Residential Water Heaters2023-02-21T17:51:34-06:00

WATER HEATER REPAIR IN SIOUX FALLS FROM HOWE

WATER HEATER REPAIR IN SIOUX FALLS FROM HOWE

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Most homes rely on their water heaters to deliver hot water when and where it’s needed. Cooking, cleaning, bathing and laundry are just a few of things we use hot water for. When your water heater breaks or malfunctions, these tasks become impossible to accomplish in a modern household.

Trust Howe to provide fast and professional water heater repair in Sioux Falls, SD. Our expert plumbers have years of experience with the differences between models, including tankless, power vent, electric or gas. Regardless of the make, model, or application, we’ll do our best to complete repairs quickly.

For older or leaking water heaters, replacement may be a more cost-efficient (or the only) option. Our water heater installation in Sioux Falls, SD, starts with determining the right model for you and your home–maybe it’s time for a bigger one, or maybe your needs have changed. Why not get in touch with our staff for more information about water heater repair or replacement? Our service department is big enough to resolve your emergency with same day service. Call or text Howe today at 605-339-2020.

WATCH FOR SIGNS YOUR WATER HEATER NEEDS REPAIR

Your water heater may continue to provide hot water even when something is damaged. Luckily, there are a few signs you can look out for. If you notice any of the following changes in your water heater, call or text Howe right away to prevent the problem from affecting other parts of your plumbing system.

The Water Heater Is Leaking

Different parts of your water heater can leak, especially as they age. The severity of the problem depends on where the leak is coming from:

  • If the leak appears near the top of the water heater, check the piping connections for corrosion or cracking, as either problem may cause a leak. In minor cases, these leaks may be resolved fairly easily.
  • The temperature and pressure (T&P) valve may have failed or opened. To check, first find the T&P valve first (it will have a small silver handle on it with a tag). Follow the line coming from it and look for evidence of drips or leaks on the outlet of the discharge pipe, which should be near the floor). This can be caused by several things, including a bad or improperly charged expansion tank. A failed T&P valve may also be a simple fix for our experts.
  • Leaks toward the bottom of the water heater may be more severe. The water heater tank itself may have cracked because of age or interior corrosion. If this happens, it’s often better to install a new water heater.
  • Another thing to be mindful of is making sure the flue (chimney) piping and the area around the bottom is kept clear on fuel burning water heaters. This allows the water heater to get the air it needs to burn before safety venting it out of your home.

It’s important to resolve leaks quickly to prevent water damage. Not only is it difficult to clean up, but mold and mildew growth can decrease your home’s indoor air quality.

The Water Is Too Hot or Cold

Temperature issues can often stem from sediment buildup, or a problem with the thermostat. If you have an electric water heater, one of the elements may have failed. Sometimes on gas water heaters the pilot goes out, and will need cleaning or replacement. But what if your supply of hot water starts running out more quickly than usual?

The right water heater should be able to supply multiple plumbing fixtures or appliances running at the same time. Changes to your usage habits can result in running out of hot water more quickly, and surprise you with a sharp increase in monthly utility costs.

Rust or Discoloration Appears

As your water heater ages, internal components may begin to rust. Small amounts aren’t always immediately harmful, but scheduling an inspection or repair visit soon is a good idea. Rust eventually leads to corrosion, which can spread to other parts of your plumbing system. Severe rusting or corrosion will often force you to replace the water heater itself.

Unpleasant Smell/Taste

Even small amounts of rust, chemicals, bacteria or sediment can affect water quality. It may result in discoloration or produce an unpleasant taste or smell. Foul odors can often be resolved by replacing the anode rod. Howe’s expert plumbers will identify the source of your water quality problems and offer solutions.

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SOMETIMES NEW WATER HEATER INSTALLATION IS THE RIGHT MOVE

Traditional water heaters last 8-12 years. A well-maintained tankless model can remain in good condition for nearly 20! But whatever type of water heater you have, old age is a good opportunity for replacement. In the long run, new water heater installation saves more than holding onto an increasingly inefficient model. Often overlooked, your expansion tank plays a big role in the longevity of your appliances and our experts are trained on troubleshooting failed or improperly charged expansion tanks. If you have a tankless model in your home, routine water heater maintenance is crucial to keeping your family comfortable.

Howe’s seasoned plumbers will help you make the right choice on a water heater. Your sense of comfort at home includes affordable utility costs. If we recommend water heater installation, we’ll help you find the perfect model for your home and hot water needs.

Water Heater FAQs

How long does a water heater take to heat up?2023-02-09T14:16:35-06:00

We see both electric water heaters and gas water heaters. Gas water heaters heat water more quickly than electric water heaters and depending on what time of year it is the temperature of the water actually coming in to your house can vary drastically – creating some variables. Water heaters have a listed “recovery rate” that can tell you how much hot water it is capable of providing in a given time. A normal recovery rate for electric water heaters is 20 gallons per hour, where gas models are normally closer to 40 gallons per hour. Depending on how your home was built you may or not have the option to change from a model similar to what was already there.

There are many considerations when thinking about water heaters and our team can help with all of them. If you have questions, or problems let us know by calling 605-339-2020 and we will do our best to partner with you to find solutions.

My water heater is leaking, what should I do? 2023-02-09T14:00:48-06:00

You should call us for help at 605-339-2020! Depending on the location of the leak, it may be able to be repaired, but maybe not. If the actual tank is leaking, it is time for a new one. But there may be a fitting or something that is leaking making it look like the tank has failed. Let our qualified technicians inspect your unit so you know for sure.

What is an On-demand water heater?2023-02-09T14:00:17-06:00

Rather than the traditional tank style water heater that holds 40-100 gallons of water in it and keeps it hot, these tankless water heater units are mounted on the wall and heat water as you use it. They have a higher upfront cost, but they are very efficient and you have an endless supply of hot water.

How long does a water heater last?2023-02-09T13:59:31-06:00

This is nearly impossible to answer. A water heater that is heating soft water with a properly charged expansion tank can last up to 15 years. A water heater with a failed expansion tank heating very hard water might only last 5 years. The water heaters we install normally have a 6 year warranty.

What size water heater do I need?2023-02-09T13:58:01-06:00

Every situation is different and household hot water needs can change. This all comes down to usage, how many people are using hot water and what are they using it for. If there are four kids in your house that like long hot showers, good luck! The most common water heater we install has a 40 gallon capacity and the water is heated by burning natural gas. There are a lot of options, and we are seeing many customers install a tankless or on-demand water heater (more on that later). This is one of those things that we would discuss when it is time to replace or upgrade to make sure we are putting the right unit in your home or business.

What are common water heater problems?2023-02-09T13:56:41-06:00

The most common water heater problems we see are water leaks from faulty equipment such as valves or gaskets. Other common issues are improper temperatures from faulty heating elements or corrosion issues that cause rusty water. Call or text Howe if you’re experiencing any of these issues.

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HOWE DELIVERS QUALITY REPAIR AND INSTALLATION

Call or text Howe today at 605-339-2020 for the best water heater repair, installation and maintenance in Sioux Falls, SD. We’ll make sure your water heater is in the best possible condition, ready to provide hot water whenever you need it.

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