Electric Water Heater Repair, Replacement & Installation in Middleburg & Nearby

Make sure you have a reliable hot water supply with our expert services

If you are experiencing problems with your electric water heater, the professionals at J.R. Snider can inspect your hot water heater and determine whether it's worth repairing, or if replacement may be smarter. If your electric water heater runs out of hot water or isn't delivering hot water at all, give us a call! 

We provide free estimates in Ashburn, Middleburg, The Plains and nearby for water heater repair and replacement. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

How does an electric hot water heater work?

Most electric water heaters are tank-type models that share the same basic anatomy. Electric heating elements inside the tank serve as the heat source for the stored water. A thermostat controls current to the heating elements to maintain water temperature between 120 and 140 degrees. Hot water leaves the tank through a pipe at the top of the tank. Cold water enters the tank through another pipe. A sacrificial anode is installed inside the tank to help minimize corrosion on other parts of the system.  A relief valve in the tank wall is designed to open if internal pressure or temperature exceeds safe levels. A drain valve at the bottom of the tank allows accumulated sediment to be drained periodically. All new tank-type water heaters have insulation covering the tank to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

What can go wrong with an electric water heater?

On average, an electric, tank-type water heater will last 10-15 years. Basic maintenance and (in some cases) occasional repairs will help prolong the heater’s life and improve its performance, too. To understand what maintenance and repairs are often necessary, it helps to know what can go wrong with an electric water heater.

• Sediment. Corrosion inside the tank, combined with mineral deposits, eventually create a layer of sediment at the bottom of the tank. This buildup should be drained at least once a year.  
• Leaks. Water can begin to leak around openings for valves or pipes, or through worn valves. Metal tanks can corrode from the inside, developing leaks through weakened wall areas.
• Faulty thermostat. If the thermostat isn’t functionally properly, stored water can get too hot, or stay too cool.
• Broken dip tube. Present on some tank-type water heaters, the dip tube can break or detach, cooling off the hot water supply before it leaves the tank.
• Corroded sacrificial anode. An older, fully corroded anode should be replaced with a new anode to maintain corrosion protection.
• Broken heating element. Electric heating elements can be damaged by lime buildup or sediment deposits.
• Malfunctioning relief valve. The relieve valve can cause problems if it leaks or if it doesn’t open at correct temperature and pressure settings.

Repair or replace an older water heater? Make the right call with expert assistance from J.R. Snider

It’s not always easy to decide whether to repair an older water heater or replace the unit with a newer model. To avoid problems with this critical appliance, contact the experts at J.R. Snider. Our technicians provide free water heater inspections and estimates for all recommended water heater repairs, maintenance and replacements. Plus, we have access to the best new ENERGY STAR® electric water heaters available. Give us a call or contact us online to meet with us!

Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.