How Do I Know if I Need a New Hot Water Heater?

technician repairing a hot-water heaterFor many people, having a steady supply of hot water in their homes is something they don’t think about very often. It’s important to have reliable hot water for many daily tasks, including hygiene, cooking, cleaning, and laundry. If your water heater isn’t working as well as it should be, you may be wondering if it’s time for a replacement.

But how do you know for sure that your water heater might be heading for a breakdown? In this article, we’re sharing some of the signs your water heater might give if it needs replacing. And, we’ll tell you what options are available when it comes to water heaters and how Boelcke can help you get the right equipment for your home and lifestyle needs. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Signs Your Hot Water Heater May Need Replacing

If you turn on your faucet and you have no hot water at all, then you know something is up with your water heater. However, some signs are more subtle and may indicate it’s time for a replacement, including:

  1. Your water heater is 15+ years old and has needed frequent repairs. Water heaters are durable, but around the 10-year mark, many begin to need repairs. If you’ve been trying to keep an older water heater running, and repairs are becoming more and more expensive, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.
  2. Your water heater is leaking, or there are puddles around the base. If you notice any water on or around your water heater beyond normal condensation, there’s a good chance your water heater has developed a leak. A leaking water heater can cause damage to your home, so it’s best to have it checked out right away.
  3. You notice that your water is rusty. Rusty water usually indicates corrosion in your water heater tank. If there’s rust in your water, you may notice your white laundry has rusty spots, sinks have rust marks, and your water has a metallic taste. When water heaters rust, it’s only a matter of time before leaks develop.
  4. Your water is not hot. When water heaters start to fail, people often notice that their water doesn’t get as hot as it once did. This can be a sign that your water heater is on the way out, or that the heating element has failed. Either way, you should have your water heater checked out by a professional.
  5. Loud noises are coming from your tank. If you notice popping, banging, clanging, or other loud noises coming from your tank, chances are sediment has built up in your tank. This buildup prevents your tank from effectively pushing a supply of hot water through your home. And, sediment can damage your heating element and cause rust issues.

If any of these signs are apparent in your home, you should call a professional to inspect your system. While it may be possible that your water heater can be repaired, older water heaters or ones that have not been maintained properly may need to be replaced.

What are some options available for water heaters?

If you do need a water heater replacement, you have a couple of different options available – traditional tank systems and tankless water heaters. Conventional storage water heaters offer a storage tank of hot water that is adequate for everyday use. Tankless water heaters do not use a tank but instead, heat the water directly. The hot water is supplied on demand rather than from a reservoir of heated water.

How can Boelcke help me if I need a new water heater?

If you think you might need a new water heater, we can help! Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning proudly provides a comprehensive listing of water heating products for your home. We can help meet all your water heater needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Get Your Home’s Plumbing Spring-Ready with These Tips

outdoor spigot with spring flowers in backgroundOnce spring arrives, people look forward to getting their homes ready for the better weather to come. Many people embark on spring cleaning inside and out, making sure windows are clean, lawns and gardens are maintained, and home comfort equipment is working properly. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your home’s plumbing is in good working order, too.

For more information
Call or Click:

Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321

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At Boelcke, we offer complete plumbing services, but we also like to help homeowners by providing a few DIY tips now and then. In this article, we’ll share a few tips on how you can make sure your home’s plumbing system is spring-ready. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Tips to Make Sure Your Home’s Plumbing is Ready for Spring

Want to learn more about how you can make sure the plumbing in your home is ready for the spring season ahead? Here are a few tips that can help ensure your plumbing is prepared:

  1. Make sure your sump pump is working properly. Once spring arrives, so does the rain and unfortunately, basement flooding. Check your sump pump as early in the spring as possible to make sure it’s operating properly so you’ll be prepared for wet conditions.
  2. Consider installing a water softener. Most of the water in Michigan is considered hard to very hard. That means that there are a lot of minerals present in the water that can lead to buildup in pipes, in your water heater, and in heating equipment that uses water, like boilers. It can even cause problems with appliances, such as coffeemakers and ice machines. A water softener can help keep hard water from becoming a problem.
  3. Inspect your home’s water heater. Spring is a great time to make sure your home equipment, such as your air conditioning system and water heater, is working properly. Getting annual maintenance on your water heater from a professional plumber can help ensure it’s running smoothly and efficiently.
  4. Check your outdoor spigots and faucets. In the winter, outdoor fixtures like sprinklers, outdoor faucets, and spigots can freeze and become damaged. You’ll want to inspect your sprinkler heads and hose spigots for any leaks or damages that could have been caused by freezing winter temperatures.
  5. Check gutters and downspouts. During the winter months, debris and vegetation can collect in gutters and downspouts. Sometimes, animals like squirrels use gutters for nesting and food storage during the winter months. So, you’ll want to make sure your gutters are free of anything that could cause clogs that prevent rainwater from flowing freely.

