Plumbers Rockford IL Pros is a referral service. We connect you with independent local plumbers and do not do the plumbing work ourselves.
When the hot water runs out early, the tank starts rumbling or water pools around the base, call (815) 420-9933. We connect you with a local plumber who repairs and replaces tank, tankless and heat pump water heaters in Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Roscoe, Rockton, Cherry Valley and Belvidere.
What are the signs a water heater needs repair?
The most common signs are popping or rumbling while it heats, hot water that runs out sooner than it used to, and rusty or cloudy hot water. Water around the base of the tank is the sign to act on fastest, because it can mean the tank itself is failing.
- Popping, rumbling or crackling from the tank
- Hot water that runs out faster than it used to
- Rusty, cloudy or smelly hot water
- No hot water, or water that is only lukewarm
- Water pooling around the base of the tank
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
Replace it if the tank itself is leaking, because a leaking tank cannot be repaired. Repair it if the problem is a part, such as a thermostat, heating element, gas valve or pilot assembly, or if sediment and scale are the cause.
Age matters too. The U.S. Department of Energy puts the life of a storage water heater at 10 to 15 years, so a tank near that age with repeated problems is usually worth replacing rather than fixing again.
How does Rockford's hard water affect a water heater?
Rockford's water runs 19 to 22 grains per gallon of calcium and magnesium, and those minerals settle on the bottom of the tank as scale. Scale is what makes a tank rumble, and it forces the burner or element to work harder to heat the same water.
A study for the Water Quality Association found untreated hard water can cut water heater efficiency by up to 24%. The City of Rockford recommends draining and flushing the tank at least once a year, and a water softener stops most of the scale before it reaches the heater.
Is a tankless water heater worth it in Rockford?
A tankless water heater heats water only when a tap is open, so it can save energy and it lasts longer than a tank. For homes that use 41 gallons of hot water a day or less, the Department of Energy says tankless units can be 24 to 34 percent more energy efficient than storage tanks, and most have a life expectancy of more than 20 years.
The tradeoff is that one unit can only supply so much hot water at once, so the plumber sizes it to the showers and appliances you run together. In water as hard as Rockford's, the heat exchanger also collects scale, so ask about descaling or a softener when you plan the switch.
What is a heat pump water heater?
A heat pump water heater moves heat from the air around it into the water instead of making heat directly, which the Department of Energy says can make it two to three times more efficient than a conventional electric water heater. Because it draws heat from the surrounding air, the plumber will check that the space where it would go suits it.
What should I do if my water heater is leaking?
Close the cold water supply valve on top of the tank, then turn off the power at the breaker for an electric heater or set the gas valve to off for a gas heater. Then call (815) 420-9933; emergency plumbing is available 24/7.
What should I tell the plumber when I call?
A few details help the plumber come prepared. Most of them are printed on the label on the side of the tank.
- Whether the heater is gas or electric, tank or tankless
- The tank size in gallons and roughly how old it is
- What is happening and when it started
- Whether you are on Rockford city water or a private well
Agree the price with the plumber before any work starts, and ask for their Illinois plumbing license number so you can check it with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
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Leaking water heater, backed up drain or a well pump acting up, day or night? Call and we will connect you with a local plumber.