Water Heater Repair & Installation

Is your water heater running? More importantly, is your water heater leaking or overflowing? When it comes to seasonal plumbing, few problems rival a faulty water heater in the winter. While most people can relate to the feeling of water that’s too cold or hot in the shower, or even a bit too hard, some of our customers are unaware of a few simple fixes that can keep everyone in your house happy-- and hygienic.

The Most Common Water Heater Problems

A Leaking Water Heater

Water leaking from the top or bottom of a water heater is not supposed to happen. This is one of the primary water heater-related reasons for a call to the plumber. Generally, top-of-tank leaking can be from loose or broken connections of the pipes filling the tank. Leaking from the bottom of the tank can be from an incorrectly calibrated thermostat, leading to condensation. A worst-case scenario for a leaking water heater is corrosion. Nothing lasts forever. The materials in your water heater tank can break down over time from normal use but may break down more quickly if the water entering the tank is high in sediment content or bacteria.

Wrong Temperature

Too hot, too cold, not hot enough. It’s happened to everyone at least once. However, what was once blamed on your younger sister may not be her fault at all (she doesn’t need to know). One of the most simple solutions is getting a larger tank or going tankless--more on that later. Checking the thermostat on your water heater can also fix this problem. The industry standard is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If your water is too hot, turn it down slightly, and vice versa for too cold. Be careful not to overcorrect, though, as small changes can make big differences.

Weird Water

Does it smell bad? Does it look bad? That’s not normal. If the water looks off-color, the more simple fix for this kind of problem is replacing your anode rod, which normally helps to prevent corrosion within the water heater tank. If this does not correct the clarity of your water (when you’re running hot water), you may need to replace your water heater due to corrosion. For smelly water, check the calendar. If it’s April Fool’s day, demand an explanation from your children. If the foul smell isn’t the result of foul play, you likely need to flush your tank. Flushing your water heater tank should typically be performed once a year, depending on the quality of your water. Call a Top Notch plumber straightaway for a “right way the first time” kind of fix. Just like unclear water, hot water that smells bad could also indicate a greater issue leading you to a significant repair or having to replace your water heater. If you’re having problems with the smell or look of your water when it’s hot and cold you may have a more systemic plumbing problem.

Water Heater Repair

How much should you pay for a water heater repair? Good question. Unfortunately, there’s not a good answer for every situation. Our plumbers, serving Greeley, Windsor, and the surrounding Northern Colorado area are the best resources for decision- making. The age and type of water heater are key factors. Electric water heaters with issues at around nine years old may need to be replaced. Gas water heaters may be too old for cost-effective repair, or may only need the pilot re-lit. Water heater parts usually aren’t too expensive, but time is money, and the cost of labor is more often what makes a bigger dent in your budget. And if you’re looking for a whole house water filter, we can help with that too.

Can I DIM (Do-It-Myself)?

Yes and no. A better question is if you should DIY. As mentioned before, the cost of parts to repair your water heater are not that steep. However, the cost of doing it wrong could be. Calling Top Notch to discuss your situation is a great place to start. While there are a few repairs that can be done by some homeowners, installing a new water heater should be left to the experts. Including a licensed plumber in your decision-making for a new plumber gives you the added long-term benefit of choosing the best option for your household.

Tankless Water Heaters

Knowledge of the types of water heaters is a great advantage to having a plumber helping you install your new water heater. Top Notch plumbers are certified installers for one of the highest-efficiency tankless water heater companies, Navien. Instead of relying on a tank of water, which empties and refills, tankless water heaters heat water as it flows through your pipes en route to the various faucets in your home. This can really impact your energy consumption, as the water heater only turns on when you need hot water instead of constantly keeping a 40+ gallon tank of water at 120 degrees just in case. Tankless water heaters do cost more on the front- end, but can pay for themselves over their energy- efficient lifespans, which are up to double that of an electric tank water heater. Also, having a tankless water heater can increase your home’s resale value.

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Call (970) 404-7586