What would cause a water heater to stop working?

The most common thing that affects water heaters is sediment buildup, especially as the water heater gets older. When water is heated, minerals like calcium and magnesium collect along the sides of the tank and the burner. If these minerals are not filtered out of the water heater, they form a sediment barrier that will settle on the burner and seriously affect your water heater’s performance. The best way to keep your water heater safe? Call Radar Plumbing for water heater inspection or water filtration!

 

What is the correct color of a water heater burner flame?

The flame should be blue with yellow tips. If it appears more yellow-orange, this is a sign of incomplete burning which could lead to not only poor water heater performance but also the production of deadly carbon monoxide! Check your burner every now and then, particularly if you’re experiencing problems with your hot water.

 

Is it dangerous to have a leaking water heater?

That depends on the cause of the problem. If the temperature and pressure (T&P) valve fails to turn off your water heater when the temperature or pressure is too high, your water heater could explode. However, many water heater leaks are caused by other issues (such as sediment buildup that leads to corrosion), so the explosion of your tank isn’t the top concern. In any case, you should call a plumber if you notice any type of leak around your water heater.

Wondering who to call for water heater repair? Don’t put your family at risk—if your water heater isn’t burning properly or your tank is damaged, contact Radar Plumbing right away!

 

When should I replace my water heater?

Most hot water heaters will last around 8 to 12 years. Once they’ve been around for this long, they start to lose their efficiency and become more prone to failure. And while most people wait until their water heater has catastrophically failed before shopping around for a replacement water heater, there are benefits to upgrading your unit before it dies!

Water heaters are among the top energy users in your home—in many cases, they account for as much as 25% of your home’s energy use. As they get older and less efficient, this number climbs even higher, and the unit gets more and more expensive to operate.

Don’t wait until your water heater fails or becomes inefficient before you consider a replacement. Many options exist today that will keep your home running comfortably and also save you money.

 

Don’t DIY Your Water Heater Installation!

You may have looked up videos about how to install a water heater yourself, but our team cautions strongly against trying to DIY anything related to water heaters—particularly ones fueled by natural gas. Hooking up gas lines should always be done by a professional. Plumbers must get a special certification in order to perform gas plumbing services, and the average homeowner simply doesn’t have the knowledge to do these tasks safely. Gas leaks can make your family sick from carbon monoxide poisoning and even cause dangerous house fires. Plus, improperly installed electric water heaters can leak steam that causes mold growth and water damage. Save yourself the frustration and cost of necessary repairs (or even replacement) down the line and hire a professional, to begin with.