Westland Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Water Heater Repair’

Why Now Is the Best Time for Water Heater Repairs

Monday, February 6th, 2023

Before we get into the details, we’d like to mention that any time is good for a water heater repair. While right now might be a good one (and arguably the best due to the changing season and water use habits), we’re always around to help customers in need. The truth is that hot water is required throughout the year and you deserve to have it. So a trained and licensed professional is always a welcome sight to have your system fixed, year-round.

But it’s true that some seasons are different. We’re in the coldest part of the winter right now and we’re almost into spring. This means we’re depending on our water heaters for hot showers, laundry, and other necessities. And soon, due to temperature increases, we might forget about them until the next fall or winter, leading to some stressful situations. Let’s get your water heater in Parma, OH back up and running again.

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Signs That Your Water Heater Needs Repairs

Monday, August 24th, 2015

We rarely think about our water heaters, since they’re often tucked in an out-of-the-way part of the house and do their job quietly and without complaint. Trouble can always arise, however, especially if your system hasn’t been serviced in a while and/or you have an especially old water heater. Here in Westlake, OH, professionals can repair most problems with your water heater, but you need to be able to spot the signs that your water heater needs repairs before you can summon assistance. Here’s a few telltale signs to watch for.

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How a Failed Anode Rod can Lead to Water Heater Repair

Monday, April 6th, 2015

The typical storage tank water heater is exposed to millions of gallons of water over its lifetime. The most popular kind of water heater in the country, the storage tank water heater, keeps a large amount of water heated at all times in case it is needed. This leaves these systems extremely vulnerable to rust, which can rupture the tank and cause thousands of dollars in water damage to the surrounding area.

Why, then, does that not happen more often? Because of a safety part called the sacrificial anode rod. Read on to find out more about the sacrificial anode rod, and what can happen if it fails.

What is it?

The anode rod is a long metal rod, formed around a steel wire, which is inserted into the storage tank of your water heater. It is often made of either magnesium or aluminum, though zinc is also used in larger systems. While the anode rod is in the tank, it will degrade instead of the tank itself. This is where it gets the “sacrificial” part of its name. As long as the sacrificial anode rod is intact, then the water heater tank will be protected from rusting. There comes a point, however, when the anode rod is just too degraded to continue protecting the tank.

When the Anode Rod Fails

Once the anode rod has degraded down to the steel wire, it loses the ability to protect the water heater. At that point, the water heater will begin to rust. As the rust eats through the lining of the tank, it will weaken it to the point that the tank will start to spring leaks. Eventually, the tank will lose too much structural integrity and rupture. That is why it is so important to check your anode rod at least once a year, and replace it if need be.

If you aren’t sure how to check or replace your anode rod, call Westland Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide water heater repair services throughout Westlake, OH. 

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3 Things That Will Eventually Happen To Your Water Heater: A Rocky River, OH Water Heater Guide

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

You may not realize it, but you use the hot water in your Rocky River, OH home probably every single day. Whether it’s to take a shower, wash your dishes or wash your clothes, your water heater is a busy appliance. With such an important job, it’s always very inconvenient when it starts to break. At Westland Heating and Air Conditioning we’ve responded to tons of calls for repairs on water heaters. We wanted to help out our customers in the  Rocky River, OH area so we put together 3 of the most common repairs that will most likely happen to your water heater at some point.

Rust

Inside your water there is something called an anode rod, also called a sacrificial rod. This metal stick exists to keep rust from forming inside your water heater. It does this by absorbing tiny electrical currents that cause rust to form. But eventually, the sacrificial rod deteriorates. At that point, the inside of your water heater will begin to rust. You’ll start to notice rust-colored water coming out of your hot water faucets. Once that starts to happen, there is rarely any other option except to replace your water heater.

Sediment

If you have hard water in your area, this can cause mineral deposits and sediment to build up on the bottom of your water heater. Eventually, this can keep the heat from the burner from actually reaching the water. This can cause low water temperatures and luke-warm showers.

Water Leaks

Water leaks are another common problem with water heaters. Leaks can happen on the tank itself or with one of the pipe fittings that connect into the water heater. Corrosion from rust or minerals can cause the water heater to leak and the pipes to come a little loose.

If you’re having any water heater issues at your home in Rocky River, OH, contact the experts at Westland Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer fast and reliable water heater repair services throughout the Rocky River, OH area. Call us today!

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