signs Archives - B&L Plumbing and Heating

Seeing These Signs Means It's Time for a Water Heater Replacement

Water heater with visible valve and plumbing tools, indicating maintenance or replacement needs in plumbing services.

When Is a New Water Heater Needed?

Homeowners often take their water heaters for granted until that dreaded moment when a cold shower strikes and the home is left without hot water. While some issues can be repaired, there are clear indicators that a water heater may be nearing the end of its lifespan and require replacement. This post will discuss some common signs indicating water heater replacement is needed.

Temperature Issues

One of the most noticeable signs that a water heater is struggling and needs professional attention is problems with water temperature. If the household is experiencing inconsistent or lukewarm temperatures, running out of hot water much faster than usual, or there is a complete lack of hot water, the water heater's ability to heat and maintain water temperature is compromised.

A plumber should be called to inspect the water heater and determine the best solution, whether it be water heater repair or a replacement, as these temperature issues can stem from a variety of problems, including sediment buildup, a failing heating element, an undersized unit that can no longer meet the household's demands, and more. Professionals can help determine whether the issue and the water heating unit’s age point to the need for a replacement.

Leaks

Another sign that signals a water heater needs replacing is leaking. Whether homeowners notice a visible water heater leak or notice pooling water around the base of the unit, the water heater's tank may have corroded and developed a crack. Once a tank starts to leak, it cannot typically be repaired effectively and will only worsen over time, leading to potential water damage in the home.

A leaking water heater is a critical indicator that the structural integrity of the water heater is compromised, and it should be replaced. When water heater corrosion has occurred, a new water heater installation is the safest and most reliable solution.

Age and Corrosion

Visible rust and corrosion on the water heater, along with other signs of corrosion, also signal that a water heater replacement is necessary. Rusty-looking or discolored hot water coming from fixtures, or water with a strange, metallic smell, are potential signs of internal tank corrosion. This corrosion compromises the integrity of the tank, leading to potential leaks. Addressing these signs promptly with a replacement can prevent extensive water damage to the home and ensure a safe and consistent supply of hot water.

The age of a water heater is also a significant factor in determining the likelihood of needing a replacement. Traditional storage water heaters typically have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. If the unit is within or has exceeded this age and starts developing issues, water heater replacement may be necessary. While some issues can be repaired, recurring problems in older units can indicate that the system is nearing the end of its useful life, often making replacement a more cost-effective and reliable solution in the long run compared to continuous repairs on an aging water heater.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a family-owned and operated company serving Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. They offer competitive, honest pricing, quality products, and customer education. Call them for water heater installation and replacement services in Colorado Springs, CO.

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Warning Signs of Faulty Heaters and the Dangers of Ignoring Them

Identifying Heater Hazards

With local weather conditions, heaters are essential for keeping the home safe and warm during the winter. Reliable heating equipment promotes comfort in the home and helps people weather the winter, which can bring life-threatening colds.

Heaters work hard to keep the home warm during the winter, which can wear down the unit, causing it to fail. When heaters fail, they not only lose their ability to supply heat, but they can also present unique hazards that homeowners must be aware of.

Here are a few signs of faulty heaters and the hazards they carry so homeowners can react accordingly.

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Carbon monoxide is a product of the combustion of fossil fuels, especially in furnaces. The biggest concern in the home is the release of carbon monoxide from natural gas or propane appliances.

When appliances age or experience problems, they can cause incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, promoting carbon monoxide release. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, it is impossible to perceive. When it leaks into a home, it can cause life-threatening complications.

Maintaining heaters and installing carbon monoxide detectors can help eliminate the threat of carbon monoxide. During heater maintenance, technicians will perform checks and tests to ensure fuels are completely burnt, and the resulting gas is expelled from the home.

If, for some reason, carbon monoxide forms even after inspections and heater maintenance, carbon monoxide detectors can alert the homeowner to the threat so they can call the appropriate contractor for repairs.

Mold Growth in the Home

HVAC systems are responsible for moving air around the home and cleaning it up simultaneously. Air filters are in place to keep dust out of the moving parts of the furnace and the ductwork to clean up the air.

If furnaces and heat pumps are not properly maintained, mold can grow within the air ducts and cause negative health outcomes for homeowners. This process usually starts when the air filters remain unchanged or the air conditioner does not properly dehumidify the air.

During the winter, the process worsens as warm air flows through the ducts and spurs mold growth. Having mold in ductwork in the winter can cause problems like:

Frequent respiratory infections
Foul odors
Allergies
Sinus problems
Reduced lung immunity

To protect air ducts against mold growth, routine HVAC maintenance should be performed twice yearly, and professional air duct cleaning should be scheduled every few years.

