Houston Water Heater Services

Greater Houston's Hot Water Experts

Have you been experiencing difficulties with your water heater? You might need help from a qualified plumber. Our plumbers at Santhoff Plumbing have all the tools and experience needed to get your water heater back on track!

Santhoff Plumbing can help you with:

• Water heater repair
• Water heater installation
• Tankless water heaters
• Water heater maintenance 

Schedule service for your water heater by calling (713) 360-2185 or by filling out our online contact form.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs to Be Serviced

On average, tank-style water heaters have a life of about 10 to 15 years. After that, it’s typically better to replace your water heater than repair it. Also, keep in mind that water heaters need regular maintenance. You should always follow manufacturer instructions, as maintenance depends on the type and brand, but most water heaters need to be flushed and refilled once or twice per year. If you ignore this maintenance, it can cause serious issues and require repairs for things like leaks, poor performance, and sediment buildup. Eventually, ignored maintenance can lead to premature replacements, which can be a huge hassle and expense. 

If you just replaced your water heater, prioritize maintenance from day one after your water heater installation. Also, familiarize yourself with these signs that you need water heater service so that you and your plumber can address problems as soon as possible:

Water Heater Leakage

A leaking water heater is a big deal and can potentially cause a lot of damage to your home. Look out for any leakage or puddles in the area of your water heater. This is a tell-tale sign that something is wrong. If you find water heater leaks, call Santhoff Plumbing ASAP. They can help evaluate and fix the problem. In some cases, this is a sign that the tank or the pipes for your water heater are damaged or cracked. However, it can also be a sign that your water heater is experiencing dangerously high pressures, as the temperature-pressure regulating (TPR) valve may drip some water as it relieves pressure. In any case, you need to address leaky water heaters right away to prevent further damage.

If you find a leak, turn off the electricity or gas to your water heater if you can do so safely. Also, you may want to shut off the cold water inlet pipe (usually found at the top of the tank). This can help reduce the amount of water that leaks and may help mitigate some of the damage. However, if you can’t take these steps safely, wait for your plumber to help.

Best practice for maintenance is to do a monthly walk-around of your water heater. This helps you detect signs of potential issues and make sure your water heater is in good condition. Check for things like drips, puddles, and even that unmistakable, mucky smell of sitting water.

Low Hot Water Pressure

You might have low water pressure for many different reasons. For example, the municipal line may be experiencing low pressure, or it might be that your home’s main water valve is partially closed. However, if you’re experiencing low water pressure only from the hot water taps, it may be time for Houston water heater service. Low water heater pressure often means that you have sediment buildup in the tank. Water pressure issues from sediment buildup often start gradually and get worse over time as more sediment accumulates in the tank. 

Noisy Water Heater

Hear a constant clanging, clicking, or popping from your water heater tank? It’s time to be concerned, and not just because of the lack of sleep you get from all the racket. These noises usually mean that your water heater is overheating. Clogs and major sediment buildup are common causes. Overheating water heaters need repair right away. Not only can they increase your energy or gas bills, but it can also cause scalding hot water in your taps. This puts you and your family at risk for burns. Call your trusted plumber right away for noisy water heaters.

Rusty Hot Water 

Has your water started to change color? Does it taste metallic? If you notice changes like this in your water, you need a plumber’s help straight away. This can be a sign of rust in the water or other serious water quality issues. Now, if this is all the water in your home, then it may be that your pipes are starting to rust. In these cases, you may need to replace the pipes responsible. In other cases, it could be a water quality issue from the main line, which the city will need to fix.

However, if you’re dealing with these issues only for hot or warm water, then you might need to have your water heater professionally serviced. In these cases, it may be that the pipes leading to or from the water heater are rusted. It can also be that the tank itself has started to rust. Generally, this is a sign you need to replace the water heater, but our plumbers can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. Never ignore water quality issues, as discolored or bad tasting water can also be a sign of issues like bacteria growth in the water that could be harmful to you and your family.