Water Heater Repair

It’s a frustrating experience: you’re halfway through a shower and the water suddenly turns ice cold. If your water isn't reaching the desired temperature or if it fluctuates wildly between hot and cold, your system is struggling.

• Common Causes: This is often caused by a failing heating element (in electric models), a flickering pilot light (in gas models), or a thick layer of sediment at the bottom of the tank that acts as a barrier between the burner and the water.

• Homeowner Pro Tip: Check your thermostat settings on the heater; sometimes they get bumped. Ensure it is set between 120°F and 140°F.

• Our Professional Solution: At Affordable Air and Plumbing, we perform a comprehensive diagnostic to pinpoint the exact failure. We’ll test your heating elements and thermostats for continuity and inspect the gas valve assembly. Whether it requires a component replacement or a professional tank flush to remove heat-blocking sediment, we guarantee your water will be steaming hot again by the time we leave.

When you turn on the tap, the water should be crystal clear. If it looks "rusty," brown, or contains dark flakes, there is a high probability that the interior of your tank is deteriorating.

• Common Causes: Every water heater has a "sacrificial anode rod" designed to rust so the tank doesn't. Once that rod is completely depleted, the tank itself begins to corrode.

• Homeowner Pro Tip: Run the cold water for a minute. If the rust is only in your hot water, the problem is definitely your heater and not your main pipes.

• Our Professional Solution: Our technicians will inspect your tank's integrity and the condition of the anode rod. If the corrosion is caught early, we can replace the rod and flush the system to extend the unit's life. If the tank has structural rust, we will provide a transparent quote for a high-efficiency replacement, ensuring your home has a clean, safe water supply immediately.

Your water heater should operate relatively quietly. If you hear loud popping, banging, or "kettling" noises coming from the closet or garage, your heater is trying to tell you something is wrong.

• Common Causes: As water heaters age, sediment (calcium and lime) builds up at the bottom. When the water trapped underneath this sediment boils, it creates steam bubbles that "pop" through the layer of crust, creating those loud, alarming sounds.

• Homeowner Pro Tip: Think of it like boiling a pot of water with rocks at the bottom, it’s loud and inefficient. Keeping your heater clear of "gunk" helps it stay quiet, so make sure you flush your water heater at least once a year.

• Our Professional Solution: We don't just do a basic drain; we perform a high-pressure power flush to break up and remove hardened mineral deposits. We also inspect the burner assembly to ensure the noise isn't related to a mechanical malfunction. We’ll restore the quiet operation of your unit and improve its energy efficiency in the process.

Any sign of water pooling around the base of your heater is an immediate cause for concern. Even a small "drip" can lead to significant water damage, mold growth, or a catastrophic tank burst.

• Common Causes: Leaks often occur at the plumbing connections, the Temperature and Pressure (T&P) relief valve, or, most seriously, from a crack in the tank itself due to age and thermal expansion.

• Homeowner Pro Tip: Carefully wipe up the water and watch to see where it’s coming from. If you see it continue to drip you can turn off the water at the water supply valve and drain the water heater, so it’s easier to work on.

• Our Professional Solution: Affordable Air and Plumbing treats leaks with the highest priority. We will identify the source, whether it’s a simple loose fitting, a faulty valve, or a compromised tank. If it's a repairable leak, we use professional-grade seals and parts to secure it. If the tank is breached, we’ll work with you to install a new, reliable system quickly to protect your home from further damage.