Overheating

Mold growth and carbon monoxide poisoning are problems that can take a while before they negatively affect the health of those in the home. When the furnace overheats, the problem is immediate and must be dealt with quickly to avoid problematic fires or faster carbon monoxide poisoning. Look for signs like:

Burnt odors
Frequently tripping safety devices
Soot marks near the heater
Red-hot metal
Humming noises

To prevent furnace overheating, change air filters regularly and remember annual heater maintenance from qualified professionals.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has 25 years of experience with heater maintenance and heater repairs. Their skilled teams offer maintenance packages to reduce bills and prevent heating equipment downtime. Call today for heating service in Colorado Springs, CO.

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Signs That You Need Water Heater Replacement

Make Sure You Don’t Get Stuck With Cold Water During the Winter

Losing a water heater can be a big hassle, but not having it during the winter is an even bigger problem since hot water is necessary during the cold months. The signs that water heater replacement is imminent and will go unnoticed by people until it is too late. Spotting these signs can distinguish a stressful day and continued wintertime peace and comfort. Here is a quick discussion regarding the signs that it may be time to schedule water heater installation.

Inconsistent Temperatures

Woman enjoying a warm shower with water droplets falling on her hands, illustrating the importance of consistent hot water supply from a functioning water heater.

A normal functioning water heater is expected to supply hot water at a consistent temperature until the tank’s supply is depleted. As hot water is used, cold water fills the tank, and heating elements or burners kick on to warm it up for use. After a certain amount of hot water is used, the temperature will drop.

When a water heater starts to malfunction, the temperature of the water supply can be a sign of trouble. When heating elements and burners start to fail, the temperature of delivered water can start to deviate from the norm, even in the first few minutes when hot water is being used. Any time there is a deviation from the normal operating temperature, it is a sign of trouble that could mean replacement may be necessary.

Another sign of a failing water heater is when the volume of available hot water starts to drop. Water heaters are rated to provide a certain volume of hot water for an hour of operation. In normal experience, this is most easily noticed during showers when large volumes of hot water are needed for extended periods. If showers start to run colder earlier than usual, it may be a sign that a new water heater is needed.

Evidence of Leaks

Water heater with visible water leak on floor, vacuum hose nearby, indicating signs of malfunction and need for repair.

One of the biggest signs of failure for water heaters is the presence of leaks. Most components of water heaters can be replaced or repaired, but once the tank leaks, the unit will fail quickly. Spot leaks by looking for signs like:

Spots of rust on or near the water heater
Puddles of water on the unit
Wet floor around the water heater
Hissing or dripping noises
Loss of hot water volume

Old Age and Corrosion

Water heaters are warranted for a certain period based on the purchase cost. However, a good rule of thumb to help determine the useful life of a water heater is to assume it will last for about ten years. This is when most cheaper water heaters will fail, and more expensive units will start to show signs they are failing. Replacement is just around the corner if a water heater is around this age.

In addition to old age, owners should look for signs of corrosion that are evident in rust or green deposits of copper piping. If it is present and taking a toll on the water tank, it will soon start to leak. While the situation isn’t dire, it will help to be proactive and plan for new water heater installation before it becomes an emergency.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating handles plumbing complaints and installations. Its maintenance plan for water heaters can help reduce problems and prolong the unit’s life. Aside from top-notch service, this company quotes competitive pricing, gives peace of mind, and makes no mess. Call today for water heater installation service in Colorado Springs, CO.

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Signs of a Faulty Water Heater That Indicates a Need for Service

Signs of Failing Water Heaters

A water heater is one of those appliances that only seems to fail at the worst moment. When people are vulnerable, disrobed, and ready to end the day with a hot shower, the water heater will fail and cause intense disappointment. Being forced to take a cold shower is bad news, but the good news is that water heaters usually give some preliminary signs that they will leave their owners in the cold. Spotting these signs early can save owners headaches and allow them to take preemptive action.

Aside from obvious problems like leaks and insufficient volume of hot water, there are three good indicators that something is wrong with the water heater. Here are the top three signs that water heater repairs are needed so homeowners can respond early.

High Monthly Bills

Water heaters use vast amounts of energy. Apart from the heater and air conditioner, the water heater is the home's second-largest power user. Observing the bills for the utility corresponding to the water heater is a great way to catch problems early. For example, monitoring gas bills when a gas water heater is in the home can allow homeowners to catch inefficiencies sooner than they would.

Over time, inefficiencies and higher utility prices will cause bills to spike. However, the water heater will likely only lose about one percentage point of efficiency every year. Water heater repairs will be necessary if bills are climbing faster than the cost of utilities and the natural loss of efficiency. Additionally, water heater maintenance is an excellent option to prevent natural efficiency losses.

