FAQs on Water Heater Repair Services in 78752, Austin, Texas

When you come home after a long day to find your water heater has broken and is spewing rivers of water, your first thought may be to panic, but it shouldn't be. Modern water heaters are extremely reliable and sophisticated, meaning that there is often a simple, straightforward solution for whatever problem you're facing. Before you call a plumbing service like Abacus Residential and Commercial Plumbers, it's wise to first get familiar with the terms, procedures, and components associated with water heater repair services in 78752, Austin, Texas areas. With just a little knowledge under your belt, you'll be able to make an informed decision before hiring a professional that will best meet the needs of your household.

What are the Types of Water Heaters and Which is the Best?

Most people are familiar with tank-style water heaters, which store and heat up large amounts of water at the same time. This is the most common type on the market, and it's still the best choice for many households. However, there is a new type on the market, on-demand water heaters, that can be a great choice for certain kinds of homes. On-demand water heaters don't store any water, instead using electricity or gas to heat only the water that actually needs to be used. This means that on-demand water heaters don't lose heat and energy through the walls of a tank as do conventional water heaters, and they typically cost less in both the short and long-term. That said, on-demand water heaters don't have enough capacity for many large households, making them a better choice for smaller homes and apartments.

What is Sakrete and Why Should I Put it Around My Water Heater Outlet?

Sakrete is a brand of concrete mix commonly used for making repairs to foundation walls, masonry walls, retaining walls, patio slabs, and other areas where concrete repair is needed. It's also a great choice for fittings and seals around your water heater outlet. Water heaters generate a lot of heat, and materials that come in contact with them can break down and fail if not protected. Sakrete helps keep the area around the water heater outlet insulated and waterproof, preventing premature failure.

How Should I Maintain My Water Heater?

A little preventive maintenance is all it takes to keep your water heater running reliably for years to come. First, you should regularly check all the fittings and seals around the tank for any signs of corrosion or other wear. Next, you should make sure to unplug any electrical connections to the water heater, and inspect and clean out the pilot light and thermocouple every year. It's also important to regularly check the temperature of the water coming out of the heater to make sure it is still within safe limits. Finally, you should inspect your water heater's anode rod every one to two years. An anode rod helps protect the water tank from corrosion, meaning inspecting and replacing it as necessary can help extend the life of the water heater.

What are Signs Your Water Heater is Failing?

There are a number of signs that can indicate that your water heater is failing, and it's important to keep an eye out for them. First, you'll want to check for puddles of water around the water heater, which can indicate a leaking tank or faulty fittings. You'll also want to check for leaks in the water supply lines. Additionally, you should pay attention to fuel or energy bills. If they are suddenly much higher than in past months, your water heater may have a problem. Finally, look out for a dip in water temperature from the hot water tap. If the water is no longer as hot as it used to be, the water heater may be failing.

Water Heater Repair

78752

Austin