Water Heater Repair

Most traditional tank water heaters last around 10–12 years, depending on your local water quality and how well they’ve been maintained. As they near that age, problems tend to pop up more often. Routine maintenance can help extend their life a bit, but over time, internal corrosion wears down the metal tank, and replacement becomes the only real option.

Whistling sounds are often caused by high pressure inside the tank or a faulty temperature and pressure relief valve. It can also occur if there is a small crack in the internal dip tube. This isn’t just an annoying noise; it can indicate that the tank is under too much stress. It is important to have a professional check the pressure levels to prevent a potential tank failure.

That unpleasant odor is usually caused by sulfur bacteria reacting with the magnesium anode rod inside your tank. While it isn’t necessarily harmful to your health, it is certainly unpleasant for showering and cooking. We can resolve this by flushing the tank with a specialized solution or replacing the magnesium rod with an aluminum or zinc version to eliminate the smell.

We recommend flushing your tank at least once a year to remove the sediment that settles at the bottom. In areas with particularly hard water, doing this every six months can significantly improve heating efficiency. If you skip this task, the sediment creates an insulating layer between the burner and the water, forcing the unit to work much harder and run longer.

While a few small maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, most repairs involve high-voltage electricity or gas lines. Without the right training, that can mean serious risks like fires, gas leaks, or even explosions. Hiring a licensed professional is the safest choice, they have the tools and experience to do the job properly and up to code.