Unusual Sounds

One of the best things homeowners can do to ensure their water heater is in good shape is simply paying attention to it. Taking some time every month to listen to it can provide valuable information to the owner. Listen for sounds like:

Banging: Water hammer is a common cause of violent banging noises. When the diaphragm of the expansion tank is damaged, water hammer can echo through the water heater.
Hissing: When leaks form in the water heater, water may drop down onto the hot burner. The resulting steam formed will create a hiss that indicates leaks need to be repaired.
Ticking: Ticking is a normal noise, especially when someone has recently used hot water. Ticking could be mistaken for the next noise if it is too common.
Popping: When sediment forms in the water heater, steam bubbles can cause a popping or rumbling noise. Scheduling water heater maintenance can remove the sediment and restore lost efficiency to the unit.

Discolored or Smelly Water

Water heater tanks are lined with glass or enamel to prevent water from contacting metal that might rust. When these linings wear out, the rust that forms in the tank can discolor water or cause odors. Water heater replacement is the only way to fix this problem. If the problem isn't fixed quickly, leaks or tank failures may result. Calling a professional quickly can prevent the problem from causing unnecessary damage to the home.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating can help with sewer service and water heater repairs. Their teams handle home and business owners' complaints quickly and accurately. Call today for plumbing service in Colorado Springs, CO.

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The Dangers and Warning Signs of a Faulty Heater

Common Heating Hazards and How To Spot Them

Winter is here, and Colorado homeowners are now relying on their heating systems every day to keep their homes warm and cozy while the snow falls and the icy wind howls outside. And with all that usage, this is the prime time for heating problems to rear their ugly heads.

Some heating issues can increase the heating bills, leave the house feeling chilly, or even take the heater out of commission for a day or two. But as scary as those scenarios are, other heating problems can be even scarier – and more dangerous. This article will explain the biggest dangers of a faulty heater and how homeowners can identify them.

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Perhaps the most terrifying of all heater problems is a carbon monoxide leak. In gas or oil-burning furnaces, any carbon monoxide produced by the fuel combustion is vented through the flue or exhaust vent. But if the flue or exhaust pipe leaks (due to corrosion, damage, etc.), it can cause carbon monoxide to enter the home. CO leaks can also occur due to a faulty pilot light or cracked heat exchanger.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very serious health risk, as it can cause unconsciousness, damage to internal organs, and even death. To protect against a carbon monoxide leak, homeowners should install CO detectors throughout the home (particularly near the furnace or other gas appliances) and have their heater serviced by a professional every year. If they notice any symptoms of CO poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, or confusion, they should exit the home and call their local emergency services at once.

Mold Growth Inside the Heater or Air Ducts

Another dangerous issue to watch out for is mold development inside the home’s air ducts or the heater. Mold growth is most common in heat pump systems, which function as heaters and air conditioners. In cooling mode, the unit helps remove moisture from the home’s air, condensing it from vapor into liquid. If this liquid doesn’t drain away immediately, it can facilitate mold growth very quickly, and that mold can survive inside the unit all year round. The mold spores can then spread to the home’s air ducts and throughout the home as air flows through the system.

Mold in the heating system or ductwork can have negative health outcomes. It can cause respiratory irritation or infections, exacerbate allergies and asthma symptoms, and significantly reduce indoor air quality. If homeowners develop any of these symptoms, notice a musty smell, or can see mold growth in their air ducts or in and around their heater, they should call a professional for a heater cleaning or air duct cleaning as soon as possible.

Overheating

Lastly, overheating a heater or furnace can be extremely dangerous and surprisingly common. Overheating can occur for various reasons, such as restricted airflow (usually due to a dirty furnace filter), short cycling (the unit frequently turns on and off), faulty internal components, or old age.

Overheating can cause the heat exchanger to crack (as mentioned above, lead to a carbon monoxide leak), damage the blower motor or other key components, and even cause a furnace fire. Some signs of an overheating furnace include burning smells, a loud humming noise from the heater, or shutting down before the thermostat reaches the correct temperature.

If homeowners notice these signs, they should immediately turn the system off and call a professional for heater repair. To help prevent overheating in the first place, homeowners can replace their HVAC air filter(s) every 1-3 months and schedule regular heating maintenance (ideally once every autumn) with a professional to help catch and resolve any issues that may lead to overheating – as well as the other issues mentioned above!

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been handling Colorado Springs homeowners' and business owners' plumbing and HVAC needs since 1999. Their commitment to quality workmanship, outstanding customer service, and impeccable reliability has earned them numerous 5-star reviews and awards – they were even named the “Best Emergency Plumbers in Colorado Springs” by Expertise.com. They offer competitive up-front pricing, a money-saving maintenance plan, and 24/7 emergency response with no after-hours fees, so call B&L anytime for heating repair in Colorado Springs, CO!