Hurst Water Heater Repair: 3 Big Local Problems

Tired of lukewarm showers and strangely high water bills? If you live in Hurst, you’re not alone — we’ve gotten a significant increase in water heater repair service calls from your neighbors and local businesses.

Mother provides expert water heater repair service to Dallas-Fort Worth area residents. Our certified master plumbers bring a wealth of local experience to every job — we know what’s causing your water heater (and other water using appliances) to malfunction.

So why are your water heaters so inefficient? And why does that increase your monthly energy bill? We’ll explain in this in-depth local guide.

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Hurst Water Heater Repair: 3 Local Plumbing Issues

“Hurst, Texas has the holy trinity of water heater issues,” one of our master plumbers told us. “The water’s too hard, the weather’s too hot, and the homes are getting older.”

These are the 3 primary causes of water heater leaks, scaling and inefficiency in our region:

1. Water hardness: Hurst has extremely high hard water levels.
2. Average age of homes: Existing water heaters in older homes are inefficient.
3. Heat: Extreme summer heat puts stress on your water heater.

Hurst Water Hardness is a Unique Challenge

Hurst's extremely hard water measures 98 parts per million (PPM) — that equals 5.7 grains per gallon (GPG). It’s not a surprise, since Texas has the 6th hardest water in America.

The DFW region rests on large sedimentary rock formations like limestone. Our lakes and rivers pull minerals like calcium, magnesium and calcium carbonate (limescale) off those rocks and into the water supply.

While those minerals have some health benefits in drinking water, they’re a nightmare for water using appliances.

Hard water affects both gas and electric water heaters

The effects of hard water and mineral scaling are seen in both electric and gas water heaters.

Mineral scaling is more noticeable in places like your shower faucet, where white crusty buildup is easily seen. But even though scale buildup inside your water heater is harder to spot, it still wreaks havoc on your system (and your utility bill).

The U.S. Department of Energy states that hard water reduces the efficiency of gas water heaters by 5% over their lifespan, while scale buildup in electric water heaters “caused the electric heating element to fail periodically”.

Hurst's Historic Homes = Ancient Water Heaters

The City of Hurst, Texas, officially incorporated in September 1952. Many historic homes in Hurst were built in the mid-20th century or earlier during the suburban housing boom.

These homes give your town its charm, character and backbone. They also are host to some of the oldest plumbing systems in the entire DFW Metroplex. 

The average lifespan of a residential water heater is 8-12 years. Even if these older Hurst homes have replaced their water heater 5 times since being built, their current heaters are still 15-20 years past their lifespan.

Specific water heater problems caused by older plumbing systems

Even if your water heater is brand new, older plumbing systems and aging pipe networks have a negative effect on its efficiency.

Older pipes lack proper insulation, which lead to heat loss and inefficient delivery of hot water to your taps. This makes your water heater work even harder to maintain its temperature.

Weak pipes and joint deterioration are susceptible to cracks and leaks. These leaks waste a significant amount of water, putting greater strain on your water heater.

What are your pipes made of? Old galvanized steel pipes accumulate lead over decades, even after lead pipes around them are removed. Is lead affecting your home water heater?

Dallas-Fort Worth Heat Strains Your Water Heater

It might seem ironic, but hot weather actually makes your water heater work harder. 

The summer months lead to more showers and more loads of laundry. Your water heater has to work harder and longer to keep up with the increased demand, which can lead to overheating and premature wear and tear.

From a purely mechanical standpoint, extreme heat affects the accuracy of your water heater’s thermostat. This causes inconsistent water temperatures — if you’ve noticed lukewarm or cold shower water in July, this is likely why.

How Texas heat affects your water heater tank

Hurst sees over 100 days of 100°F temperatures every year. This constant wave of extreme heat places direct stress on your water heater tank.

High temperatures cause thermal expansion in your water heater tank, which increases its internal pressure. This strains your tank’s pressure relief valve, which can cause leaks or even a burst tank.

Excess heat also accelerates the mineral scaling process. This causes malfunctions and faster overheating.

General Water Heater Problems That Require Expert Repair

Some of your water heater problems are caused by local factors, like Hurst’s water hardness and higher-than-average age of homes.

