Water-heater Woes
Water-heater Woes | Plumbing | McDonald
When your morning shower turns icy or you notice a growing puddle beneath the tank, you don’t have time to hunt for answers—you need the hometown experts at HEP. Our McDonald technicians troubleshoot everything from pilot-light mysteries to full-blown tank leaks, restoring hot water before it derails your day. We bring fully stocked trucks, up-front pricing, and a knack for explaining fixes in plain English, so you feel confident from the first knock on your door to the final twist of the wrench.
HEP has spent decades earning the trust of McDonald families through honest craftsmanship and rock-solid warranties. Whether you’re eyeing an energy-efficient upgrade or just praying the old unit makes it through winter, one call connects you to a team that treats every water-heater woe as an emergency. Count on us for prompt, precision plumbing that keeps the hot water flowing and your home life humming.
FAQs
Why is my water heater in McDonald suddenly producing only lukewarm water?
The most common culprits are a failed heating element (electric units), a malfunctioning gas thermocouple (gas units), or a buildup of sediment on the bottom of the tank that insulates the water from the burner. Because McDonald’s municipal water has moderate mineral content, sediment can accumulate faster than you might expect. A qualified plumber can test the elements or burner, flush the tank, and restore full-temperature output.
How often should I have my water heater serviced in McDonald?
We recommend a professional inspection and full tank flush once a year. Annual maintenance removes mineral buildup common in our area, checks the anode rod before corrosion reaches the tank walls, verifies thermostat accuracy, and tests pressure-relief and gas safety devices. Regular service typically adds 3–5 years to a heater’s life and helps keep your energy bills lower.
Should I repair or replace my older water heater?
If your unit is over 10 years old, leaking from the tank itself, or you’ve seen a spike in energy bills, replacement is usually more economical. New high-efficiency models can cut hot-water energy use by up to 20 percent. However, if the tank is under 8 years old and the problem is limited to a replaceable part (element, thermostat, gas valve), repair is generally the better value. A plumber can provide an on-site cost-benefit analysis.
What size water heater do I need for my McDonald household?
For a family of 2–3, a 40-gallon gas or 50-gallon electric heater is usually adequate. Families of 4–5 generally need 50–60 gallons (gas) or 66–80 gallons (electric). If simultaneous showers and laundry are common, consider a larger conventional tank or a tankless unit sized for a 7–9 gallon-per-minute demand. Local plumbers can factor in McDonald’s inlet water temperature, which averages 55–60 °F, to select the right capacity.
Can hard water in McDonald damage my water heater?
Yes. Minerals precipitate out of the water as it’s heated and settle on the tank bottom, forming an insulating layer that forces the burner or elements to run longer. This not only wastes energy but can also overheat and prematurely fail components. Installing a whole-house water softener or scheduling annual tank flushes are the two most effective solutions.
Do you offer emergency water-heater service after hours in McDonald?
Absolutely. Our licensed technicians are on call 24/7 for leaks, no-hot-water situations, and gas-smell emergencies. We arrive with common replacement parts, shut-off valves, and even temporary loaner heaters to restore hot water or secure the area until a permanent fix can be made.