Category: Hot Water Heaters

Water Heater Problems? How to Tell If It Needs Repair.

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

hvac technicianThe water heater in your home has an important job. It needs to deliver hot water to your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room for a variety of daily tasks, including cleaning, cooking, and personal hygiene. If your water heater stops working properly, it can be a major inconvenience, as it will be difficult to complete these chores without the hot water you need.

Fortunately, your water heater will likely give you some signs if it’s in danger of breaking down. In this article, we’ll share five of the most common signs with you, and explain how Stafford Mechanical Services can help. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair

Usually, your water heater will not stop working without giving you some signs that something is wrong. Here are some common things you should look out for if you’re concerned your water heater isn’t working properly:

  1. Your water heater is making unusual noises. Like any other type of mechanical equipment, a water heater will make some noise during operation. However, there are some noises you should look out for. If your water heater is making popping or vibrating noises, this could be the result of sediment buildup in your tank. A humming sound might be the result of a loose heating element.
  2. You notice rust in your tap water. If you notice rust in your tap water, it could be the result of the pipes that move the water out of your tank rusting, or the tank itself rusting. While this can, unfortunately, mean you’ll need to replace your tank if you call at the first sign of rust, your contractor might be able to replace a component within the system called an anode rod, rather than the entire unit.
  3. Water is pooling near your water heater. If water is pooling near your water heater, this is usually due to one of two causes – a bad anode rod, or a crack in your tank. An anode rod can be replaced by your contractor, but unfortunately, a cracked tank likely will need to be replaced.
  4. Your water is not hot enough. If your water is not hot enough, or you run out of hot water quickly, this is likely due to sediment in your tank. Most water supplies contain minerals such as lime, and over time that can build up in your tank, causing the heating element to not function properly and there to be less space for the heated water within your tank.
  5. Your tap water has a foul odor. If you notice that the hot water coming from your faucets has an unpleasant odor, your tank likely needs to be cleaned and flushed. Additionally, there may be sediment buildup in your tank, or your anode rod may need to be replaced. Your contractor will be able to troubleshoot your system and get to the root cause of the odor.

How can Stafford Mechanical Services help me if I need water heater repair?

As we’ve explained, water heaters stop working properly for many reasons, which is why you need a professional to help. The experts at Stafford Mechanical Services will make sure you get the right repairs for your water heater so that you’ll have hot water readily available in your home quickly.

Keep in mind, that a water heater generally has a life expectancy of 10 years, and a leaking tank can cause thousands of dollars in damage, especially in a finished area. It is almost always less expensive in the long run to proactively replace an aging water heater. Fortunately, our skilled craftspeople can easily provide you with a new water heater installation.

To schedule an appointment, you may contact us via phone at (860) 684-9485. We look forward to helping you with all of your water heater needs.

Do I Need a New Hot Water Heater for My Home?

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

man helps child wash hands at sinkYou may not think about it very often, but you and your family rely on hot water more than you might think. There are many times during the course of the day when homeowners use hot water, such as for laundry, hygiene, dishes, and meal preparation. When the hot water is flowing freely, it’s easy to take for granted how often you might use it. But if there’s a problem with your heater, you’ll likely quickly realize just how much you use hot water in your home.


For more information,
call or click here:
860.684.9485
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According to the Department of Energy, your hot water heater takes up about 20 percent of your home’s energy use. It can be even more if your tank is older and is not working at maximum efficiency. While there are many factors that can determine how long your water heater will last (such as water hardness and amount of hot water used daily), on average you can expect your water heater to last 10 to 15 years. If yours is at that age or beyond, it may be time to consider a replacement.

