FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

#1. Can water heaters explode?

In short,  yes, it is possible for a water heater to explode. Whether it's a gas or electric model, this can be a possibility if the temperature is set too high or the water heater malfunctions. This, like many other reasons, is why we recommend always hiring a water heater professional before tampering with your water heater. Explosions are not only expensive and destructive to your home, they're downright dangerous to you and your family. The good news is that this is a rather infrequent occurrence, and if proper maintenance and care is taken, it is unlikely to happen. 

#2. Can I install my own water heater?

Yes, there are a plethora of DIY installation videos and instruction across the web. However, we would not recommend doing so, especially if you are using a gas heater. Firstly, it's rather dangerous. We at First Hour Water Heater Repair are specially trained to handle installations of any type, so we have seen and are prepared for any type of situation. Although it can save you some money to install your heater yourself, is it really worth the risk? 

#3. My water heater is leaking, what should I do?

Leaks are not to be overlooked when it comes to your water heater. Be sure to call a professional right away if you see any presence of water pooling around your water heater. Typically, a leak indicates the end of your water heater's lifespan and requires replacement. You can read more on this topic in our Water Heater Replacement section. 

#4. My water heater is making strange noises, what gives?

Strange and erratic sounds coming from your water heater often sound scarier than they actually are. Noises such as rumbling or popping usually indicate sediment build-up, and can typically be repaired if not left unattended too for an extended period of time. Hissing, however, can indicate the presence of a leak and should be addressed ASAP. Either way, the best course of action is to always have a professional take a look at your water heater to see what's going on. 

#5. There's a strange smell coming from my water heater! What's wrong with it?

Smelly water heaters are usually a result of bacteria build up in the tank. Typically this is due to a low temperature setting, and can be easily remedied. However, bacteria build up can result in clogs and permanent damage is not addressed properly. This is especially true for tankless heaters, which are much more complex than storage heaters. Be sure to call First Hour Water Heater Repair if you're experiencing any strange smells coming from your water heater. 

#6. My water heater is new, but my showers are always cold! What can I do?

There are a myriad of reasons this could be happening. If the size of the water heater is too small, the heavy usage of water could result in lack of water for your shower. How many gallons does your unit hold? Were you also running a dishwasher or laundry machine during your shower? 

If the answer is "No," the next best place to look is at the pilot light or electric ignition. The heating element could also be faulty. This is likely a simple repair, and should be rather inexpensive. To learn more about possible reasons your shower is running cold, check out our section on Water Heater Repair.

​It's always good to call and simply explain the situation to First Hour Water Heater Repair. Both the call and estimate are free, so why wait? Your next hot shower is only a phone call away!

#7. We're thinking of switching units. Which is better, storage tank or tankless water heaters?

To be honest, both are good options for homeowners - it's really more about what is more important to you! Tankless heaters are more efficiency and environmentally conscious, yet their initial installation and routine maintenance are much more expensive. They also last much longer than storage heaters. Traditional storage heaters are much cheaper to install and maintain, but don't last nearly as long. They are more consistent, as far as water output goes, and can often be better for larger families and businesses. If you'd like to learn more, visit our section titled Tankless vs. Storage Water Heaters, where we outline the pros and cons of both tankless and storage water heating systems.