Category: Water Heaters

Haunting Sounds May Indicate a Water Heater in Need of Repair!

Posted on | by American Eagle Plumbing

Halloween is right around the corner, which means many homeowners and their families will be gearing up for typical Halloween mischief. Maybe even the ghost and goblins will make an appearance… But one area that should not be confused with a ghost is the home water heater.

That’s right – home water heaters can make a variety of different sounds that may signal a potential issue(s). Homeowners and their families should keep their ears open for such signs so that they can call a professional water service for help.

Key Sounds to Beware Of

Hissing and Screeching

First off, hissing and screeching from the water heater may signal issues that need to be resolved. Hissing, for one, may mean that there is a leak or fracture present in the tank. The hissing results if there is a way for the water to leak out while it is heating, and the contact between the water and hot surfaces can result in hissing.

On the other hand, screeching may signal that there is a valve that is not opening all the way. Restriction to the valve means that the water itself is restricted and cannot properly flow through, which results in a screech-like sound. One should take both of these sounds very seriously.

Cracking, Popping, or Rumbling

Cracking, popping, or rumbling may also signal potential issues that may require water heater repairs. These sounds often arise due to sediment buildup in the tank. Sediment buildup is a slow and steady process that can become a significant issue if not addressed as soon as possible. It can lead to discolored water, poor water quality, and overheating, among other things.

One of the easiest ways to address this is by getting regular water heater maintenance checks. Doing these roughly annually will ensure that the water heater tank operates at maximum efficiency and without issue. Professionals will usually “flush out” the sediment built up in the tank to prevent it from becoming a problem.

Humming or Ticking

Humming or ticking are the final categories of sounds that homeowners should look out for. Humming often results if there is a loose heating element. When the heating process begins, this loose element can cause a humming sound during operation. The sound can be relatively quiet or relatively loud, depending on how loose the element is.

As for ticking, this can often result due to an issue with the heat traps or check valves. The heat trap is a component of the water heater system that can make a ticking sound during heat expansion. This may not necessarily be a bad thing, but it is something to listen for. Check valves are similar to heat traps and can also make light ticking sounds during normal operation. Homeowners should consult a professional if the ticking becomes constant to provide advice on whether a replacement makes sense.

About American Eagle Plumbing

American Eagle Plumbing, Inc. of Round Rock, TX is a family-owned and operated company providing quality solutions since 2009. With the belief that “your safety and satisfaction is our #1 priority,” they provide flat-rate pricing, fast turnarounds, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed for every one of their customers. Call them for water heater help today!

This Holiday Might Be the Perfect Time for a New Water Heater

Posted on | by American Eagle Plumbing

It Might Be the Year for a New Water Heater

One of the easiest plumbing appliances to forget about is the water heater. In most homes, it is hidden from sight. Not only that, but it rarely needs to have maintenance or repairs done. As a result, many homeowners forget to check on their water heater until it’s too late. The holiday season is the worst time to experience a water heater breakdown. It could potentially leave the homeowner with a sink full of dishes and no way to take a hot shower.
That said, there are three signs in particular that point to the need for a water heater replacement. If homeowners experience any of these signs, it’s important to call a professional as soon as possible.

How Old Is the Water Heater?

Age plays a big role in whether or not it is time for a new water heater. However, the age of a water heater can also be deceiving. It all depends on what the homeowner did to take care of the water heater throughout its life.
Homeowners that don’t go out of their way to have their water heater serviced every year will likely suffer from a water heater that needs replacement sooner than most. On the other hand, a water heater that gets regular maintenance could potentially last longer than any manufacturer’s lifespan.
For homeowners that are unsure if their water heater has reached its life expectancy, call a trusted professional plumber to come and take a look. A professional will have the best advice on moving forward and what type of water heater is best for the homeowner’s needs.

Is the Storage Tank Cracked?

Perhaps one of the hardest signs to notice is a cracked storage tank. Indeed, a majority of homeowners never look at their water heater. They either wait for a professional opinion, or they wait until the water heater breakdowns to call in for help. These are both viable options, but if homeowners want a chance to lower the cost of replacement, it is best to keep an eye out specifically for a cracked storage tank.
Some other common signs associated with a cracked storage tank include:

Rust-Colored Water Points To Replacement

Out of all the other above-listed signs, discolored water is arguably the easiest to spot. It is often the sign that most homeowners come to professionals with because it is unsightly and potentially unsanitary.

