What Causes My Water Heater To Fail?

A water heater failing and leaking can be the result of poor conditions, and while it may sound like a rare occurrence, the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) lists it as one of the top five sources of residential water damage. IBHS has found that after the deductible, damages resulting from a burst water heater can cost as much as $5,000 on average.

Why Does It Happen?

Per IBHS, 69% of water heater failures stem from sudden bursts or slow leaks, so it is crucial to take keep an eye out for the potential problems. Taking a look at some of the more common reasons for this is crucial to keeping your water heater in good working order.

  • Corrosion – Due to its high iron consistency, the steel used for heater tanks are extremely susceptible to rust since they are always full of water. You may notice your water coming out brown if the tank is beginning to rust.
  • High Pressure – It is very easy for pressure to build in your tank, which will result in the heater springing a leak and bursting. This pressure can be avoided by not setting the temperature higher than 125 degrees. A lower temperature will keep the pressure down and save on heating costs as well.
  • Sediment Accumulation – Hard water contains minerals and as time passes they settle at the bottom of the tank. Unfortunately, they block the burner resulting in the plate needing to burn hotter to be effective. This unnecessary overheating is detrimental to your tank and will destroy it over time.

Keeping Your Water Heater Safe

There are many things which can go wrong with your heater and when the worst strikes the cost can be substantial. The best way to avoid such damage to your water heater is through proper maintenance. Having a plumber perform a periodic checkup is a smart way to prevent future problems from arising. At Jeff’s Kitchen Bath & Beyond, we offer top-notch Orlando plumbing services to residents as quality is one of our top priorities.

When searching for an Orlando plumber, look no further than Jeff’s. Keep your water heater in check by calling 407-968-1801 today for your free estimate.

Is Your Home In Need Of A Professional Water Heater Repair, Maintenance Or Installation?

A home’s water heater is quite possibly the most underrated and highly depended upon device a home carries. Smart homeowners understand the importance of an up-to date system and knowing how and where to save and spend on water heater repair, maintenance and installation is crucial. Since the system is expensive and use extensively, you should know the signs that your water heater is struggling and in need of repairs. If you know what to look for, you can be proactive and this proactive approach will save you the most money while allowing for you to get the most out of your device.

Water heaters repairs and maintenances will always be more affordable than a completely new installation. If you monitor your system for malfunctions or problem which can be repaired with light maintenance, then you can avoid being surprised with a broken water heater and high bill to replace it. Water heaters are meant to last a while (how long is dependent upon who installed it and what type you have). A licensed plumber in your area can diagnose your problem and correct it affordably and effectively.

One sign of an issue with your hot water heater is water leaking out around its base. Since water heaters in most homes are enclosed somewhere out of sight, many homeowners miss this problem until it’s too late. It can also cause damage to whatever is under the heater. To avoid this problem it is advisable to check on your hot water heater once a month to make sure everything is as it should be. When you check on it some other things to look out for are a high pitched whining sound or a rumbling or popping sound coming from the water heater.

Unlike water leakage, some signs that your hot water heater needs repair are hard to miss. Certain problems with your water heater may cause your water to come out of the tap rust colored. This generally signals that a part of the tank or the pipes that run the water from it are rusting. This should be treated quickly because a small amount of rust does not take long to turn into a large amount in a wet environment. If you have a gas powered hot water heater you should be on the lookout for a rotten egg scent in the water because that could mean gas is leaking into the water tank.

Someone concerned over the state of their water heater needs to call a local professional to have an inspection in order to make the right decision on the next move to take. The right professional plumber to handle your water heater concerns in Orlando, FL is Jeff’s Kitchen, Bath & Beyond. We offer local Orlando residents the highest quality service in an appropriate time frame at an affordable price. Call us today at (407) 968-1801!

How to Optimize Your Water Heater Performance

Most people do not give much thought to their water heater. This device quietly sits in a closet or basement corner doing its job. Water heaters do not receive and do not require much interaction. Even though water heaters are fairly hands-off devices, a few things can help keep water heaters running at peak efficiency. Water heaters are designed to provide hot water as needed. In order to perform this function, water heaters keep a certain amount of hot water at all times.

No matter how well designed a water heater is, at least some portion of this heat escapes. This lost heat means that a water heater has to work harder than necessary to maintain its supply of hot water. Water heater blankets are an easy solution – they insulate water heaters, allowing them maintain more of the interior heat. Less energy loss means less time spent heating water. Water heater blankets are made of special materials designed for insulation tasks. Ordinary blankets do not perform the same function as water heater blankets.

Corrosion is one of the major problems that water heaters face. Corrosion can affect the taste and appearance of water as well as reduce the overall performance of a water heater. Periodic inspections help to prevent corrosion problems.

Regular professional maintenance also helps to keep water heaters running optimally. Qualified professionals perform a number of tasks to ensure that water heaters are working in a safe and effective manner. These tasks include sediment removal, valve inspection and pressure testing.

Water heaters are a significant household expense. The average water heater lasts for about 13 years if maintained properly. Do not wait for your heater to show you it is having troubles. A proactive homeowner should contact a local plumber to assess and maintain their water heater at least once a year. Save money in the long run by taking the precautions early. Water heater repairs will cost more than any maintenance.

For water heater repairs and maintenance in Orlando, FL call Jeff’s Kitchen Bath & Beyond. Our expertise will ensure your investments last. Call us at (407) 968-1801 or schedule online for 10% off!

Tank Water Heater vs Tankless Water Heater

Homeowners have two options when it comes to water heaters- tank and tankless. Usage and location as well as the energy source will need to be considered when determining which is best for you. Tank water heaters are available in electric, natural and liquid propane models. Tankless hot water heaters are only available in electric and natural gas. Fuel types will play a key factor in determining initial set up costs as well as long term usage costs.

Tank Water Heaters
Tank water heater models powered by electricity and gas last an average of 10 years, while natural gas models typically last up to 13 years before replacement is needed. Poor maintenance on tank water heaters, especially in areas with hard water, can shorten the lifetime of the water heater. Tank water heaters are less expensive to purchase and install than tankless water heaters, but can cost more to operate. Tank water heaters keep a constant supply of hot water available.

Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters can last anywhere between 15 and 20 years with proper maintenance and repair. Tankless water heaters are much more energy efficient then tank heaters because they only heat water as it is needed. The average home owner can save up to $100 a year on their water heating bill with a tankless water heater. However, the cost to install a new tankless heater can sometimes offset the benefits. Gas powered tankless heaters require larger gas lines that can be costly to install.

Considerations
New technologies are making tank water heaters more energy efficient and less expensive to maintain. When correctly sized, a tank water heater will have plenty of hot water available when needed. Tankless water heaters are easier to install. They are smaller in size and can be mounted closer to use points for a faster delivery of hot water.  It is important to remember though, that the entire venting system will need to be replaced when converting to a tankless water heater.

Still not sure which water heater is right for your Oviedo home? Contact Jeff’s Kitchen Bath & Beyond, we will help you make the right choice. Call us today at (407) 968-1801.