Water Heater Replacement in South Jersey
You probably don’t think too much about it when you turn on the faucet and hot water comes out, and you probably don’t consider the luxury of hot water until it is no longer available. When you turn on the hot water tap only to feel cold water, it can be a major problem. You need to get it fixed right away, but you may not know what to do or where to turn.
When your water heater fails, you want a reliable team to fix it or replace it immediately. Do you live in South Jersey and need a replacement water heater? Look no further than the professionals at Vaughan Comfort Services. Learn how our South Jersey HVAC experts can help you with speedy and affordable water heater replacement services.
Signs Your Water Heater Has Problems
If you have checked all of the above and narrowed down your options to the water heater itself being the problem, you can then narrow it down further. Look for the following signs to diagnose issues with the water heater itself.
Smelly Water
If your water is smelly or discolored, it’s an indication of a problem inside the water heater. Consider how long the problem has occurred, whether other faucets in the house have the same smell or color, whether the water has been used recently, whether the problem resolves after running the water for a minute, and whether it happens with both hot and cold water.
Water discoloration can be caused by high levels of minerals like iron and copper that cause the pipes to corrode and rust. Minerals like magnesium and calcium can result in hard water. Scale and lime deposits can also cause such issues. Sometimes a water softener system can resolve this problem.
Strong odors such as rotten eggs, sulfur, or sewage can be a sign of bacteria in your tank. Bacteria can act as dangerous pathogens to you and your family, and you should immediately flush the tank. You could also have issues with the anode rod, which may need to be replaced, while a smell of garlic could just mean the pilot light is out. If you smell a very strong sulfur odor, you could have a gas leak. In such cases, turn off the unit, ventilate the room, and vacate the premises. Call the gas company and a plumber immediately. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous.
Lack of Hot Water
A simple lack of hot water throughout your entire house likely means there is an issue with the tank. Check for the signs above, such as the pilot light being out and the circuit breaker being tripped. Then contact a qualified New Jersey technician to have the issue addressed. Sometimes, sediment buildup in the water storage tank can lead to breakdowns that can be resolved by flushing the water heater.
Leaking Water Tank
If you see water pooling around the bottom of your tank, or worse, running freely out of it, then it is time to replace the system. This means that your tank has corroded or rusted through or otherwise has damage that probably cannot be fixed.
Related Article: Why is My Water Heater Leaking?
Can I Fix a Water Heater on My Own?
In most circumstances, unless you are experienced, it is best to call a professional plumber, water heater company, or HVAC contractor to come out and fix the issue with a bad water heater system. There are, however, a few types of fixes you can address yourself. These DIY solutions include the following.
Re-Light the Pilot Light
As stated above, if you discover that the pilot light is out, it is fairly simple to reignite it.
- Turn the knob off.
- Wait a few minutes.
- Turn the knob to the light position and hold it down.
- Re-light the pilot, then turn it back to the on position.
If, however, the light will not reignite or it continually goes out, you could have other issues that require a professional to address. These could include a bad thermocouple, a clog in the gas line, corrosion on the igniter, or other issues.
Check for a Tripped Breaker
If you have an electric water heater and have no power, a tripped breaker could be the culprit. Check your fuse or breaker box as above and see if that fixes the issue. If not, again, a more serious issue could be at play, and you may need help from a professional to assess and address the situation.
How to Decide if You Need to Repair or Replace Your Water Heater
Most water heaters are rated to last around nine years. If your water heater is past its average life span, it is likely time to install a new one. However, you may be able to repair your water heater if the issue is:
- A minor leak
- A bad thermocouple
- A bad thermostat
- A corroded heating element
After troubleshooting, we can help you determine whether your water heater problems are best resolved by brand-new hot water heater installation replacement services or if water heater repair is best for you.
Why New Jersey Homeowners Choose Us
Vaughan Comfort Services is a family-owned and operated business that takes care of our customers like they are part of our family. Our master plumber has over 40 years of experience and has the same family values. Finding the right water heater maintenance and service professional who will take care of you by listening to your needs and making recommendations with honesty and integrity can be difficult, but not with us. Don’t take our word for it, though; just look at our reviews!
Best HVAC contractors I ever had“Amazing customer service. From start to finish the team was professional and went above and beyond. They answered all my questions and ensured everything was done in an extremely professional manner. Marcus and Jeff were two of the best HVAC contractors I ever had. They replaced our entire Air Conditioning Coil and Outdoor Condenser. They even trouble shot the board when attaching to the existing furnace. I will recommend Vaughan heating and air going forward. Request Marcus and Jeff.”
- Team was very kind and knowledgeable
“We were having a toilet replaced in our main bathroom. Vaughan responded promptly to my quote request and the Team was very kind and knowledgeable regarding the questions I was asking. They emailed the estimate when they said they were going to email, they called back when they said they were going to call back, and they showed up right on time the day of the install. The plumber was very neat with his work area, kept us updated as the work progressed and finished in a timely manner. I would recommend them.”
NJ LIC. NO.13VH01727600
Robert W. Vaughan,
Master HVACR Contractor Lic. # 5842
Thomas J. Weaver,
Master Plumber Lic # 9521