You’re in the shower, head full of shampoo, belting out your best Sinatra impression when you suddenly hit a screeching high note. The water has turned ice cold. The concert’s over and American Idol will have to wait—you’ve got water heater problems.

At Pipe Works Services, we know most people don’t give a lot of thought to the tank in the basement that heats their shower or brightens their clothes. And most of the time, that’s fine. It isn’t until the water runs cold, or worse, the unit explodes and floods your home, that the water heater suddenly becomes the center of your universe.

Cold water or a leaking water heater does not always mean your tank is dead, but if it is, we’re here to quickly and expertly replace it for you. If the heater is less than 10 years old, it’s possible a leak can be repaired, and we can help with that, too. As in any situation, you always need to weigh the cost of the repair against the cost of replacement.

It only takes one leaking water heater incident to make you realize what an important piece of equipment your tank is. To prevent costly emergency repairs, know what to look for in advance and have it repaired or replaced before it dies.

What to Look For
  • Leaks: Don’t ignore even the smallest leak. A leak does not always mean heater replacement; it may only need a few parts. On the other hand, a leak could indicate the start of a catastrophic tank breakdown. Don’t self-diagnose—give your local plumber a call so they can assess the situation.
  • Odor: If your water starts to smell strange, call immediately. It could indicate a breakdown of the tank’s interior components and may pose a health risk.
  • Strange Noises: Knocking and gurgling sounds? Also, not normal. Banging sounds tends to come from large mineral deposits falling inside the tank. Gurgling is a serious problem, as it usually means the water inside the tank is boiling. Instead of a water heater, you now have a pressure cooker. Immediately turn it off and call your local plumber.
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