5 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Replacing

While nobody wants to think of having to replace their hot water heater, there are signs it may give you that it’s time. Here are five things to look for if you think it could be on its way out:

  1. Water is leaking from the tank. If you see water dripping from the tank, water under or around the unit, or notice pipes dripping, then you definitely should call for repairs. It may be as simple as valves or connections that need tightening. If the problem is with the tank itself, it will likely need to be replaced.
  2. Hot water seems to run out quickly. If this is happening, it is probably because your tank isn’t holding the maximum capacity of water. This usually happens in homes with harder water because sediment collects in the tank and builds up. If you have a lot of sediment in your water, you should flush your tank regularly.
  3. The water temperature is inconsistent. If you notice a fluctuation in temperature each morning when you shower or do dishes, there is likely a problem with your hot water heater. It could be as simple as a thermostat issue, but if there are problems with the heating elements in the hot water heater, it is likely you will need to replace it.
  4. Water is discolored and doesn’t taste good. If your water appears to be rusty, it’s probably because your tank is rusty, too. This is especially true if water tank maintenance, like flushing the system regularly, has been neglected. Once the tank starts to corrode, it’s only a matter of time before it needs replacing.
  5. Your water heater is making strange sounds. If you notice unusual noises coming from your hot water heater, it could be a sign that there is trouble brewing with your water heater. Strange noises usually accompany other signs of breakdown, such as poor water flow or fluctuations in water pressure. You will likely want a professional to give your water heater a checkup.

When you work with a professional water heater contractor, they’ll check out your water heater and see if repairs are possible or feasible. If you need to replace it, they’ll help you choose the best type of water heater for your home, and will make sure it is the appropriate size for your home and household hot water needs.

How can I replace the old hot water heater in my home?

If you think it’s time to replace the old water heater in your home, all you need to do is give Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. a call. We are ready to help meet the hot water needs of your household and help you choose the best type and size for your home. You may contact us via phone at (860) 684-9485. We look forward to helping you with your water heater needs.

How Can I Help My Hot Water Heater Use Less Energy?

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

shower with flowing water and steamMost homeowners rely on their hot water heaters every day. From cooking and household chores to laundry and hygiene, having reliable hot water is important for the comfort and health of you and your family. However, you might be surprised to learn that heating your hot water takes up a fair share of your home’s energy usage – around 18 percent, according to the Department of Energy. So, how can you keep the hot water flowing while saving energy in the process?


For more information,
call or click here:
860.684.9485
Ask A Tech

In this article, we’ll share with you some helpful tips on reducing the amount of energy your hot water heater uses, which ultimately will help you save money on your utility bills. Some of these tips are completely free or low-cost, while others may be a bit more expensive, but can pay for themselves in energy savings in the long run. Keep reading to learn more!

7 Ways You Can Help Your Hot Water Heater Save Energy

  1. Use less hot water. You can accomplish this in several ways, some of which are discussed in more detail below. Turning off the water while brushing your teeth, taking cooler showers, and using the energy saver cycle on your dishwasher can help.
  2. Turn down the thermostat. You can start saving energy today by setting your water heater thermostat to 120ºF. Plus, it’s safer for the people in your household to keep your hot water heater at a lower temperature, especially if there are children or elderly family members.
  3. Set your washer on “cold.” Washing your clothing and other laundry items in cold water can help you use much less hot water and it won’t cost you a thing! Not to mention, most laundry detergents and fabric softeners are formulated for cold water wash now, so you won’t have to worry about your laundry getting fresh and clean.
  4. Fix leaky pipes. The energy costs associated with dripping pipes can add up over time and can cause damage to your home and belongings on top of everything else.
  5. Insulate your water heater tank and pipes. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, or call on your hot water heater installer to help.
  6. Invest in low-flow showerheads and faucets. You can likely find them at your local home improvement store for as little as $10, and they can provide you with a water savings of anywhere from 25 to 60 percent!
  7. Time to replace? Choose an energy-efficient water heater. At Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc., we can install a new, energy-efficient hot water heater in your home.

Stafford Mechanical Services is happy to help with your hot water heater needs.

We’re pleased to provide our customers with a complete range of hot water heater products. Click the links below to learn more about the different types we provide:

And, should you need any repair services, we’ll be happy to get your water heater back up and running for you with expert hot water heater repairs, performed by our highly skilled technicians. Whether you need a new and more efficient hot water heater for your home, or hot water heater maintenance or repair services, we’re ready to help you. Just give us a call at 860.684.9485, and we’ll be pleased to assist you.