Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Archive for the ‘Water Heaters’ Category

The Dip Tube and Water Heater Repair

Wednesday, December 10th, 2014

A traditional water heater works under a fairly simple heat rising principle. Hot water naturally rises above denser cold water, which is why water heaters use a large tank that heats water from the bottom so that it can flow into your home from a pipe located at the top of the tank. When your water heater quits working, you may fear the worst. But oftentimes, a problem with the water heater occurs in one of the simplest components: the dip tube.

When you notice a problem with your water heater, don’t want to wait to schedule repairs. The solution may be fairly quick and easy for a technician with a trained eye, or there could be a potential leak that must be addressed as soon as possible. The skilled experts at Saddleback Plumbing can diagnose any water heater repair in Orange County with integrity and accuracy.

What Is the Dip Tube?

The dip tube is essentially just a long tube, often made out of plastic, that leads to the bottom of the tank. This portion of piping connects to the cold water supply line to bring cold water into the unit. There is either an electric heating element or a gas burner located near the bottom of your tank which heats up the water so that it can rise to the top of the tank and remain available for use throughout the day.

There are a number of problems that could go wrong with the dip tube over time. Some indications that your dip tube is in need of replacement is if you notice intermittent bursts of hot or cold water, hot water that runs out too soon, or very little hot water at all. This occurs when the dip tube either snaps in half or breaks off entirely so that cold water stays near the top of the unit. Sometimes, shards from the dip tube can even block the pipes, further compromising the state of your water heater.

Don’t let your water heating issue go on for longer than it needs to.

Contact Saddleback Plumbing as soon as you notice that you’re in need of water heater repair in Orange County. Call us today!

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Common Water Heater Repairs

Wednesday, October 1st, 2014

Your water heater provides comfort and convenience at home, improving your showers, keeping laundry fresh, and helping you with many of the cleaning tasks around the house. But not all water heater repair needs will be immediately apparent. It’s important to schedule water heater maintenance every year for cleaning and adjustments and to make sure no component needs immediate replacement.

Without proper maintenance, it’s likely you’ll run into some sudden repair needs from time to time. If you call a technician because of reduced heating, loud noises, or discoloration, here are some of the problems a plumber may look for when inspecting water heaters.

  • Broken Dip Tube: The dip tube is a pipe that allows water to flow into the bottom of storage tank water heaters. A burner or electric heating element at the bottom of the tank heats up the water, which then rises to the top of the tank due to the heat rising principle. If the dip tube is cracked or broken, cold water can flow to the top of the tank, which means you may not feel any hot water at all. This part will probably need to be replaced.
  • Sediment in the Tank: Loud rumbling in the tank may indicate sediment buildup. If you have hard water, mineral deposits may build up in the tank, and could eventually block the pipes. With regular maintenance, however, your tank is flushed to keep this from occurring. If you hear a loud banging or rumbling noise from your water heater, call a professional who can flush your tank and make sure there is no further damage.
  • Rust: Many people will tell you that rust in your hot water supply is a death sentence for your water heater. However, rust-colored water may result from a corroded anode rod, which simply requires immediate replacement to prevent your tank from rusting as well. The anode rod attracts particle that cause corrosion, sacrificing itself for the good of your unit. However, it needs replacement every now and then so that it does not corrode too much to function properly.

If you have questions about water heaters in Orange County, call Saddleback Plumbing today!

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Why Is My Water Heater Making A Weird Noise?

Thursday, September 19th, 2013

Water heaters are one of those silent household appliances we hardly acknowledge until it suffers a problem. This is doubly true in mild climates without a lot of bad weather, like Ladera Ranch. Water heater repair becomes less pressing if there isn’t a lot of snow or rain to damage the unit, and while wear and tear take their toll, Southern California experiences a lot less environmental stressors than other, harsher areas of the country. However, that makes it even more important to recognize potential problems before they start, and call in a professional to take care of it in promptly. For instance, you may be asking “Why is my water heater making a weird noise?”

In most cases, that noise can indicate a need for repairs.

In many cases, the water heater makes noises after scaling and mineral deposits gather on the bottom of the tank itself. That can result in a gurgling or a clanking noise coming from the heater. In order to fix it, a service professional must drain the tank and clean away the deposits in order to reduce the noise.

Similarly, a leak in the main tank may result in a dripping or bubbling noise. If the water drips onto the unit’s burner, or if condensation becomes dense enough to create dips, then you may hear a sizzle as the water interacts with open flame. Either way, it suggests a problem in need of professional correction.

Many water heaters come equipped with heat traps to help save energy. Sometimes, they can cause fluctuations in the water pressure, which results in a strange ticking or clicking noise heard in the pipes. A service technician can remove the traps and stop the clicking noise, though it will likely result in a higher energy bill to keep the water heater running at the same levels.

If you notice your water heater making a weird noise, don’t hesitate to call Ladera Ranch water heater repair experts at Saddleback Plumbing for help. Our service area includes Ladera Ranch; water heater repair is one of our specialties and we dedicate ourselves to your complete satisfaction. Give us a call to set up an appointment today.

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How a New Water Heater Can Improve Your Home

Friday, August 23rd, 2013

It’s no secret that your water heater is one of the most used appliances in your home. From showering and laundry to many other tasks, your water heater gets a ton of use every single day. Here at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. we have many years of experience offering Laguna Hills water heater installation services and we often see homeowners that wait until the very last second to replace their water heater. However, there are huge potential benefits to replacing your air conditioning system. Read on below and then give us a call if you have any questions.

Benefits of Laguna Hills Water Heater Installation

Keep these benefits in mind when you start to think about getting Laguna Hills water heater installation services.

