The way your water heater operates is actually rather simplistic. Hot water naturally rises over cold water, which has a higher density, and the design of a storage tank water heater takes advantage of this. Water heats up at the bottom of the tank as it enters and then rises to the top where it returns to your pipes after it exits through a small tube located at the top. Despite the relatively simple operation of this unit, it can still run into some common problems without the proper maintenance.
A tankless water is a little bit more complex, as a computer alerts the unit when to turn on and off. But tankless units can run into some of the same issues that storage tanks do. When you notice any of the following problems with your system, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) for water heater repair. And be sure to call regularly for maintenance to prevent such trouble from occurring.
- Rust – Unfortunately, rust often means that you need to replace your water heater. Rust leads to corrosion, and a leak in your water heater would be disastrous. However, sometimes, only one or two parts need replacement. Rust can afflict both a tankless or storage tank water heater, but yearly maintenance can help to prevent it.
- Mineral Buildup – A large percentage of homes have a problem with “hard water.” Hard water means that there is an excess of minerals in the water, which can affect your plumbing system and your water heater. When too many minerals are in the tank, they can block the pipes and increase the pressure, leading to dangerous conditions in the tank. Technicians will flush the tank and may recommend a water softener for your water supply.
- Improper Sizing – Another problem common to water heaters that sometimes leads to an early demise is improper sizing. Do you assume that running out of hot water quickly is a normal part of owning a water heater? It shouldn’t be. This often means that your water heater is too small. You may need a larger tank to get the heating you need, or you may need an additional tankless unit.
Call on the friendly folks at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) for water heater repair in Casselberry or for an annual maintenance visit.