Plumber checking a water heater.

Water Heater Repair and Replacement

Water heaters are an important part of every household. They provide almost instant access to hot water, allowing you to enjoy a hot shower, wash clothes, and clean dishes. If you are finding that it takes forever for your water heater to heat up, you may need to repair or replace your water heater.

The trusted team at Bewley Plumbing can help you get your water heater back into working order by offering quick and reliable installation, repair, and replacement services. Don’t let cold water ruin your day; instead, contact our experienced team today!

Water Heater Installation

When you are building a brand new house, there are a lot of choices you have to make. From picking out the cabinetry to the floors to everything in between for your home, these choices are both exciting and daunting. One of the biggest choices you will make concerns the type of water heater you will have installed in your home.

Water heaters come in two types: traditional water heaters and tankless water heaters. Here is a quick overview of both.

Traditional Water Heaters

Traditional water heaters operate by constantly heating stored water to keep it at the optimal temperature as set by the thermostat. Traditional water heaters have storage tanks that can hold between 35-50 gallons of water depending on the chosen size.

These heaters operate either from gas or from electricity. Gas-powered traditional water heaters require vents in order to safely remove the exhaust created from combustion. 

Electric water heaters need to run constantly to ensure that the stored water is kept at the right temperature, as it does begin to cool over time.

Tankless Water Heaters

One of the newest advancements in the plumbing industry is tankless water heaters. These incredible modern marvels take up less space, provide more consistent hot water, and help homeowners save on energy costs.

Tankless water heaters work by running cold tap water through the tankless water heater where it is heated by either a gas burner or an electric element as it passes through. This provides hot water on demand and reduces the need to constantly run electricity to keep the water hot. As it works on an on-need basis, homeowners can expect to see savings of about $100 per year.

On average, tankless water heaters can provide between 2-5 gallons of water per minute.

Water Heater Repair in McKinney, TX

hot water heater in an attic

Over time, your hot water heater, whether tankless or traditional, will encounter little hiccups as the parts begin to wear down. Regular maintenance can help strengthen your water heater against common issues and help it operate to the best of its ability. However, it is still smart to know what to look for so you can recognize the signs that your hot water heater needs attention. Here are the signs that you should keep an eye out for:

1. Your Water Heater Is Leaking

When inspecting your hot water heater, pay attention to any signs of moisture or leaking. This is often the first sign of trouble and should not be ignored. A leaking hot water heater will not only result in less hot water being readily available, but it can cause your energy and water bills to rise.

2. Hot Water Is Constantly Running Out

Is your hot water not lasting as long as it usually does? Or, is it not getting hot enough for your needs? These signs are typically indicators that something isn’t working right. Alternatively, they may be early signs that your heater is reaching the end of its lifespan. 

3. Water Takes a Long Time to Heat Up

If you are waiting a long time for the water coming out of the faucets or the showerhead to get hot, something may not be working properly. Don’t run late to work because your morning shower took too long to heat up! Instead, contact Bewley Plumbing to fix your problem.

4. Strange Noises When Turning Hot Water On/Off

It is normal to hear some noise when your hot water heater turns on and off. However, these noises typically fade away in a few moments. If you are noticing rattling, hissing, or any other strange sounds coming from your hot water heater consistently and lingering about, there may be a problem with your system. We can help you find the source of the issue and provide solutions to get your hot water heater back on track.

5. The Water Is Cloudy or Rusty and Has An Unpleasant Smell

If you are getting cloudy or rusty water from your tap along with a strange odor, your traditional water heater may have mineral deposits. Your hot water heater tank will need to be thoroughly drained and cleaned to rid it of the build-up of minerals and prevent the issue from further developing into a disaster. If not taken care of, the deposit can create a bacterial infection in the tank or clog the pipes, leading to a dangerous increase in pressure and risk to your and your loved ones’ health.

Water Heater Replacement

two hot water heaters beside each other

Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and that includes your hot water heater. Older water heaters may continue to run into issues as the equipment begins to break down, even with maintenance and repairs.

At this point, continued repairs will not be enough to save your water heater; all they will do is continue to burn a hole through your pocket. If your hot water heater is more than three-quarters through its lifespan, a replacement may be a cheaper and longer-lasting solution than constant repairs.

Signs Your Need a Hot Water Heater Replacement

  • Age of the Unit: Age is one of the biggest indicators of when it is time to get a hot water heater replacement. If your unit is continuously facing problems and is over 15 years old, it is time to get the system replaced.
  • The Water Tastes or Looks Metallic: If you notice that your water tank has a rusty appearance or that your water tastes metallic, your water heater may be suffering from limescale build-up. This will eventually result in the whole system being clogged and could lead to the water heater bursting. Contact our team immediately if you notice any of these signs.
  • Low Water Pressure: Low water pressure could be a result of mineral build-up in your water heater system. This is important to check out if it happens to you as it can lead to further issues.

The Plumbing Team That Is There for You

Whether you need water heater repairs or replacement, you can rest assured that the dedicated team at Bewley Plumbing will be there for you. We perform a thorough inspection of your water heater to ensure that we provide solutions that are not only the best fixes to the problems at hand but also solutions that protect your family in the long run.

Once we have a clear understanding of what is causing the issue, we will advise you on how to best address the situation, whether that involves repairs or a completely new unit. If you end up needing a new unit, we will help find the perfect one that will ensure your needs are met. Contact Bewley Plumbing today for more information on our water heater and plumbing services or to schedule your hot water heater maintenance!

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