John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

3 Common Water Heater Problems

We rely on hot water for many essential tasks in the home, especially when it comes to cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. A lack of hot water can be incredibly disruptive, but understanding your water heater and the causes behind common Ambler water heater repair issues can help you quickly determine the best course of action.

Common Types of Hot Water Heaters

The most common types of water heaters found in home and businesses include:

  • Heat Pump Water Heater — This is a hybrid system that utilizes a tank, typically drawing heat from the air.
  • Conventional Storage Tank Water Heaters — Water is heated and stored inside of an insulated storage tank. Conventional tanked water heaters may be gas or electric operated. 
  • Tankless Water Heaters — Tankless systems heat water on demand, which essentially gives homeowners an infinite hot water capacity.

3 Common Water Heater Problems

Despite the differences between water heater systems, there are common issues that crop up. Let’s investigate.

1. A Lack of Hot Water

If you experience a situation where there is no hot water at all, there may several causes, including:

  • A tripped breaker
  • A blown fuse
  • Thermostat issues
  • Broken or malfunctioning heating elements 
  • Pilot light problems or a faulty thermocouple (if the water heater is gas operated)

Start by checking the thermostat to ensure the system is on and set to the correct temperature. Next, check the electrical panel for a tripped breaker or blown fuse. If you are unable to find the issue, call a local HVAC professional to diagnose the problem.

2. Lukewarm or Insufficient Hot Water

If this issue is chronic, even with regular maintenance, your water heater may simply be too small to keep up with your household’s hot water demands. If water is lukewarm even when waiting in between uses, it’s possible that there is sediment build-up preventing heating elements from properly heating water. A qualified professional can flush and descale the unit.  

3. Discolored Water

If you notice brown, red or rust-colored water only when running hot water, it could indicate the presence of corrosion inside of the water tank. This could be due to a sacrificial anode rod — a component that attracts the electrolytes in tap water and helps prevent tank corrosion — that needs to be replaced. Anode rods typically need to be replaced every 5–10 years. If the corrosion has reached the tank lining, it’s likely time for a water heater replacement.

Call on the Team at Kinkaid

Kinkaid has been in business since 1917, and serving our community remains our top priority to this day. Our experts specialize in Ambler water heater repair, replacement and ongoing maintenance. Give us a call at (215) 646-5577 or visit us online to get started today.

Water Heaters: To Repair or Replace?

Experiencing problems with your water heater, Montgomery County homeowner? Kinkaid can help! In this post, we look at signs it’s time to repair or replace your water heater.

Your water heater heats cold water and pumps it throughout your house for cooking, cleaning and showers (among other necessities). Problems with your water heater can lead to major inconveniences, so keep an eye out for these signs:

Water Heater Age

A system’s age might be the most important factor in deciding whether to repair or replace. The average life expectancy for water heaters is roughly 15-20 years. Therefore, if your system is approaching this age range, replacement is likely a better investment than constant repairs.

No Hot Water

Your water heater likely needs attention if your water gets lukewarm at best, or if you only get hot water for short periods of time. Sediment build-up might be the culprit here, in which case a professional can flush your tank. In other cases, this issue could indicate a more serious problem.

Your Water is Discolored

If you notice your water seems to have a reddish tint to it, this could indicate the presence of rust inside the water tank. Water may also have a cloudy appearance, or a metallic smell. Have this issue inspected by a professional immediately to ensure your water is safe to use.

Water Heater Corrosion

Once there is visible corrosion on your water heater, it’s likely time to replace the system, as this is difficult to repair and typically only occurs when a system is very old. If you see corrosion on the outside of your water tank, call a professional right away to prevent further damage, leaking or complete system failure.   

Energy Costs

Hot water accounts for a significant portion of your heating energy. If your system’s efficiency is impeded due to old age, faulty parts or sediment build-up, it can lead to an increase in your energy bills.

Constant Repairs

If you find yourself frequently spending money on repairs (more than twice a year, for example), you may want to consider replacement as a more cost-effective investment––especially if your system is nearing the 15-20-year mark.  

Count on Kinkaid!

Regular inspections and professional maintenance can ensure your system runs efficiently year-round, reducing energy costs and preventing unforeseen problems.

