24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE •
At Gem we aim to offer the highest quality service for your home or business.
Heating & Cooling
If you’re in need of a repair or system replacement, trust our licensed HVAC technicians.
Plumbing & Drains
Whether you need a system upgrade, installation, replacement or inspection, our plumbers are here to help.
Electrical
From replacing a light switch to designing a networking system, our electricians can handle it all.
Smart Home
Our smart home expertise ranges across all services, and we are here to guide you through navigating the latest smart technology.
Indoor Air Quality
We will keep your air quality above standard, to keep you healthy in your home.
Commercial Services in New England
Let us handle your service needs, so you can focus on running your business.
HomeX℠ Remote Assist
Get virtual support from experts
We offer a wide range of services for commercial and industrial applications.
Commercial Plumbing
Commercial Heating & Cooling
Commercial Electrical
Commercial Refrigeration
Commercial Drain Cleaning and Jetting in New England
Industries Served
We create & update facilities, for any industry, to make your business better.
We cover everything from large-scale industrial design to mechanical engineering.
Providence Marriott Downtown Renovation
Care New England Medical Facility Renovation
Lincoln, Rhode Island
Fall River, Massachusetts
Bellingham, MA
July 26, 2021 • In GEM Featured Blog Post, Plumbing • 5 Min Read
By GEM
There’s nothing better than a warm shower after a long day, unless your water unexpectedly turns cold, leaving you to deal with a struggling water heater. It’s important to understand how your water heater works, how to maintain it, and what can go wrong– that way, you can keep a comfortable water temperature year-round in your New England home.
Water heaters should be tipped for their extra fast service — within seconds, they’re responsible for delivering hot water to all your taps and appliances. Water from your home’s water lines is fed into the bottom of your water heater tank where it starts to warm up. As it heats, the water rises and eventually exits at the top to be delivered wherever you need it.
There are two main types of water heaters: tank and tankless. Traditional models store and preheat water in big metal cylinders or tall drums usually located in your basement or laundry room. In a tankless system, water gets heated by a gas burner or electric element as it travels through pipes.
The choice between the two ultimately depends on your needs for water heater size, your home’s fuel source, and budget. Trying to maintain a water heater of the wrong fit will feel like running a marathon. But even with the right fit, it’s important to look out for what can go wrong.
Don’t let these common water heater problems give you cold feet (cold water is more than enough!). Many of them can be spotted yourself and handled before they turn more severe.
If your water heater is leaking from the top, you may be dealing with loose cold water inlet pipes or hot water outlet pipes, or a loose relief or inlet valve. You can try tightening them with an element wrench to see if the leaking stops. No luck? Your tank may be corroded––time for a replacement!
Is your tank leaking from the bottom? Condensation (try turning up the thermostat), a leaking or loose drain valve, or tank over-pressurization may be the culprit. Try tightening any loose elements with a wrench, and if you notice leaking from your relief valve, check to see if your temperature is set too high (it should be around 120 degrees Fahrenheit). If this doesn’t do the trick, corrosion may be responsible for your problem and replacement should be your next step!
There are several reasons why your water may be turning a cold shoulder, or just as unpleasant, giving too warm of a welcome:
Is your hot water issue still tanking your at-home comfort? Contact us here at GEM to check on your water heaters’ thermostat and the size of your unit in the New England area.
If you have a gas water heater and the pilot light keeps going out, you may have a dirty, bent, or damaged thermocouple.
Your water heater’s job isn’t to drop a beat — if it’s making noise, there’s likely sediment buildup in the bottom of your tank. You can try flushing the sediment out by emptying the tank completely, opening the cold water intake, then filling the tank halfway while allowing the stream to rinse out the sediment inside. Empty the water through the drain valve and repeat the process until there’s no sediment left.
If sediment buildup has caused your tank to rust and leak, you’ll need a water heater replacement. Preventative maintenance, like installing a water softener and flushing your water heater out once or twice a year can relieve you of these issues in the future.
There’s no fun in questioning whether your water is safe enough to drink or clean with. If it’s coming out of the faucet rusty-colored, or smells like either rotten eggs or sulfur, the inside of your tank is likely facing corrosion or bacteria buildup. In any case, it’s best to call a professional plumber to have a look and replace the anode rod in your tank.
Unfortunately, water heaters don’t last forever. With a lifespan of about 8 to 12 years, proper water heater maintenance is so important. Here are a few maintenance hacks you can attempt yourself:
It’s best to check your water heater for any issues, like leaks, every 2 to 3 months. Even with maintenance, water heaters aren’t bulletproof– if you’re running into any issues or seeking a replacement in the New England area, GEM Plumbing & Heating can help with reliable service!
We can also lend a virtual helping hand– one of our Remote Assist experts can walk you through your water heater system and diagnose any issues right over video call!
Try Remote Assist
Share This Article
Chat With Us
Book An Appointment
September 9, 2021 • 2 Min Read
Soap not lathering? Are you noticing mineral stains on your clothes or dishes? These are all signs telling you there’s...
August 19, 2021 • 2 Min Read
Are you looking to lend your basement some more space? The water heater is a mysterious contraption to many homeowners....
August 19, 2021 • 4 Min Read
Not sure which way to heat your home’s water? The good news: you have plenty of options for water heaters...
August 11, 2021 • 1 Min Read
A healthy heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial to keep you and your family from melting in...