Philadelphia Water Heater Repair & Replacement

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Common Water Heater Problems

Any home or business owner should be familiar with the signs that your water heater needs to be repaired. Keep a sharp lookout for these common problems, and don’t hesitate to call Roto-Rooter for assistance:

Inadequate Hot Water

When your Philadelphia residence or business seems to never have enough hot water, it's a hint that your water heater might not be keeping pace with your needs, or it is undersized to meet demand. Consider a switch to a larger or more energy-efficient model that can help provide the hot water capacity you need. Note, however, that if the problem started recently, factors like a malfunctioning thermostat or heating elements could be in play, and a simple repair may be all that is needed.

Water Leaks

Leaks from your water heater can stem from a range of causes, including natural wear on your plumbing or connectors beginning to weaken. If you discover the leak is originating directly from the tank, it’s time for a complete water heater replacement. Whether your leaks are from your connecting pipes, your tank, or somewhere else, professional repair service is crucial for resolving the problem.

Strange Noises and Vibrations

If you hear strange knocking or rumbling sounds emanating from your water heater, it's often a sign that sediment has accumulated inside the tank. These noises occur as the heating element activates and stirs up the sediment. Clearing your tank of sediment typically involves attaching a hose to the water heater to drain it and clear out the buildup. There are several additional steps needed to ensure your safety and prevent damage to your water heater, so be sure you understand the process before draining the tank on your own. Many homeowners leave this chore to an experienced plumber.

Fluctuating Water Temperatures

When your water heater is functioning well, you can expect a consistent flow of hot water. So, if an unexpectedly cold shower hits you or the water turns scalding without warning, it could mean that unseen leaks or a malfunctioning thermostat are affecting your hot water. If you’re facing fluctuating water temperatures, calling in a professional plumber is the number one way to get your hot water back more quickly.

Faulty Gas Pilot Light

Is your Philadelphia home or business’s gas water heater leaving you in the cold instead of providing hot water? It’s possible that the pilot light isn’t lighting the gas correctly. A seasoned plumber should check key parts such as the pilot light assembly, thermocouple, and sensors to pinpoint the problem. Addressing these concerns promptly is crucial since they can cause major headaches down the road.

Water Heater Lifespan

Water heaters typically have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years, but with diligent care and routine maintenance, their operational life can extend well beyond that. Prompt attention to mechanical issues is one of the biggest factors that determines your water heater’s lifespan, and working with a reliable Philadelphia plumber is the most effective way to make it happen.

Roto-Rooter’s team of experienced Philadelphia plumbers is here to tackle all of your water heater challenges, including:

Water Heater Replacement

Water Heater Maintenance

Commercial Water Heater Repair

Instant Hot Water Dispenser Repair

LEAVE PLUMBING TO THE PROS

BECAUSE WITH ROTO-ROOTER, YOU GET MORE THAN A GUARANTEE.

REPUTATION
Highly-trained professionals since 1935. A job done right by the original experts.
TRANSPARENCY
Free onsite estimates. No hidden or extra charges for plumbing or drain service on holidays, nights, and weekends.
EFFICIENCY
Same-day and emergency service 365 days a year.
QUALITY
Full-service plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup – using state-of-the-art diagnostics and equipment.
FINANCING
Get it fixed today and take time to pay. Special financing options available.

Serving the entire Philadelphia metro area, Including:

Counties in the Philadelphia Metro Area

Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup is proud to provide expert plumbing, drain cleaning and water cleanup services to the Philadelphia area.

Manager:John McCreery

Location:3515 Frankford Ave, Unit 1
Philadelphia, PA 19134

Phone Number:215-446-9067

Hot water heater broke (nearly 20 yrs old), Roto-Rooter sent a tech out the same day we called for a quick assessment and very reasonable service quote. Old tank removed and new tank installed within hours. Jake provided great service. I would definitely use Roto-Rooter in the future. Kathleen M

Thea "T" was excellent! Diagnosed the issue super quickly and fixed it in no time! He also took the time to explain the issue and gave some pointers on what to look for in the future. I've been 3 for 3 (plumbing, hot water heater, garbage disposal) with Roto-Rooter so far! Keep knocking it out of the park! Fenelon D

We have partnered with Synchrony Bank to offer financing options to make your plumbing repair expenses as convenient and stress-free as possible.

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Tips for Water Heater Maintenance

We’re always ready to help when your water heater breaks down — but by following a few simple steps, you can help minimize its breakdowns in the first place.

Conduct Regular Inspections

Make it part of your routine to inspect your water heater for leaks, unusual noises, inconsistent temperature settings, or other signs of trouble. When you identify these problems early, they’re much easier to solve and prevent them from turning into bigger issues later.

Flush the Tank Once a Year

Although Philly’s water isn’t as infamously hard as some other places, minerals can still accumulate inside your hot water heater in Philadelphia. That means an annual flush is important for conventional tank-based water heaters. Although you can drain the tank yourself using a hose, employing the professionals at Roto-Rooter of Philadelphia can significantly reduce the time and effort required, as well as the potential for making a mess.

Insulate Your Water Heater

During Philadelphia’s cold winters, water heaters often have to work overtime, which can reduce their efficiency. Adding an insulation blanket to your older water heater and ensuring it's located in a well-insulated space, such as a finished basement or insulated garage, can provide a boost to its performance in these harsh conditions. Roto-Rooter’s professional Philadelphia plumbers are ready to assist with selecting the right insulation solutions and optimal placement for your water heater. In 2015, federal mandates required water heater manufacturers to add extra insulation to new water heaters, meaning they’re more efficient than older models and shouldn’t require an extra insulation blanket.

Pay Attention to the Anode Rod

The anode rod in your water heater is vital for staving off corrosion. It safeguards the tank by attracting corrosion to itself, which is why it’s also known as the “sacrifice rod.” Check your anode rod regularly — if it’s diminished to half its original size or less, it's important to replace it to keep your water heater rust-free. This simple maintenance step can significantly extend the life of your unit.

Lower Your Water Temperature

Water heaters are often set at temperatures that exceed what most homes or businesses require. For many people, adjusting the temperature down to about 120ºF is a wise choice that not only reduces energy expenses but also eases the burden on your heater and decreases the likelihood of scalding from overly hot water. This simple tweak can lead to significant savings and a safer environment.

Test the Pressure Relief Valve

Your water heater’s pressure relief valve helps prevent dangerous pressure from building up inside it, and it needs regular testing to ensure it’s still functioning. You can do this yourself, and it only takes a few minutes — watch our video to see how. If you notice any malfunctions in your pressure relief valve, it’s time for a call to the pros at Roto-Rooter.

Schedule Regular Professional Inspections

While it's beneficial to keep an eye on your water heater yourself, there’s no substitute for a professional assessment every year or two. The skilled plumbers at Roto-Rooter of Philadelphia are here to deal with everything from regular maintenance to emergency repairs, with extensive experience and advanced tools that we use to swiftly identify and fix your plumbing problems.

Philadelphia, PA