The last thing you want to have happen is to turn on your shower and be met with a spray of icy cold water in the morning. Water heaters are crucial to helping us start our day and function as a modern society. Just like any other plumbing feature, water heaters need to be cared for in order to provide hot water on demand. 

Despite your best efforts, sometimes emergency water heater repairs are necessary. Water heaters can typically last up to 10 years, but improper care or frequent use can cause them to deteriorate. We will share some of the signs to look for when it comes to water heater issues and some temporary solutions that could help until a plumber can get to your home. 

Signs Of Water Heater Damage Or Failure

Knowing what signs to look for can help you avoid the need for emergency water heater repairs. If you notice these signs, you can make repairs quickly, or make plans to purchase a new water heater. If you notice these signs, you should work on scheduling a plumbing service to see if the water heater can still be used or if replacement would be a better option. 

• Inconsistent heating or no hot water 
• The heater is making strange noises (banging, whooshing, etc.) 
• Leaks or puddles around the heater
• Odors like sulfur or rotten eggs
• Brown water coming from shower or taps
• The pilot light is out
• Cloudy water

Temporary Solutions

For many of the signs listed above, a temporary solution can be used until you can further assess the damage. For example, if you notice leaks, turn off your water supply until a plumber can look at the water heater. If your pilot light has gone out, you can relight it on your own. It is when continuous problems begin to occur that it is recommended to call in a professional. 

Draining your tank is a task that should be done during your regular maintenance. Flushing out sediment build-up will help the heater to run more efficiently and prevent brown water. Doing this can be a solution for brown water, cloudy water, and leaks around the unit. 

When To Call A Professional

Frequent repairs are a common sign that it is time to call in a professional plumber. Working with a professional will help keep you and those who live in your home, safe from hot water or other accidents. Working with a professional also gives you access to expertise and parts that you otherwise would not have. Plumbers know about the ins and outs of multiple water heater models. This gives them the benefit of knowing how to find the root cause of a problem and recommend the proper solution. 

S&B Plumbing has a large team of plumbers and technicians who can improve your water heater. We know what signs to look for and how long typical water heaters last. Working with a member of our team for emergency water heater repairs will give you the best peace of mind. 

Preventing Emergency Water Heater Repairs

There are maintenance and care tasks that can help limit the number of repairs you will need on your water heater. Doing your best to prevent emergency water heater repairs will save you time and money in the long run.

To prevent water heater explosions or other accidents homeowners should:

• Inspect for leaks often
• Perform regular cleaning, flushing, and other maintenance
• Ensure proper installation
• Keep your water heater at around 120 degrees
• Insulate hot water pipes to prevent freezing and overworking the water heater
• Install a temperature-pressure release valve
• Contact a professional when needed
• Replace your water heater every 8-10 years

Emergency Services From S&B Plumbing

Our plumbers know that not all emergencies can be prevented. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services for those problems that just can’t wait. Water heater emergencies are not something to take lightly. We travel quickly to your home or business to get your home back to normal.

S&B Plumbing is a full-service plumber that offers new construction plumbing, gas line installation, drain and sewer services, water heater maintenance, and so much more. We are proud to serve our community and welcome more customers to the S&B family. Reach out to schedule an appointment, or call 801-528-4999.

Cleaning and maintaining a water heater is important if you want to have an efficient plumbing system. Having access to hot water whenever you need it helps make living more comfortable. Your water heater should be cleaned and flushed frequently to have optimal performance for bathing, washing, and cooking. This blog will help break down the reasons you should flush your water heater to improve its functionality. 

How Often Should I Flush My Water Heater?

Professional plumbers recommend that water heaters are flushed and cleaned annually. Removing the sediment or bacteria buildup that can occur inside your heater can limit how well the heater runs. Doing this maintenance service once a year should be efficient to keep your system functional and provide you will hot water when you need it most.

1- Remove Sediment Build-Up

Minerals and sediment can get into your water heater over time. Depending on your climate and the hardness of your water, your sediment build-up can limit the function of your water heater. Flush your water heater to reduce the amount of sediment inside the heater and help it be more efficient in providing hot water. 

2- Reduce The Risk Of Leaks

Corrosion will weaken your water heater which will leave it prone to leaks. Regular flushing by a professional at S&B Plumbing will reduce leaks or issues of moisture damage. Flush your water heater to prevent small leaks from evolving into major problems. Even small leaks from your water heater can cause bacteria growth or rotting in your home. 

3- Improve Your Water Quality

Stagnant water in your water heater can become contaminated with bacteria and become impure. This water mixes into any new water that may be heated causing you to have reduced water quality throughout your home. Flushing the water heater regularly prevents stagnant water and corrosion that can cause you to have hard water. Your water heater should be cleaned often to avoid the damage hard water can cause.

4- Quieter Operation

As water heaters age, they can start to make odd noises when operating. Whenever they are heating water, banging or knocking sounds can occur if you are not regularly flushing the heater. Reducing sediment or other contaminants will help even out the water heater, lubricate the parts of the water heater, and make your home quieter. 

Air bubbles are also common in water heaters. When these bubbles rise to the top and bring sediment with them, they can bang against the tank. Flushing and cleaning the heater will reduce sediment that is causing noises. 

5- Extend The Lifespan Of Your Water Heater

Having continual maintenance for your water heater extends its lifespan and reduces the number of repairs needed on your heater. Flushing your water heater annually can help the heater last up to 5 years longer than typical water heaters. Most water heaters have a lifespan of eight to 12 years. 

Neglecting a water heater can lead to leaks, hard water, or water heater explosions. Corroding water heaters will need frequent repairs to keep them running well. Instead of spending money on multiple repairs each year, having regular maintenance annually will save homeowners money. 

Water Heater Maintenance From Our Experts

S&B Plumbing has multiple expert plumbers that can help improve your home’s water heater. Keeping up on repairs and maintenance is easier when you work with a professional team. Our plumbers come prepared with all the tools and parts they may need to work on your home. 

Our experts can help remedy noises coming from the heater, adjust the temperature of your water heater, flush your water heater, or replace hoses. This appliance is often one that we take for granted, so it is important to schedule the maintenance it needs to keep your home comfortable. To learn more about all that comes with our water heater maintenance service, reach out to S&B Plumbing through our contact form.