WATER HEATER SERVICE
Top-Rated Water Heater Repair, Replacement, Installation & More
Your water heater is one of the most important systems in your home. When it fails, you need assistance right away. At Horizon Services, we offer 24-hour water heater repair, installation, and replacement services. Our technicians undergo in-depth technical training and are well-equipped to handle an array of plumbing services for both electric and gas water heaters. We proudly offer same-day service and next-day installations, as well as our Hot Water Today or You Don’t Pay Guarantee*. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Horizon Services is the name to trust for all your water heater service needs!
Water Heater Services We Offer
- Water Heater Repair
- Water Heater Installation
- Water Heater Replacement
- Water Heater Maintenance
Components of a Gas Water Heater
So, you have a gas water heater. But do you know how a water heater works? Knowing the components of your water heater is essential to have better control over your household appliances and utility bills. Additionally, you’ll be able to troubleshoot problems that occur and overall feel more knowledgeable when discussing HVAC problems with a certified technician. To help you troubleshoot a problem with your water heater, we have created a list of water heater components. If you need assistance with a broken exhaust flue, give our team of technicians a call to schedule a water heater repair appointment.
- Gas Burner & Assembly
Your gas burner, also known as the heat source, is located underneath the tank and has a reachable control module on the tank’s side. This module operates like a thermostat and can change the temperature as you see fit to ignite the pilot light. Along with the gas burner, and the controller module is a gas line that follows alongside the tank and comes equipped with a shut-off valve. Use this valve to switch off the gas in case of an emergency.
- Exhaust Flue
While using your gas water heater, other harmful gases will be created during the combustion stage. That’s where your exhaust chimes in, venting these unnecessary gases from the burner and pushing them outside of your home. The exhaust flue also acts as a heat exchanger. - Pressure Relief Valve & Drain Valve
The pressure relief valve and drain valve are the safety components of the gas water heater. It’s responsible for relieving excess pressure and temperature when either entity builds too much in the tank.
Extra heat and pressure could be very dangerous—causing your water heater tank to burst or explode. These valves are crucial to your heating component because it hinders these occurrences from happening.
The drain valve is located at the bottom of the tank and is also used to flush sediments. The buildup of sediments can damage your gas water heater system, which is why it’s important to drain it every so often; this is usually done during scheduled maintenance.
- Tank, Dip Tube, & Discharge Pipe
The largest, and most important, component of your gas water heater starts with the tank. The tank is the big cylinder that’s responsible for storing water. Cold water will enter the tank through the dip tube. The dip tube extends from the top of the tank to the very bottom. When water is warmed in the tank, it rises to the top. From there, water will leave through the discharge pipe, which distributes water throughout the home.
In the case of an emergency, use a valve, located somewhere on the cold water line that enters the tank, to shut off the water.
Ordinary Types of Water Heater Noises & How to Fix Them
Hearing strange noises coming from your water heater system? Maybe it’s a rumbling noise or ticking sounds, a screeching, or a sizzling? The various noises your water heater makes allude to different plumbing problems within your system
Here’s a look into what each sound means for your water heater and how you can go about fixing it.
Rumbling Noise
Is your water heater system rumbling? You’ll most likely hear this as the temperature in your tank increases. At this time water is expanding and clashing through the sediments, creating a rumbling noise.
This fiction between the two enhances as more sediment gathers at the bottom of your water heater. If the sounds get noticeably louder, this build-up may need to be addressed right away.
To Fix This
You must flush your drain of these sediments. You can also use a deliming solution, or vinegar, to take away any of the sludge left behind.
Ticking Noise
You do hear a ticking sound? This usually points to the water pressure. Most water heater systems utilize water outlet and inlet nipples with heat traps. The nipple enhances the efficiency of the water heater by linking the plumbing to the unit itself.
So if you’re hearing a ticking noise, this could be the heat trap. If that’s the case, simply replace the nipples with a non-heat trap. Most small noises are minor issues when it comes to your plumbing system. A ticking sound can also be an indicator of loose straps on your water heater.
To Fix This
First, try to locate the source of the ticking noise. At most, you may simply need to tighten any loose straps that are causing the sound. If you’ve done that, and still hear a ticking sound, consider installing spacers that hinder the pipes from moving.
Another way to stop a ticking noise is by reducing the water temperature by a couple of degrees. This will stop the pipes from expanding excessively and minimizes the ticking noise. Still aren’t for sure what’s causing the ticking sound? Contact a professional HVAC specialist to help you diagnose and solve your plumbing problem.
Popping Noise
A common issue for areas with hard water, popping noises are an indicator of limescale. This refers to the various minerals including magnesium and calcium that gather at the bottom of your tank as water passes through. Don’t be alarmed—these minerals are necessary for our health.
However, they can be harmful to your water heater if not managed properly. As water is heated within the tank, these minerals will divide and form limescale. In addition, loose sediment at the bottom of your tank can form steam bubbles. As the water warms up, the sediment bursts, causing a popping sound. Our team will clean and repair your water heater to eliminate the popping noises.
How to Fix
Remove any mineral sediment buildup by flushing and drawing your tank. Does your tank have a heating element? Try descaling to restrict further deposits.
Screeching Noise
If you’re hearing screeching or screaming from your water heater, there could be a problem with certain valves in your system. This sound mostly occurs when water is trying to travel through a tiny opening.
To Fix This
T&P Relief Valve: This is your safety valve and relieves the pressure and temperature of your system when it gets too high. If you think this is the source of the problem, power off your water heater and contact your local plumber.
Inlet valve: Is your inlet valve completely opened? Sometimes, a slightly opened inlet valve can hinder proper water flow, making a screeching noise. Check this valve to ensure it’s fully opened.
Valves and lines: Take a look at your waterline and the outlet valve for any kinks, flaws, or if the outlet valve is not fully opened.
Sizzling Noise
A condensation problem is usually the culprit of a sizzling sound. While water warms in the tank, condensation forms, and may start to leak onto the burner. As the dripping water comes in contact with a burner, it will sizzle.
To Fix This
Take a look at the areas around your water heater system. Do you see any signs of a water leak in your water heater? Do you need to shut down your water heater? If you do, contact your local plumber as soon as possible.
Servicing All Major Makes & Models
When it comes to technician training, no other plumbing company comes close to matching our extensive training programs. At Horizon Services, our plumbers undergo mandatory technical training for 3 hours every week, 52 weeks a year. This provides our team with a unique ability to perform comprehensive water heater repair services using cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art techniques, giving us a distinct advantage over the competition.
Our Technicians Are Trained to Perform Repairs On Water Heaters From the Following Brands & Manufacturers:
We provide top-quality work for both electric and gas water heaters of all sizes. And, with our upfront pricing policy, you can feel comfortable knowing there are no hidden surprises when it comes to price. We base our rates on the job, not the hours worked, meaning the quote you’re given at the start of your service is the price you’ll pay—period.
*Call before 4pm; guarantee applies to water heaters with 50-gallon tanks or below; excludes weekends; call for complete details.
Call us at 1-800-642-4419 for fast, reliable plumbing services! Find your local Horizon today!