Water heaters never seem to fail at a convenient time.
Usually it’s early in the morning when somebody jumps into a cold shower. Sometimes it’s after dinner when the hot water suddenly disappears. And sometimes it’s worse. You walk into the garage or utility room and find water all over the floor around the tank.
No matter how it starts, a bad water heater can throw your whole house off fast.
At DeHart Plumbing Solutions, water heater repair and installation is one of the most common calls we run across Chickasha, DUncan and the surrounding areas of south-central Oklahoma. Here’s what homeowners should know before a small issue turns into a bigger problem.
Signs Your Water Heater May Be Going Bad
Most water heaters give warning signs before they completely fail.
Here are a few things to watch for:
- No hot water or water that never gets fully hot
- Rust-colored hot water
- Popping or rumbling sounds coming from the tank
- Water leaking around the base of the unit
- Hot water that keeps changing temperatures
- A water heater that’s over 10 years old and starting to act up
Sometimes the repair is simple. Other times the tank itself is failing and replacement makes more sense long term.
Either way, it’s better to deal with it early than wait until the whole thing quits or floods part of your home.
Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters
When it’s time to replace a water heater, most homeowners end up deciding between a traditional tank system and a tankless unit.
Traditional tank water heaters are what most homes already have. They store hot water and keep it ready throughout the day. They’re reliable, cost less upfront, and work well for a lot of families.
Tankless systems heat water only when you need it. They take up less space, are more energy efficient over time, and provide continuous hot water without running out of a tank.
For larger families or homes with heavy hot water usage, tankless systems can be a great option. Some homes may require upgrades to gas or electrical lines depending on the setup.
We’ll look at your home, your usage, and your budget and give you an honest recommendation about what makes the most sense.
Hard Water Matters in Oklahoma
One thing we see often in south-central Oklahoma is hard water.
High mineral content in the water can cause sediment buildup inside water heaters over time, especially in tank-style systems. That buildup can reduce efficiency and shorten the life of the unit.
Homes on well water can see even more mineral buildup depending on the area.
That’s one reason water softeners are worth considering around here, especially if you want to help extend the life of your plumbing system and water heater.
What You Can Expect From DeHart
When we install a water heater, we install it the right way.
That means proper hookups, correct venting, safe installation, solid workmanship, and hauling the old unit away when we’re done.
We also believe in installing quality equipment we trust in our own homes. We’re not interested in throwing in the cheapest unit possible just to save a few dollars upfront.
At the end of the day, we want you to have reliable hot water and confidence that the job was done correctly.
If your water heater is giving you trouble, give DeHart Plumbing Solutions a call. We proudly serve Duncan, Chickasha, Marlow, Rush Springs, and surrounding communities across south-central Oklahoma.