In this article, we will share some tips that can help you to extend the lifespan of the water heaters.

1. Install an Expansion Tank

You can potentially double the lifespan of the water heater by installing an expansion tank. This is particularly helpful when you use a closed system like a tankless water heater. When the heater warms the water from 50o to 120o, the water expands by about 2 percent. This means that a 50 gallon tank will produce about 1 extra gallon of water.

In case of a closed system, the valve will prevent excess water from flowing back into the main water line. As a result, the excess water will have nowhere to go but remain inside the water heater.

Rapid expansion and contraction of the water heater will place additional pressure inside the water tank. Over time, this can damage the inside of the tank, resulting in costly plumbing repair in Dallas, TX. Installing an expansion tank can greatly extend the lifespan of the tankless water heater, and also save you from the hassles of calling a professional plumber in Dallas, TX.

2. Install Additional Anode Rod

Another tip to extend the life of the tankless water heater and to reduce the need of a costly plumbing service in Dallas, TX is to install additional anode rods. The rod inside the tankless water heater is usually made of either aluminum or magnesium. Overtime, the rod undergoes galvanic corrosion to prevent rusting of the tank. Adding a second anode rod will provide additional protection against the rusting of the water heater.

3. Regularly Flush or Clean the Water Heater

Sediments build up inside the water tank over time. This can decrease the efficiency of the water heaters. Also, it will result in additional wear and tear of the tank requiring frequent service of a professional plumber in Dallas, TX.

Flushing the water tank can prevent the buildup of sediments inside the tank. You should hook the heater with a garden hose and drain the water down the drain. Consider cleaning the drain at least once a year to prevent the sediment buildup.

4. Buy Water Softeners

The water supplied in some states in the US has high mineral content. Water that contains a high mineral content is also known as hard water. The water with high mineral content results in scaling inside the tank that greatly reduces the lifespan of the heater.

Residents in areas where hard water is supplied should consider installing water softeners. These remove the excess minerals from the water that won’t accumulate inside the tank. As a result, there will be less need of calling in a plumbing service in Dallas, TX to repair or replace the water heater.

5. Pressure Regulating Valve

High water pressure can also damage the water heater. In case the water pressure is more than 90 PSI, you should consider installing a pressure regulating valve (PRV). A pressure regulating valve will reduce the wear and tear of the water heater due to high pressure, and extend its life.

6. Install Walter Filter

Apart from installing water softener for resolving the hard water problem, you can also install a water filter. The water filter will sift the mineral deposits from the water. Unlike water softeners that use  ion exchange resins or salt to remove minerals from water, a water filter simply consists of a filter that blocks magnesium, calcium, and other minerals from the water.

7. Avoid Using Wire Nuts

Wire nuts should not be used to connect the wires of the electric heater to the main breaker panel. The reason is that wire nuts can cause an electrical fault that pose a fire hazard. Most modern water heaters have direct wiring harnesses that do not require additional wiring. However, some have a short wire and require splice connecting to the breaker panel.  Instead of using wire nuts for such systems,  a professional plumber in Dallas, TX will recommend use of an AC disconnect box in order to create a solid connection. This will protect the water heater circuitry from getting damaged due to an electrical fault. Also, it will reduce the risk of a fire inside the house.

8. Use Safe Temperature Setting

Setting the temperature too high can damage your water heater.  It’s important that you set the temperature to about 122o. However, you don’t have to worry about maintaining a safe water temperature with modern water heaters. These heaters have computer controlled thermostats that will keep the temperature at a safe setting.

9. Ensure Proper Venting

Do you have a tankless water heater installed at home? If so, you should ensure proper venting of the device. This is important to remove harmful fumes from the system. Make sure that you install a venting system that properly expels the fumes from the unit. Proper venting will go a long way in ensuring optimal performance of the heating device.

10. Install Ball Valve

Consider installing ball valve on the inlet and outlet side of the water heater. The balls will make it easy to replace and service the tankless water heater. A little forward thinking in this respect will save you money in the long run.

The above tips can greatly help in extending the lifespan of the water heater. You should also consider having the water heater checked annually by a professional plumber. The extra effort in maintaining the water heater will result in great cost savings for you. For professional plumbing repair in Dallas, TX, you should contact Tioga Plumbing, Electric and Gas.