Durham Water Heater Services

How We Figure Out What’s Wrong with Your Water Heater

Water heaters can fail in various ways, and accurate diagnosis is the key to effective repairs. Our experienced plumbers follow a systematic approach that identifies not just symptoms but root causes, allowing us to recommend solutions that actually solve the problem.

Our water heater diagnostic process involves:

• Temperature and performance testing. We check the water temperature at fixtures throughout your home, test the heater's ability to reach and maintain set temperatures, and evaluate recovery time to determine if the unit is performing within normal parameters.
• Visual inspections for leaks and corrosion. Our team examines the entire unit for signs of water leakage, rust, corrosion, and mineral buildup. We check the tank, connections, pressure relief valve, and surrounding area for moisture that indicates active or past leaks.
• Heating element and thermostat evaluation. For electric water heaters, we test heating elements and thermostats to verify they're functioning correctly. Faulty elements are a common culprit behind inadequate hot water or complete heating failure.
• Gas control and burner assessment. On gas water heaters, we inspect the burner assembly, pilot light, gas control valve, and venting system. Problems here can cause inefficient heating, intermittent operation, or complete shutdown.
• Pressure and safety device checks. We test the temperature and pressure relief valve to confirm it's working properly, check the water pressure to your home, and evaluate expansion tanks when present. These safety components protect against dangerous pressure buildup.
• Sediment assessment and tank condition. We evaluate sediment accumulation at the tank bottom, which reduces efficiency and causes premature failure. We also assess the condition of the anode rod, which protects the tank from corrosion.
• Age and efficiency analysis. We consider your water heater's age, energy efficiency, and repair history when making recommendations. Sometimes replacement makes more financial sense than repairing an aging, inefficient unit.

This comprehensive diagnostic approach tells us whether your water heater needs a simple repair, deserves a second chance with proper maintenance, or has reached the end of its serviceable life. We explain our findings clearly and present all your options with transparent pricing, so you can pick a service plan, sit back, and let us take care of the rest.