Professional Water Heater Repair and Installation Services
Bradley Mechanical's comprehensive plumbing solutions in Chesterfield, Midlothian, and surrounding areas also include water heater installation and repair. Our experienced plumbing contractors have the tools and skills to diagnose gas, electric, and tankless water heater problems fast. We adhere to strict industry protocols, ensuring your water heater is restored to optimal efficiency and continues to operate reliably throughout the year.
Common Water Heater Repair Signs
Electric, gas, and tankless water heaters can experience different performance issues depending on the type of system. Here are some of the most common signs to look for in each system:
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heater problems can stem from failed heating elements, tank integrity, or wiring problems.
- A tripped breaker could be caused by a shorted heating element or a wiring issue
- Hot water running out too fast indicates that a lower heating element may have failed.
- Visible leaks from electric water heaters can signal tank corrosion or a component malfunction.
- Strange noises, like a banging or popping sound, could indicate a buildup of sediment at the bottom of the tank
- Strange smells, such as rusting or old water, often mean there is corrosion inside the tank.
Gas Water Heaters
Gas water heaters often experience issues originating from the flue pipe, pilot light, and tank. While gas water heaters share a majority of tank-related issues with electric water heaters, specific problems are unique, including:
- Pilot light issues caused by a thermocouple problem are best handled by a professional due to carbon monoxide (CO) risk.
- Strange smells, such as rotten-egg odors, could be caused by incomplete combustion, loose-fitting or faulty valves, or venting issues.
Tankless Water Heaters
While tankless water heaters don't have the same issues as traditional water heaters, mineral buildup, digital errors, flow-rate issues, and ignition problems are the most common causes of problems.
- Inconsistent warm water signals burner issues, mineral buildup, problems with flow sensors, or heating elements.
- Decreased hot water pressure can mean the filter or heat exchangers are clogged by sediment.
- System keeps shutting off could indicate a blockage or combustion issue.