Fast, Expert Tank Water Heater Services for Richmond Homes & Businesses

When your home or business relies on a storage tank water heater, having a trusted plumber makes all the difference. With over 50 years of professional tank water heater maintenance, repair, and code-compliant installation experience, you can trust that Bradley Mechanical will safely and efficiently restore hot water to your home.

Across the Greater Chesterfield, Midlothian, and Richmond areas, we've serviced hundreds of water heater models from manufacturers including Rinnai, Rheem, Ruud, AO Smith, Bradford White, State, Whirlpool, GE, American Standard, and Kenmore. Whether you need a replacement part or an energy-efficient tank water heater upgrade, you can rest assured that Bradley Mechanical will resolve the issue quickly!

Common Tank Water Heater Problems

Although receiving no hot water or a malfunctioning water heater can be frustrating, most repairs are relatively straightforward given the heater's simple design and less costly parts. Here are some of the most common hot water tank problems we notice in Central Virginia:

• Inconsistent hot water or no hot water caused by sediment buildup, heating element failure, or tank water heater capacity failing to keep up with household demand
• Slow tank water heater recovery time caused by sediment buildup, undersized tanks, or faulty heating elements/burners.
• Leaking caused by corrosion inside the water heater tank, loose plumbing connections, or a faulty pressure relief valve (TPR valve)
• Rusty or discolored water caused by a failing or depleted anode rod
• Water is too hot or too cold due to thermostat temperature control problems
• Strange noises and smells caused by sediment buildup or anode rod issues
• Low hot water pressure due to mineral buildup and old plumbing connections
• Pilot light keeps going out due to a faulty thermocouple, dirty burner, or gas supply issues
• Higher energy bills due to decreased tank water heater efficiency

Electric vs. Gas Tank Water Heaters in Richmond: Key Differences & Benefits

While both electric and gas storage water heaters deliver a reliable hot water supply to the home, they operate differently and offer unique advantages. When determining which type of water heating system is best for your home, it's essential to consider your energy efficiency goals, budget, installation costs, whether gas is an ideal fuel option for your home, household size, and water demand.

Our plumbers service and install both electric and gas tank water heaters for homes and businesses throughout Central Virginia.

Gas Tank Water Heater Benefits

Gas tank water heaters are an excellent option for several reasons:

• Heats water quickly
• Fast recovery time
• Energy efficient tank water heater options
• Can be used during a power outage
• Lower monthly tank water heater operating cost
• Wide tank water heater sizing guide selection
• Ideal for high hot water consumption and larger households

When upgrading a gas water heating system, it's essential to ensure safe gas connections and compliance with venting requirements. Find out what traditional water heater options are best for your home and contact one of our professionals today!

Electric Tank Water Heater Benefits

While gas tank water heaters may have lower monthly energy costs because they run on a more cost-effective fuel, electric models generally have a higher Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). This standard efficiency rating shows how effectively energy is converted into heat. In addition to being energy efficient, other benefits include:

• Low upfront tank water heater replacement costs
• Increased safety due to no carbon monoxide (CO) risks
• Wide tank water heater sizing guide selection
• Ideal for smaller homes and budget-friendly installs

Since electric water heating systems don't require gas piping or venting, installation is straightforward, especially in homes without existing gas service. If you're unsure of which system is best for your home, contact Bradley Mechanical for an energy efficient tank water heater recommendation!

Why Hire a Professional for Tank Water Heater Troubleshooting

While it may be tempting to DIY hot water tank problems, it's much safer and more cost-effective in the long term to hire a professional. Our certified plumbers can:

• Provide an accurate tank water heater inspection and diagnosis to reduce the chance of costly mistakes
• Perform routine water heater maintenance to boost efficiency
• Resolve storage tank water heater issues with specialized equipment
• Provide maintenance tips for homeowners
• Provide the best tank water heater for home suggestions if an upgrade is necessary
• Ensure that your tank water heater installation is up to code

Storage Tank Water Heater Safety

It's important to remember that hot water systems can be dangerous to fix or install without proper training. Risks include:

• Hot water temperatures
• Gas line combustion
• Electrical wiring faults
• Leaking or explosion of pressurized tanks

A licensed plumber can safely address these hazards and ensure your unit is operating correctly. Call Bradley Mechanical for expert tank water heater inspections today! Whether you have no hot water or need professional water heater installation services, we have the certified training and skills to diagnose and repair any water heating unit fast.

When to Consider a Tank Water Heater Upgrade

You should consider upgrading your tank water heating system if it is nearing the end of its life and repair costs are beginning to outweigh the long-term benefits of a new system. Additional reasons you may want to get a replacement include:

• Hot water is running out too quickly
• Rusty water or visible signs of corrosion
• Your hot water system is leaking
• Your current system is outdated and no longer code-compliant
• Tank size selection no longer meets your household demand
• You want to improve tank water heater efficiency
• You are planning a home renovation

Installation day is perhaps one of the most important days in your hot water system's life, as the quality of installation can determine its overall performance and efficiency. At Bradley Mechanical, we guarantee that our professionals will install your tank water heater correctly the first time. As a part of our commitment to customer satisfaction, we offer a full warranty on parts and labor. Call Bradley Mechanical for a free consultation and get started on upgrading your water heating system today!

Frequently Asked Questions