Failing Water Heater
Failing Water Heater | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Reliance
When a water heater goes down in the middle of a busy workday, every minute counts. HEP’s seasoned technicians arrive fast, diagnose faster, and restore hot water without derailing your schedule or your bottom line. From leaking tanks in restaurant kitchens to failed boilers in manufacturing plants, we bring precision tools, genuine replacement parts, and decades of experience to every call—so your team can get back to doing what they do best.
Businesses across Reliance trust our commercial plumbing expertise to prevent costly shutdowns and keep safety codes on track. Whether you need an emergency repair tonight or a proactive maintenance plan for the year ahead, HEP delivers transparent pricing, clear communication, and workmanship that lasts long after we leave the site. Call us today and feel the difference true professionals make.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that my commercial water heater is failing?
Typical warning signs include inconsistent water temperatures, reduced hot-water pressure, visible leaks or corrosion around the tank, unusual noises (rumbling, popping, or hissing), discolored or foul-smelling hot water, and a sudden spike in utility bills. If you notice one or more of these issues in your Reliance facility, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection.
How quickly can Reliance commercial plumbers respond to a water-heater emergency?
We offer 24/7 emergency service and can usually dispatch a licensed technician within two hours of your call. Our fully stocked service vans carry most common commercial-grade parts, allowing us to complete on-site repairs during the initial visit and minimize downtime for your business.
Is it better to repair or replace a failing commercial water heater?
A repair is often cost-effective if the unit is under 10 years old, has been well maintained, and the problem is limited to replaceable parts such as thermostats, heating elements, or valves. Replacement is recommended if the tank is leaking, corrosion is extensive, repairs exceed 50% of the cost of a new unit, or the heater is approaching the end of its typical 10-15-year lifespan. Our technicians will provide an honest assessment and life-cycle cost comparison before you decide.
How long will my business be without hot water during service?
Most routine repairs (thermostat swaps, element replacements, anode rod changes) take 1–3 hours. Full tank replacements generally require 4–6 hours, including draining, removal, installation, and commissioning. We can schedule work during off-peak hours or overnight to minimize disruption to your operations.
What maintenance can prevent premature water-heater failure in a commercial setting?
Annual flushing to remove sediment, periodic inspection and replacement of anode rods, testing temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valves, checking gas and combustion components (for gas units), calibrating thermostats, and verifying expansion-tank operation all extend equipment life. Setting temperatures to 120–140 °F (per code and application) also helps prevent scalding and reduces scale buildup.
Will upgrading to a high-efficiency commercial water heater lower my operating costs?
Yes. Modern high-efficiency models (condensing gas, heat-pump, or tankless systems) can achieve energy factors of 0.90–0.98 versus 0.60–0.75 for older units, translating into 20–40% lower utility bills. They also tend to qualify for local Reliance energy rebates and federal tax incentives. Our team can analyze your facility’s hot-water demand, calculate payback periods, and handle the complete retrofit process.