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Residential Water Heater Service, Repair & Installation

Service, Repair & Installation for Residential Water Heaters

Do you need maintenance or repair services for your home’s standard, tankless, or solar water heater? At AAA Heating & Cooling, we offer installation, troubleshooting and maintenance services for residential water heaters in the Portland metropolitan area.

Common Problems for Residential Heating Units

Electric and gas-fueled residential water heaters both use an insulated steel storage jacket that reduces heat loss in the water. However, electric gas heaters use an upper and lower heating element instead of a gas burner.

The residential water heaters from AAA Heating & Cooling are manufactured with durable materials and should generate reliable heat in your home for many years. However, some water heating units will wear down and become less reliable over time.

Your water heater may need service or repair if:

  • It does not generate hot water
  • It is not producing enough hot water
  • The water temperature is too hot
  • The water is a yellow or rust color
  • You notice an odor in the water
  • You notice water leaks
  • It is making strange noises

Troubleshooting Residential Water Heaters

AAA-When-To-Service-Water-HeatersIf your electric water heater is not producing hot water, there are a few possible causes. The circuit breaker may be tripped, the thermostat could be malfunctioning, or the upper heating element may be faulty.

When a residential water heater is generating some hot water but not quite enough of it, your water heating unit might be too small for how much heat your space requires. Another cause may be faulty plumbing or a defective lower heating element.

If the water temperature is too hot, the first thing to check is whether the thermostat is set too high. Alternatively, the water in your home may have a high mineral content which can cause corrosion in a water heater. Corrosion may also cause your water to have a strange color or smell.

Water leaks can be caused by a poor plumbing connection or leaking valves. If you notice water leaks, shut off the water supply and the electrical power to your water heater.  

You may notice strange noises coming from your water heater. If this is the case, it could be because the water is boiling. When sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, it may lead to overheating which can cause the water to boil.

When to Call an Expert

If you are not able to troubleshoot or fix the problem, don’t hesitate to call an expert. Some malfunctions will require professional service even if you were able to determine the cause.

If you are out of hot water, or if your hot water heater is leaking, call us before 12:00 PM. In many cases we will be able to get a member of our repair team to you on the same day. If the situation requires installation of a new water heater, this can usually be accomplished the following day.

Residential Water Heater Cleaning & Maintenance

The best way to prevent the water heater in your home from malfunctioning is with regular cleaning and maintenance. A properly maintained water heater can generate hot water for over 15 years.

Be sure to keep your thermostat at a steady temperature. This will save you money and prevent the risk of scalding. It’s also a good idea to insulate your pipes with foam piping that matches the diameter of the pipes. In addition, you may choose to insulate the heater with a foil insulating blanket.

If your residential water heater has a storage tank, it is recommended to drain about a quarter of the water a few times each year. Once a year, test the temperature pressure relief valve. This will remove debris and prevent sediment from building up. About every three years you’ll want to check the sacrificial anode rod for calcium buildup or exposed core steel wires.

The team at AAA Heating & Cooling provides expert maintenance of standard, tankless and solar residential water heaters. In addition, we are experienced with repairing almost every other make and model currently and previously on the market. If you are in need of a new water heater for your Portland home, or require a maintenance check on a current unit, please call us at (503) 284-2173 or use our online scheduler to book a service appointment.

*Like to Like systems, converting to tankless or other fuel systems will take longer while we acquire permits and run new fuel source lines.