The purpose of a water heater is to fulfill its name—heat water!
So naturally, cause for concern arose when one tenant noticed that their water heater was doing more than just that, acting rather strange.
We received a call from a client who was puzzled by the mystery of their water heater emitting burnt and acidic odors every time they turned it back on after it had shut itself off randomly for seemingly no apparent reason.
Professional Plumbing Inspection
California Plumbing experts arrived at the tenant’s location to identify the cause of the unpleasant smell and dysfunction. We removed the cover of the unit to inspect the inside of the water heater, where we discovered corroded coils and standing water around the cables and connections.
Due to the severity of the damage caused by corrosion, we recommended replacement of the water heater. While water heaters do not always require replacement, some units are beyond repair due to damage, poor (or lack of) maintenance, or simply the end of the unit’s lifespan. Water heater issues like sediment buildup may be resolved or prevented by hiring a professional plumber for regular maintenance and flushing, however a leaking water heater requires replacement. Click here to learn about Water Heater Replacement Vs Repair.
Water Heater and Drip Pan Replacement
It is important to note that if you discover signs of water heater deterioration, such as leaks, smells, shut-offs, or standing water, you should call a professional plumber immediately. Corrosion can give rise to water damage and may endanger the health and safety of you and your loved ones or other occupants. Untreated corrosion will always exacerbate the issue. Furthermore, always consult with a licensed and equipped professional to first inspect the problem before attempting to diagnose and troubleshoot yourself.
The smell as well as the malfunctioning of the water heater was caused by corrosion in the metal drip pan, which needed to be replaced with a plastic drip pan. A drip pan serves to catch leaks from corrosion, wear and tear, or sediment buildup, preventing structural damage, mold growth, and injuries. A drip pan may also be referred to as a safety pan, referenced in building plumbing code requirements.
Out With The Old, In With The New
This particular unit was a tank water heater, which required the special talents of an additional technician of ours to move the old water heater from upstairs to downstairs, and to bring the new water heater upstairs. Water heater installations that require moving through difficult-to-access areas will include these services in your estimate.
It is best to consult with a professional plumber to discuss the type of water heater that would be best for you in the long term, when deciding between tank or tankless (demand-type) water heaters. Learn more about the differences in size, performance, maintenance, and costs between tank versus tankless water heaters
Our plumbing team installed the new water heater, filled it up with water, and hooked up the electrical connections.
And last—but certainly not least—our job of installing a new water heater is never done without checking for leaks and simple testing on appliances. We were confidently pleased to conclude the job with zero leaks and a faucet that ran hot water when turned on. We left the key on the top off panel per the tenant’s instructions.
Professional Water Heater Installation
California Plumbing provides premier water heater repair and replacement services in San Diego and Chula Vista to help you extend the life of your water heater or upgrade to a unit that best suits the needs of your home. You can call us to schedule an appointment today.
Call Us Today: (619) 787-3443
Email Us: info@californiaplumbingsd.com