A professional can spot this right away and know that the homeowner’s water heater needs to be flushed or  replaced. Anytime water is discolored, it’s a sign that there is something bigger at play. Homeowners need to pay attention to these signs if they want any hope of saving money on a replacement.

American Eagle Plumbing Works Efficiently 

Homeowners can rest assured they have hired trustworthy professionals when they call American Eagle Plumbing. They always work their hardest to ensure the customer is satisfied and their plumbing system runs efficiently. Call today to schedule water heater replacement!

Is There a Ghost in the House, or Does the Water Heater Need Repairs?

Posted on | by American Eagle Plumbing

Haunting Water Heater Sounds That May Mean Something Worse Than a Ghost

Any strange sound in the house can be mistaken for a ghost, but the fact is that water heaters make noises. Some of these noises are a part of normal operation, and some mean that the appliance is in need of repairs. Read on to discover what sounds are normal and what sounds foreshadow a broken water heater.

Creepy Popping Sounds

Some homeowners describe this as a sizzling or rumbling sound, but it’s typically a popping sound that signals excess sediment buildup in the tank. All water has sediment in it, and there’s not much anyone can do to keep it out of their water heater. Over time, it will build up, and it may then start to cause problems. Unfortunately, two different issues can cause popping sounds.

In older models, too much sediment buildup can cause the water heater to rupture or explode. This isn’t a threat with newer models, but sediment buildup can cause other problems. Homeowners who live in areas with particularly hard water should pay close attention to their water heaters or have them cleaned and flushed regularly to eliminate the sediment.

This typically only happens in electric water heaters. What causes the popping sound is sediment buildup around the lower electrical heating element. This is fixed by draining the tank, removing the element, and cleaning out the sediment. In some instances, if the sediment has been allowed to build up enough, it may be practical to replace the relatively inexpensive element.

Scary Screeching Sounds

One of the scariest sounds a water heater can make is screeching. Of all the sounds, it sounds the most like a ghost roaming the halls. Fortunately, this is usually caused by a simple water flow restriction. When a valve is not open all the way, the water pressure can cause this strange noise as the liquid flows through the small hole. Check the valves of the water heater to make sure they’re open.

Frightening Crackling Sounds 

Crackling sounds generally come from gas-powered heaters. The crackling is indicative of condensation on the gas burner and is not anything to worry about. Those homeowners who hear cracking sounds from an electric water heater may need to look for sediment in the tank.

Sometimes, as water tries to flow through the layers of sediment in the tank, it can make a crackling sound. The best fix for this is to use a deliming solution to break up the sediment and then drain the tank. Of course, contacting a plumber is a good idea for any water heater problems homeowners come across.

Electric water heaters have been known to make a humming sound, which is a normal result of water flowing past the electric heating element. Some water heaters have heat traps installed to keep water from flowing the wrong way. These traps can sometimes make tapping or ticking noises, which are a part of normal operation.

About American Eagle Plumbing

Family-owned and operated American Eagle Plumbing has been serving Round Rock, TX, with pride since 2009. They provide fast, reliable water heating service with an emphasis on customer service and workmanship. Their numerous Angie’s List Super Service Awards and five-star reviews indicate the quality of their work.

Water Heaters: Tank vs. Tankless

Posted on | by American Eagle Plumbing
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Tank & Tankless Water Heater Differences You Were Never Told

So, you’re ready to get rid of the old water heater but you’re a bit confused about whether to choose a tank or a tankless water heater. Although both have their pros and cons it’s all about what’s right for you. All water heaters out there have a limited life, so during your homeownership, at one point in your life, you have to go through this phase of water heater replacement.
Water heaters are a hefty investment and thus one must fully examine all the pros and cons of tankless and traditional water heaters in order to make a well-informed decision. Following are the overviewed pros and cons of both the types of water heaters. This is to help you decide which one to equip your new home with, or replace your old water heater.

