You step down into your Fox Lake Junction basement or lower level, and … splash. What’s this? Why is there water where there shouldn’t be?
The villain usually isn’t hard to determine. Unless you’re facing an unexpected, really serious plumbing scenario, chances are the hot water heater is leaking. It’s inescapable. A water leak in the water heater catches everyone in Fox Lake Junction eventually.
You might have even noticed symptoms. Was less hot water suddenly available? Did hot showers inexplicably turn cold? The water heater was sending a message.
If the water heater’s leaking, it’s not going to stop. Better call Kelly James Service, the water heater repair, replacement and installation specialists in Fox Lake Junction. They’ll clean up the mess and put in a new water heater within hours.
What will the replacement be? Usually, it’s apples for apples. An electric heater is replaced with another. Ditto for gas heaters.
Before calling Kelly James Service about your hot water heater leaking, note the capacity (in gallons), brand and height of the unit. Pass along this information, so they bring a replacement.
Water heaters survive 10 years on average. Their lives are an endless battle against contents of the water they heat. High acidity, iron and calcium all take their toll.
Calcium is the biggest enemy. The mineral eats away a heater’s mechanicals. Even when using municipal water, a water softener is suggested to remove calcium.
Water heaters can experience other misfires. Gas heaters might have problems with the gas valve or burner assembly. Electric heaters can develop issues with the heating element or thermostat. All can be replaced. Fox Lake Junction homeowners frequently ask the question, are you better off just replacing the entire unit?
Some newer Fox Lake Junction homes have power vent water heaters, which might stop operating for a totally different reason. Power vent heaters have a flame vapor sensor, which shuts off the burner if certain flammables – such as paint cans – are detected nearby. These water heaters are identifiable by a top blower connected to a PVC vent tube.
Many Fox Lake Junction homeowners inquire about tankless water heaters. These units sit on a wall and, instead of storing hot water, heat it on demand. Theoretically they create endless hot water. Their potential drawback is cost. Installing one requires substantial new plumbing infrastructure, which adds up.
Can you extend the life of your water heater? Sure. Drain a few gallons from its lower drain valve twice a year. Doing so removes sediment accumulated at the bottom of the tank.
It’s prudent to look over your water heater monthly. Watch for changes in its appearance or, obviously, leaks. If something looks unusual, and it’s getting older, consider having Kelly James Service replace the heater proactively. It’s less trouble than facing a small flood!
If your hot water heater is leaking, shutting off, or just not delivering as much hot water as you want, keep one name in mind: Kelly James Service. Their promise is to maximize your hot water, and minimize unwelcome surprises … such as wet feet.