Sunset Beach Residents: If Your Water Heater is Leaking, Don’t Go Frigid Before Calling for Service!

You walk down into your Sunset Beach basement or lower level, and … splash. What’s this? Why is there water on the floor?

The reason typically isn’t hard to identify. Unless you’re facing a sudden, really serious plumbing problem, chances are the hot water heater is leaking. It’s inescapable. A water leak in the water heater strikes everyone in Sunset Beach eventually.

You might have even noticed warning signs. Was less hot water suddenly available? Did hot showers mysteriously turn cold? The water heater was transmitting 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 Sunset Beach. They’ll fix the mess and install a new water heater within hours.

What will the replacement be? Typically, it’s apples for apples. An electric heater is replaced for another. The same holds for gas heaters.

Before contacting 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 last 10 years on average. Their lives are an endless battle against contents of the water they heat. High acidity, iron and calcium all take a toll.

Calcium is the biggest enemy. The mineral eats away a heater’s mechanicals. Even when using municipal water, a water softener is advisable to remove calcium.

Water heaters can suffer other problems. Gas heaters might have problems with the gas valve or burner assembly. Electric heaters can encounter issues with the heating element or thermostat. All can be replaced. Sunset Beach homeowners frequently ask the question, are you better off just replacing the entire unit?

Some newer Sunset Beach homes have power vent water heaters, which might stop functioning for a totally different reason. Power vent heaters use a flame vapor sensor, which shuts off the burner if certain flammables – such as paint cans – are detected nearby. These water heaters are recognizable by a top blower connected to a PVC vent tube.

Many Sunset Beach homeowners inquire about tankless water heaters. These units mount 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 significant 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. This action removes sediment accumulated at the bottom of the tank.

It’s advisable to look over your water heater monthly. Watch for changes in its appearance or, obviously, leaks. If something looks off, and it’s getting older, consider having Kelly James Service replace the heater proactively. It’s preferable to facing a small flood!

If your hot water heater is leaking, shutting off, or just not generating 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.