  • More efficiency – Even if your water heater is only a few years old, the new models of water heaters have achieved incredible efficiency standards. Your water heater likely comprises a large portion of your monthly energy usage. By upgrading to a new high-efficiency system you could greatly improve the efficiency of your home.
  • More hot water – If you aren’t getting enough hot water in your home then upgrading to a new system could solve that issue. No one wants to run out of hot water half-way through their shower. Consider upgrading your water heater so that you can increase the comfort of your home.
  • Fewer repairs – If you’re hanging onto your old water heater even though it keeps breaking down, you may be able to avoid those repairs by replacing your system. New water heaters tend to operate very consistently and replacing yours could reduce the calls that you have to make for repair.

Give us a call here at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. if you need any Laguna Hills water heater installation services. We will make sure that your new water heater matches your home’s need for hot water and that it fits in your budget.

Call us today to talk with one of our experts about any services that you need.

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Water Heater Repair vs. Replacement in Laguna Hills

Sunday, August 11th, 2013

How does your water heater sound these days? Do you find that your showers go cold? Out of the major plumbed appliances within your home, the water heater plays a major role in keeping your home comfortable and convenient. But considering how much wear and tear it endures on a daily basis, it’s hardly surprising that it needs regular professional service. The professional installation of a water heater allows you to take full advantage of its capabilities, but it must be routinely maintained to achieve consistent performance. That said, there may come a time when repairs are inevitable and you may need to make a decision between repair and replacement. In today’s post, we’d like to look at this issue in greater detail.

Give us a call today for all of your Laguna Hills water heater repair service needs.

Do You Need A Water Heater Repair or Replacement?

  • Repair. There are numerous things that can go wrong with your water heater. If you hear a rumbling or boiling sound, that could indicate a buildup of scale or sediment. This often involves a fairly straightforward flush. Alternatively, you may find that your water heater is unresponsive to your calls for hot water. This could be related to a thermostat problem, which is also something that can be repaired.
  • Replace. There are two major reasons to replace your water heater. The first is not necessarily the type of repair, but the frequency of repairs. There may come a point when the quantity of repairs becomes too much. It may make more financial sense in the long-term to replace your water heater rather than continue repairs. The second reason is old age. Your water heater will not last forever, and rather than waiting for it to break down at an inopportune moment, it may make more sense to take control of your hot water supply with a new water heater. Today’s water heaters are much more energy efficient than their predecessors, and you may be able to save substantial amounts of energy with a new appliance.

The line between water heater repair and replacement is fine.

Before determining what course of action is right for your home, call a Laguna Hills water heater repair technician at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc.

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Do You Need Professional Water Heater Repair?

Friday, July 26th, 2013

Knowing when to pick up the phone and call for professional water heater repair service in Irvine is not always so straightforward. But you should trust your gut instinct on the matter. If you feel like your water heater is not performing as it should, then do not hesitate to get in touch with one of the plumbers at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. We can make sure that your hot water is restored in no time. If the repair job seems major, we can also recommend an alternative solution, such as replacement, so that you can take control of your home comfort.

Call us today, Irvine; water heater repair is what we do.

  • Does your water heater make a strange sound? You should expect a nominal amount of sound emitting from your water heater during its operation. This is simply part of what it has to do to give you hot water. But it should not be excessively loud, or unusual. If you recognize that your water heater has developed a strange, unexpected sound, it could be a sign that something is in need of repair. A rumbling or boiling sound from your tank water heater may be a sign that you have excessive sediment or scale at the bottom of your tank, which will need to be cleaned out to ensure safe and effective operation.
  • Does your shower go cold? If you suffer from inadequate hot water, there could be numerous things wrong with your water heater, whether tank or tankless. You could have a problem with the fuel or electrical supply, or possible even with the thermostat that controls the temperature of the water. While this problem may seem only minor, many water heater problems develop slowly and it’s always best to catch them before they become major, costly repairs or even premature replacements.

At Saddleback Plumbing, Inc., you can depend on excellent Irvine water heater repair services from us. We can restore the hot water in your home. Give us a call today, whatever your water heater issue may be.

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Plumbing Tip : New Features to Consider Before Buying a Tankless Water Heaters

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Are you considering buying a new tankless water heater for your home? Our plumbers can help you choose the right model, and we’ll make sure you get the right size and install it for you. If you’re considering a tankless new water heater or if you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy consumption, here are some things to consider:

Energy Use

There are two basic types of water heaters: traditional storage tank and tankless. Tank water heaters use a large tank of water that’s kept hot all the time by an electric or gas burner. As the hot water is consumed, more water fills the tank. Tankless water heaters convert cold water to hot water as the water is being used. In terms of energy consumption, tank-style heaters consume energy to maintain a large supply of hot water throughout the day, even if it’s not being used. Tankless heaters consume energy in short bursts, so you’ll want to take that into consideration.

Flow Rate

The other consideration is flow rate. Tankless units vary in their ability to produce hot water on demand. The amount of hot water they produce is measured in gallons per minute. Deciding which size tankless unit is correct for your home should be based on your family’s typical hot water needs. For 1 to 2 bathroom homes, look for models that can deliver at least delivers 3.4 gallons per minute. A shower and a dishwasher each consume about two gallons of water per minute. So for a tankless unit to comfortably serve both with a little to spare would probably require a capacity of five gallons per minute.

Size and First Hour Rating

All water heaters, whether traditional tank models, tankless, or hybrid, have different hot water delivery capacities. A water heater’s capacity is measured by its First Hour Rating (FHR), which is the number of gallons of hot water it delivers in an hour. Getting a heater with a low FHR could mean taking cold showers. Getting one that’s too large could mean you’re wasting energy.

When thinking a new water heater, first think about how much hot water is used in your home each day. Secondly, call the folks at Saddleback Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning. Our staff would be glad to help you calculate which size tankless unit is right for your home.

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