But there are plenty of malfunctions and inefficiency issues that are caused by problems that could happen anywhere. Here are 3 water heater service issues that Mother encounters on a regular basis:

1. Water heater thermostat malfunctions
2. Leaky water heater tanks
3. Poor pipe insulation

Thermostat Malfunctions

The primary job of your water heater’s thermostat is to monitor water temperature and tell the heating element to turn off when it reaches the desired temperature.

When your thermostat fails to send the “off” signal, your water will overheat to uncomfortable levels. When it doesn’t send an “on” signal, you won’t get hot water when you need it.

Thermostat malfunction is especially dangerous in electric water heaters. Water can reach boiling temperatures — that doesn’t just trigger your high-limit safety switch, it can burn you and your family.

Leaky Water Heater Tanks

Water heater tank leaks are a massive risk to your home, your safety, and your utility bill. 

Here are 5 ways a leaky water heater causes major damage very quickly:

1. Structural damage: Smaller leaks cause mold and mildew growth around your tank. Large leaks cause flooding that weakens the structural integrity of your home.
2. Increased utility bills: Even an average in-home leak can add $80-$100 to your monthly water bill. A leaky water heater also causes its heating element to run more frequently, driving up your overall energy bill.
3. Plumbing and pipe corrosion: Tank leaks accelerate the corrosion and rusting of your home plumbing system — and the tank itself.
4. Personal safety hazards: Water heater leaks can cause electrical safety hazards near wiring. Water damage around a gas water heater’s connections can cause a gas leak.
5. Premature appliance failure: Leaks put extra strain on your water heater, shortening its lifespan by as much as several years.

Poor Pipe Insulation

Poor insulation around aging pipes in older homes causes high inefficiency in hot water delivery from your heater tank to your taps.

Water heaters with bad insulation are forced to cycle on more frequently. The constant on/off cycling puts stress on the water heater's components, which shortens its lifespan.

Effective Solutions for Hurst Water Heater Issues

If your water heater’s on the fritz, you need quick, trustworthy plumbing solutions. Don’t be stuck without hot water in the winter, or with sediment buildup that causes leaks in your tank.

Here are simple, effective solutions for Hurst homeowners with water heater issues.

Did you know?  The City of Hurst states that water heater inspections include a customer service inspection. Take advantage of this when scheduling an inspection!

Soft water and filtered water solutions

Reduce sediment buildup in your water heater with regular flushing of your tank. Go the extra mile by installing a whole home water filter or water softener to remove the threat of mineral scaling in your water-using appliances.

The University of Kentucky states that “water heaters using only hard water consumed more energy” than units that used softened water in their research. 

Mother is certified and trained to install premium WaterTech water filtration systems in Hurst, Texas homes.

Thermostat calibration and replacement

As a general rule, always keep your water heater set to under 120°F to prevent scalding or bodily injury.

Recalibrate your thermostat each season — specifically, consider lowering its temperature in the summer to increase efficiency.

If you're experiencing persistent problems with your water temperature, even after adjusting the thermostat, it’s time to call an expert local plumber.

Hurst leak detection and leak repair

Mother Plumbing uses advanced leak detection equipment to find hidden issues fast. Acoustic and electronic leak detection helps find in-home leaks without tearing your walls open.

We offer quality, state-of-the-art leak repair service throughout your entire home plumbing system — from efficient indoor leak repair to trenchless underground pipe repair in your water line and sewer line.

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General maintenance

Regular maintenance, like flushing your water heater tank to remove sediment and replacing the anode rod, can significantly extend its lifespan.

Fast, Effective Water Heater Repair in Hurst, Texas

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex was built on sedimentary rock formations that leach hard minerals into our water. These minerals clog and impair the function of water heaters, especially older units in aging homes. 

And the blazing summer heat in Hurst stresses out water heaters, even in brand new plumbing systems. 

Mother proudly offers fast, effective water heater repair to homeowners throughout Hurst, Texas. We’ve provided plumbing service to Buena Vista, Hurstview and Woodbridge in the last 12 months.

From same-day leak detection and thermostat calibration to upgrading your home water filter, we’ll make sure your home water heater is maintained to last.

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