Water Heater Repair Service in Memphis
There has likely been at least one time in your life when you’ve been in the shower and suddenly, you are drenched in chilly water. You turn the knob up, but the water just keeps getting colder. You realize then that you’ve run out of hot water! No one wants to experience moments like these, and if a water heater isn’t working the way it should, it’s best for the whole family that it gets up and running again as soon as possible. Here are some things that you should consider when your water heater needs repairs.
Check for Warranties
It is always a good idea to keep the receipts and paperwork that comes with big household investments like water heaters. One of the reasons for this is that you can look up and keep track of manufacturer warranties. If your water heater fails or needs repair, and is still under warranty, you may not have to pay for parts or even all of the repair costs. A surprisingly large number of people experiencing water heater problems forget to check and see if their heaters are still covered under warranty. Furthermore, many homeowners do not realize that many water heaters have what is called a parts warranty, meaning that not only is the whole water heater covered, but any dysfunctional parts will be covered as well.
Know the Common Problems
If a water heater isn’t working the way it should, there are some common problems that you can look for first. Each type of water heater has its own set of common problems, including:
- Sediment Buildup. It is a good idea to flush your water heater at least once a year to get rid of sentiment buildup that may have occurred.
- Leaking Valves. A quick inspection should be enough to notice if a valve is leaking. If the valve is old, you may observe mineral buildup around the valve.
- Faulty Temperature Pressure Relief Valve. This is a valve that’s usually found on the top of a water heater. This valve releases water to lower pressure that is inside the tank in case that water gets too hot, or the pressure gets to be too much.
- Faulty Thermometer. If the thermostat isn’t working right, the water heater will not know how hot or cold the water really is and will be unable to heat it to the desired temperature. Sometimes, parts of the thermometer need to be replaced, and sometimes the whole thing should be replaced.
- Rust is a sign that a water heater will, at some point, need repair. Replacing rusted parts sooner rather than later is important, and if there is a rust color in your water, it’s time to get it checked out.
Use Quality Parts for Repairs
There is no sense in using cheap parts if they won’t last as long as more quality parts will. Look for parts that have manufacturer warranties, which shows that the company has faith in the efficiency of their products. It is also good to check on the paperwork that came with your water heater because some warranties will be voided if a homeowner uses lesser quality parts or ones that are installed incorrectly. Professional water heater repair ensures you have the right parts and that they are installed correctly.
Age Matters
When repairing older water heaters, there comes a point when the repairs may become more costly than replacing the water heater itself. Storage water heaters, on average, last about ten to fifteen years, while tankless water heaters have been known to last more than twenty. When your water heater nears the end of its lifespan, it’s best to speak with a professional about repair versus replacement.
Premier Plumbing & Mechanical is a family-owned business, and we understand how important hot water is to your family. We are an expert team, able to take care of all your water heater repair needs. Please contact us today with any questions you have.