Difference Between the Storage-Tank Water Heater and Tankless Water Heater

If you’re a newbie and don’t know the basic difference between the two types; here’s the kicker. Tankless water heaters are instant water heaters that utilize power source as soon as you turn on the faucet, unlike traditional water storage heaters that require a big tank of hot water in the basement.
Storage tank water heaters are the most common type while tankless are gaining popularity owing to the energy efficiency and associated money savings. The prior type has standby energy losses and with that, you have to pay to store a huge tank of hot water even when you’re at work or are sleeping at night.

Tankless Water Heaters –an Energy-Efficient Choice

As the name implies, on-demand water heaters don’t store water in a storage tank. Instead, they’re equipped with high-powered burners that rapidly heat water as it runs through a heat exchanger coil and delivers it directly to the faucet or shower without the need to store in a tank.
Overall, tankless water heaters are energy efficient. But the efficiency depends on your frequency of hot water usage i.e. if you require lesser hot water around 40-50 gallons your energy efficiency would be 24 to 34 percent but if you use lots of hot water around 80 gallons, you can enjoy additional 8 to 10 percent energy efficiency.
So, these tankless water heaters are ideal for larger families or for people who have guests to stay frequently. If you require frequent hot water draws you can install a couple of such heaters in parallel. Tankless water heaters are easier to install due to a smaller footprint. They just mount on your wall and you don’t have to get some spot in your basement utility area.
Most of these models are made with state-of-the-art technologies so they are less likely to flood and have a longer working lifespan i.e. twice as long as the traditional water heater with a tank. The maintenance is much easier but you have got to do its maintenance at least once a year.

When Should You Get the Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters come with a hefty price tag i.e. around $4,500 to $8,500. So, you should get the tankless model only if you plan to stay in your home for many years to come, you love an eco-friendly lifestyle, and you have a lot of people in your family. This model is ideal if you ‘re away from your home a lot as you won’t be paying to heat water you aren’t using.

Water Heaters With Tank

Aside from higher purchase cost, tankless water heaters have a higher installation cost when you’re replacing your traditional storage-tank water heater a tankless-type.
The plumber/installer will take more time replacing it because of the complexity of relocating existing piping. It requires a plumbing retrofit and possibly an upgrade to your electric services or gas lines to increase power capacity.
In contrast, a storage water heater has a lower initial cost by a significant margin. It just costs you about $1500 to $2800 instead. Because of simple functionality, these water heaters are easy to repair and the repair cost is way lower. This traditional water heater tank is ideal if you’re low on your budget and you’ve only a few family members.
You should also get this water heater if you don’t plan to stay in your home in the long term. Although many modern models of this type are much more energy-efficient still they are no match with the tankless type. The thermostat preset on a temperature level will keep the temperature of water at that level even while you’re sleeping.
So, it will increase your overall utility bills. They’ll work harder in winter months and so you have to face even higher bills during the cold winter. Storage type water tanks have a shorter useful life and after 10 years you should get ready to buy and install a new model to avoid annoyance in the middle of winters.

Why Should You Only Hire a Licensed Plumber for Water Heaters?

Whether you’re going to buy a traditional water heater or a tankless type, installing a water heater is never a DIY project. It’s an advanced and specialized task that requires years of experience to undertake without a hazard.
With all the complexities and complications of playing around a gas line, electric supply line, and plumbing issues; installing a water heater is not like other DIY projects you’ll love doing.
Initially, you may be tempted to try the DIY-route because of potential savings, but in the long run, you can put yourself in danger. You can void the warranty of your newly purchased unit and you may have to pay even more in case you end up with serious problems. So, unless you’re a licensed plumber, leave this off to the pros.
Hire a plumber and let them do this job in the right manner. Although you have to spend on the plumber’s time but it’s way better than spending your time and potentially costing you more money in repairs after an incorrect installation.

About American Eagle Plumbing

With honest quality work, American Eagle Plumbing provides all their neighbors plumbing and water heater services. They will never lose respect for your time, home, investment, and piece of mind. This is given within their 100% satisfaction guarantee, which is thoroughly reflected in the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau.