Water-heater Woes
Water-heater Woes | Plumbing | Delano
When an icy splash ruins your morning routine, Delano homeowners turn to HEP to tame their water-heater woes. Our seasoned technicians track down faulty thermostats, corroded elements, and sneaky leaks with the precision you expect from true plumbing professionals. From traditional tanks to cutting-edge on-demand units, we restore hot water fast—so you can get back to steaming showers, spotless dishes, and cozy laundry days without missing a beat.
Day or night, HEP’s friendly crew is on call with transparent pricing, fully stocked vans, and a promise to treat your home like our own. Schedule today and feel the relief of hometown expertise, backed by a satisfaction guarantee that’s as warm as the water we deliver. For swift, dependable solutions in Delano, trust the name locals recommend: HEP.
FAQs
What are the most common water-heater problems Delano homeowners experience?
In Delano we frequently see lack of hot water, rumbling or popping noises, leaks around the base, discolored or foul-smelling hot water, and pilot-light or ignition failures. Many of these issues stem from our hard Central Valley water causing mineral buildup inside the tank, aging heating elements, or worn anode rods. A quick inspection and flush usually solves minor sediment issues, while leaks or burner failures often require part replacement or a full unit change-out.
How long should a water heater last in Delano’s climate and water conditions?
A traditional tank-type gas or electric water heater typically lasts 8–12 years in Delano. The life span can shorten if the unit is never flushed, because calcium and magnesium in our municipal water accelerate corrosion. Tankless units fare better, averaging 15–20 years with annual descaling. Installing a whole-house water softener, replacing the anode rod every 3–5 years, and scheduling yearly maintenance can push a tank heater toward the upper end of its service life.
When is it more cost-effective to replace rather than repair my water heater?
We recommend considering replacement when: 1) The tank is 8+ years old and shows visible rust or leaks, 2) the repair (such as a burner assembly or control board) exceeds 50% of the cost of a new unit, 3) you need a larger capacity or higher energy efficiency, or 4) you’ve had recurring issues within a 12-month period. Newer ENERGY STAR® models can cut water-heating bills by up to 20%, making replacement a smart long-term investment.
Do you service both tankless and traditional tank water heaters?
Yes. Our licensed plumbers service and install gas, electric, propane, and hybrid heat-pump water heaters—both tank and tankless. For tankless systems we handle descaling, venting checks, and error-code diagnostics. For tank units we perform thermostats, elements, T&P valves, and complete tank replacements. We stock authentic parts for major brands like Rheem, Bradford White, AO Smith, Rinnai, and Navien.
What size water heater do I need for my household?
Sizing depends on household size, simultaneous hot-water demands, and appliance mix. As a rule of thumb in Delano: • 1–2 people: 30–40-gallon tank or 140,000 BTU tankless; • 3–4 people: 40–50-gallon tank or 180,000–199,000 BTU tankless; • 5+ people or high-demand homes (large tubs, multi-head showers): 50–75-gallon high-recovery tank or 199,000+ BTU condensing tankless. We offer free in-home evaluations to calculate your peak hour demand and recommend the most efficient option.
How can I keep my water heater running efficiently and safely?
1) Flush the tank once a year to remove sediment. 2) Check and replace the anode rod every 3–5 years. 3) Keep the thermostat at 120 °F to curb scald risk and save energy. 4) Insulate older tanks and first six feet of hot-water pipes. 5) For gas units, ensure adequate combustion air and keep the flame sight glass clean. 6) Schedule an annual professional tune-up so we can test the T&P valve, inspect venting, and catch small problems before they lead to catastrophic leaks.