No one wants to run out of hot water. Seattle residents expect their hot water heaters to continuously deliver hot water when they bathe, do dishes, mop floors, and wash the dog. If you are waiting for the water to get hot, or if you run out of hot water, you may need a new hot water heater, as suggested by a leading plumbing service in Seattle, WA.
The traditional hot water heater pulls in fresh water, heats and stores it, and then delivers it upon request. This cycle repeats itself multiple times per day and that’s a lot of work on the hot water tank. Hot water tanks tend to corrode and then leak as they age. To avoid problems that may arise as a tank ages, hot water heaters should be replaced after 10 years of service.
Maintenance on anything usually increases its life span. Maintain your hot water heater and it may perform longer. Every two years, ask a certified service technician to inspect your water heater. Raymark technicians check the drain valve for signs of leakage and make sure your tank is performing as expected and operating efficiently.
Since hot water heaters are designed to last about 10 years, it is usually more economical to replace a tank around that age rather than repair it. You may wait longer to replace the tank if it’s working well, but we’ve found that repairing tanks 8 years and older is not cost effective. In addition, make sure an older tank is located in a place where a leak will not cause property damage. The tank is ideally positioned away from bedding, rugs, furniture, books, and hardwood floors.
Below are 4 signs your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced:
- Less hot water than usual – this may be a result of loose wires, failing elements, or a dip tube needing repair.
- Water suddenly too hot or too cold is usually a thermostat problem. Check the thermostat to see if it is working. Ask your household members if anyone turned the temperature up or down. Plumbers report that this often happens in families when someone forgot to communicate the change.
- Leaks can form due to a loose pipe, a faulty pressure relief valve, or cracks and holes in the tank. A tank continuously expands and contracts as it heats and cools down. This continuous fluctuation weakens the tank over time and creates those cracks and holes. Add gravity and water will find its way out.
- Strange noises can indicate sediment building up at the bottom of the tank. Call Raymark to assess this and all of your water heater problems.
Before you purchase a new hot water heater, enlist the expertise of Raymark Plumbing and Sewer. Our knowledgeable plumbers will help you to assess your needs and recommend a hot water heater that is the right choice for your home.
- Water heater options are electric, gas, and gas tankless, and each type has its benefits and levels of energy efficiency.
- Raymark offers new laser-welded electric tanks that are guaranteed “no-leak” for life.
- Raymark can also help if you would like to convert to a gas hot water heater. We install gas water heaters and the needed gas line in homes where gas is already in place. See our Gas Lines page for more information.
- Raymark’s expert technicians will provide pricing for a new tank, install earthquake strapping, install an expansion tank if needed, and haul away your old tank.
If your hot water tank is over 10 years old, don’t wait for a leak or a malfunction to occur. Call a leading plumber in Seattle, WA, Raymark Plumbing and Sewer, today to ensure that you and your family can rely on hot water whenever needed.
Ask us about our lifetime no-leak warranty on electric water heaters, and options on tankless water heaters.
Raymark Plumbing & Sewer is a full-service residential plumbing and sewer company. They offer plumbing leak repair, sewer repair/replacement, drain cleaning, water heaters, re-pipe services, water line repair/replacement, faucet repair/replacement, and toilet services. Raymark is located in Seattle, WA, and has been a family-owned business for over 42 years. Raymark offers honest, upfront pricing, a 100 percent workmanship guarantee, and 24-hour emergency services.
Raymark technicians are experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly. In fact, they are known for finding solutions to problems when other plumbing companies could not. As a result, Raymark is the plumber that other plumbers recommend.
Raymark Plumbing & Sewer
10710 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 440-9077
Raymark Plumbing and Sewer 