We can replace water heaters within 24 hours!
Nothing’s worse than stepping into the shower, only to be greeted by a waterfall of freezing water. Hot water is something we take for granted, that is until it runs out. It’s not just about comfort, hot water is essential to keeping your household clean and healthy throughout the year.
Pearson offers water heater service on all types of tank water heaters. With over 50 years of experience, Pearson Plumbing is fully equipped to diagnose your water heater and provide exceptional repair or replacement service.
Common Water Heater Problems
If you’re seeing signs that your water heater is acting up, it’s important to figure out what’s going on and get it repaired as soon as possible. You may notice problems like:
- Lukewarm or cold water
- Water that is too hot
- Discolored water
- Rusty water leaking from the hot water heater
Be Aware!
If your water heater is making rumbling noises or leaking, turn it off immediately, and call Pearson for help. Pressure may be building up in the tank, which is dangerous and could cause an explosion.
Once you make an appointment, one of our experienced technicians will assess what’s causing the problem and recommend solutions to keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
What type of water heater do I have?
Most conventional water heaters use natural gas or electricity and include a large insulated tank where water is stored. Once the water heats up, it’s transferred to the tank space where it stays warm until it’s needed.
If you’re not sure if you have a gas or an electric water heater, take a look under the access panel on the side of your water heater tank. If you see a small, blue flame, also called a pilot light, this means you have a gas model. Otherwise, your water heater is most likely electric.
Point of use is another common type of water heater. They work well for providing hot water to fixtures that are far away from a conventional tank water heater. A point of use water heater is usually installed directly beneath a bathroom or kitchen sink, and it works in conjunction with a home’s existing plumbing system.
Our Pearson technicians are experts at servicing all types of tank water heaters. Whether you have a gas water heater or an electric style, our plumbing staff are ready to serve you.
What do I do if my water heater’s pilot light goes out?
The pilot light is a small blue flame that’s located inside the access panel near the bottom of your gas water heater. The pilot light needs to stay lit for your water heater to function properly. If your pilot light goes out, you can usually relight it yourself. All you need to do is:
- Set the temperature control to the lowest setting
- Turn the regulator knob to the ‘Off’ position
- Wait at least 5 minutes for any gas in the air to dissipate
- Open the access panel
- Turn the gas valve to the pilot position.
- While holding down the pilot gas valve, ignite the burner with a utility lighter
- Hold down the gas valve for another minute to ensure the burner ignites
Be Aware!
Most modern water heaters have an automatic valve that stops the flow of gas should the pilot light go out. However, some older models may not have this feature. If you smell gas near your water heater, don’t relight the pilot. Leave the house immediately, and call your gas company for assistance.
If the pilot won’t light, or the flame continues to go out, Pearson is just a call away. We’ll determine what’s preventing the pilot light from working as it should and make the necessary repairs, all for a reasonable price.
What kind of maintenance does my water heater need?
To help you get the most life out of your water heater, you should make time for regular maintenance. Proper maintenance is crucial to keeping your water heater happy and healthy in the long run, and it can even extend the life of your tank.
You should flush out your tank at least once every year. This process involves shutting the water heater off, opening the pressure relief valve, and completely draining the tank. Flushing the tank will remove any sediment and mineral scale that can wear on your tank and cause leaks.
It’s also important to ensure the pressure valve on your water heater is working correctly. This safety mechanism prevents your tank from becoming overpressurized, which could lead to an explosion. Luckily, checking the pressure valve is a fairly quick process, and a faulty pressure valve can be replaced without needing to replace the entire tank.
If your water heater hasn’t been serviced in a while, consider scheduling an appointment with Pearson Plumbing. Our team will ensure your tank is clean, safe, and ready for another year.
Do I need to replace my water heater?
Water heaters typically have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. This may seem like a long time, but without proper maintenance, your tank can break down and need replacing sooner. How long your tank lasts will depend on a few factors, including the age, the type of water heater you have, and how well it’s been taken care of.
If your water heater is 10 years or older, it’s probably time for a replacement. Even if you haven’t noticed any symptoms of wear, most manufacturers recommend you replace your water heater at this point. It’s better to replace your water heater while it’s still functioning than wait for it to break down.
If the water coming out of your tap is rusty or tinged with red or brown, it’s definitely time to call Pearson. Rust-colored water may indicate there’s corrosion happening in your tank, which needs to be addressed to keep your water supply safe.
If you’re unsure whether you need a new water heater, schedule a service appointment with Pearson, and we’ll look everything over. If you do need a new water heater, Pearson plumbing will make the installation process easy.
Pearson is here to help
If your water heater is giving you trouble, reach out to Pearson. We’re the answer for all things water heaters in Rockford, IL and beyond. Our expert technicians will diagnose the problem and get you back to your day-to-day routine in no time.
Our highly skilled plumbing team is dedicated to providing the best possible service when it comes to both residential and commercial plumbing needs. Best of all, we offer 24-hour emergency service so you never have to worry.
Give Pearson a call today.