Kinkaid proudly serves Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia and Chester Counties. We offer residential and commercial installation, maintenance and repairs on all makes and models of HVAC equipment. Contact us today to get started!

Most Common Water Heater Problems

Ambler heating company

Plumbing problems can be costly, complicated, and a pain in the neck. But like any other part of your in your home, your plumbing will not last forever and this means you may occasionally run into some maintenance issues that need attention. Your water heater is the most expensive part of your plumbing system, so problems with this piece of equipment can quickly rack up the most expenses. Luckily, detecting and fixing water heater problems is relatively simple which can allow you to avoid pulling out the big bills for a water heater malfunction.

John A Kinkaid Heating and Air Conditioning is an Ambler heating company that has been providing our area with reliable water heating services for a century! Our technicians have expertise in all makes, models and types of water heaters so working with us will guarantee that you and your home are in good hands!

Courtesy of this Ambler heating company, John A. Kinkaid Heating and Air Conditioning has a list of the top water heater problems, so you can keep an eye out and avoid major water heater headaches down the line.

  • Sediment Buildup – Excessive sediment building in your water heater can cause a variety of problems. A yucky “rotten egg smell” near the water heater or low amounts of water due to sediment taking up space in the tank are a just few examples of how sediment can cause issues.
  • Temperature Issues – If your water isn’t warming up quite enough, your water heater’s thermostat may have been changed. Simply raise or lower the thermostat temperature a few degrees to get it back to normal.
  • Noises – Another common water heater problem makes itself known through sound. Sediment buildup could cause noises from the inside the tank as it literally gets burned by the heating element. Other noises may be due your heating element burning out; you’ll hear noises from your take as it deteriorates.

Contact This Ambler Heating Company Today

The best way to avoid water heater problems (besides keeping an eye out for some of the problems above) is to simply have a professional Ambler heating company provide a maintenance check up to make sure everything’s running smoothly. Besides, you don’t want to wait to fix a problem until it’s too late and you’re stuck taking a freezing cold shower after a long day. If you have any questions or concerns about your water heater, feel free to call us at 215-646-5577. We may even have some of the answers to your questions in our guide to water heater problems. Or check out our service plans for more information about this Ambler heating company’s great pricing options!

The Guide to Water Heater Problems

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Even in the height of summer, a warm shower suddenly blasting you with freezing cold water is probably the last thing you want to experience! Different types of water heaters have different maintenance issues throughout their lifespans, but there are some common problems that may occur no matter what type of tank you have. That’s where Kinkaid can help.

Kinkaid HVAC is a water heater installation company in Ambler that’s been serving the Delaware Valley with quality HVAC services for four generations. We service all types of water heaters and pride ourselves on delivering customers quick, reliable and affordable services.

To avoid water heater headaches, let’s familiarize ourselves with water heaters and their potential issues:

  • No Hot Water – No hot water could put the whole family in a bad mood! Here’s what the problem could be: If you have an electric water heater, an electric heating element may not be functioning properly. If you have a gas heater, check the pilot light. If it’s off, no gas is being delivered which means your water can’t be heated! Turn it on and the problem may be solved.
  • Not Enough Hot Water – Isn’t it the worst when you wake up before work, jump in the shower and have the hot water turn cold on you halfway through your shampoo routine? Usually this problem has to do with the water heater’s thermostat, which is attached to the valve. Check that it’s working by comparing the reading to the actual water temperature.
  • Black or Rust-Colored Water – Is brown water coming out of the sink as you start to brush your teeth? Don’t panic! Usually the dark water is due to a dissolved anode – a metal part of your water heater. Over time the anode can rust, so if you see rusty-colored water, it’s time for an anode change!

Contact The Top-Rated Ambler Water Heater Installers Today!

If your water heater is in need of a tune-up, call the water heating maintenance service Ambler residents trust most. We can handle any water heater emergency and our expertise encompasses all models and makes of water heaters.

Your water heater isn’t the problem? Kinkaid offers a variety of other services, including duct cleaning and heating maintenance. Contact us today at 215-646-5577 and get the fast, reliable service you want!