A shower that turns cold in the middle? An odd rumbling from the water heater? Some water pooling at the foot of the tank and you are left to wonder what it means?
Then you are in good company. Benicia Plumbing Incorporated has been putting hot water back on for homeowners in Benicia, Solano and Napa County since 1975. Should you wish to put a water heater matter to rest, pick up the phone and talk with us at (707) 606-0579.
For the most part a water heater is an unobtrusive appliance, until it is not. And when trouble comes it has a way of happening at the inopportune moment. We have put together a guide to the sort of problems we come across in Bay Area homes so one knows what is amiss and when to make a call.
No Hot Water
You will not be alone in minding this problem; no one relishes a cold shower. When the unit ceases to put out hot water, the why of it is a function of what you have installed. With gas heaters you can expect a dead pilot light, a bad thermocouple or something with the gas supply to be to blame. Electric models are more apt to have a tripped breaker or an element that has burned out. In many instances these are repairs, not a reason to replace the whole thing.
Short on Hot Water
The water is warm but not hot, or it is gone quicker than it should be. We hear that complaint often. It could be any number of things: a thermostat that is set low, a failing burner or element, a dip tube letting some cold in, or even a tank undersized for the household. Then there is sediment which lessens the capacity of the tank. The kind of water found in the Bay Area has its share of minerals that will make a home at the bottom of the tank over time.
Unusual Noises
Do not put off addressing the banging or popping your water heater is making. More often than not it is sediment. A hardening layer on the bottom of the tank will trap water to boil underneath, and the result is noise. Letting it be only makes the unit labour harder, running up your energy bill and eating into the life of the tank. Make it a practice to flush the tank and you will stave off the buildup.
Leaks
Any water on the floor by the heater calls for a look. It may be as easy as a new valve or tightening a connection. But if the leak is from the body of the tank, corrosion has set in from within and replacement is in order. A tank does not mend itself, and the sooner you are on top of it the better to avoid damage to the walls, floors and other things in the vicinity.
Water with an Odour or Tint
If the hot water is cloudy, brown or has a rusty hue, the anode rod is likely worn or there is corrosion in the tank. A whiff of rotten eggs is bacteria at work on the anode rod. Not pleasant and best put right before it becomes something else. For those with hard water and mineral problems, a treatment solution is sometimes the answer for the long haul.
To Repair or Replace
Age is a fair indicator. Give or take, a traditional tank will see eight to twelve years. If yours is in that bracket and causing headaches, you are better off replacing it. We can also put you on to a system that is more efficient and cuts down on waste and monthly expense. Put your mind at ease with some straight talk from us if you are in doubt.
What brings people to Benicia Plumbing
Bill and Leeann Cawley founded our family business and their son William Cawley III is at the helm now. “People Taking Care of People” is how we do things. We are fully licensed and insured and have an A+ with the BBB. The Vallejo Sun made us 1st Place “Best of Vallejo-Benicia” in 2025.
We stand behind our work with a 12-month guarantee on all parts and labour and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Free estimates are available and we are here seven days a week from 7:30 to 4:30.
So if the warning signs are there, do not let a cold shower dictate when you call. Let our family of professionals at Benicia Plumbing Incorporated handle it. Dial (707) 606-0579.