Of course, if you’re uncomfortable with tackling plumbing concerns on your own, no worries – Boelcke is always ready to help you find the best solution.

Need help with home plumbing concerns? You can count on Boelcke.

At Boelcke, our plumbing professionals are always ready to help meet your home plumbing needs. You can count on us for plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair, and we can help you get the equipment you need, including water-softening systems and hot water heaters. If you live in Stevensville, Coloma, St. Joseph, or the surrounding areas and need plumbing services for your home, give Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll tell you about the different plumbing products and services we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

The Holidays are Here Again – Keep Your Plumbing Running Smoothly.

The holidays are that wonderful time of year when family and friends gather in your home for food, festivities, and fun. While this season is for special times with those you love, it can also be the time of year when your home’s plumbing system has to work extra hard to keep up with the demands of a full house.

For more information
Call or Click:

Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321

Ask A Tech

Nobody wants to think about experiencing a plumbing issue in the midst of a celebration. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your plumbing running smoothly. In this article, we’ll talk about five steps you can take to steer clear of plumbing issues during the holiday season, and how Boelcke can help if there’s a problem. Keep reading to learn more!

6 Tips to Keep Your Plumbing Problem-Free this Holiday Season

  1. Know what to throw away. In the midst of a busy holiday meal, it can be tempting to scrape plates into the sink. However, this can lead to buildup in your drains, which inevitably can cause your sink’s plumbing to clog. Make sure your sink strainers are in place, and scape plates and serving dishes into the garbage.
  2. Keep your garbage disposal clear. There are certain foods that you should avoid putting down your garbage disposal. Bones, eggshells, fat, grease, and string vegetables like celery and squash should not go in your disposal. They can clog your unit, or cause issues with the blades and motor.
  3. Avoid toilet clogs and overflows. You know what’s safe to flush down your toilet, but your guests might not. As a rule of thumb, items like baby wipes and diapers, personal products, cotton balls, swabs, pads, and cigarette butts should never be flushed down the toilet. Clogs can happen, though, so it’s always a good idea to have a plunger nearby.
  4. Properly dispose of grease. Grease is the word when it comes to common drain problems. Dumping grease down the drain is never a good idea, as it can solidify and cause a clog. Not to mention, grease attracts anything else that might slip down your drain, such as food particles and hair, causing a large clump in your drain pipes. Pour grease into a can that can be disposed of when it cools, or wait for grease in pans to solidify and scrape it into the trash.
  5. Give your drains some extra TLC. Because your sinks and tubs will likely be working overtime this holiday season, you can help keep your drains in good condition with some common household items. Baking soda and vinegar can help keep drains running freely. Start by running hot water down the drain. Next, pour a solution of 1 cup of baking soda, one cup of water, and one cup of vinegar into the drain. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and flush with hot water.
  6. Keep the hot water flowing. When you have guests staying over during the holidays, and you’re working hard to prepare those fantastic holiday dinners, your hot water heater is working overtime, too. It’s good practice to have a professional plumbing service, like Boelcke, inspect your hot water heater annually to make sure it’s functioning properly. And, if your hot water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s time to consider replacing it.

Can Boelcke help me if I have a holiday plumbing problem?

Despite your best efforts, you could run into a plumbing issue that needs professional attention. That’s where Boelcke comes in. We provide a complete range of plumbing services, so no matter what your concern may be, we can help get your toilets, sinks, and drains back in working order promptly and professionally.

We can even help you get ahead of the game by inspecting your plumbing and fixing any problems that might be a cause for concern once your holiday guests arrive. Just give us a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll tell you about the different bathroom plumbing products and services we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Could Plumbing Issues Be Making My Home Too Humid?

woman looks at possible leak in kitchen sink or faucetOnce the summer months roll around, most people notice that the air feels more humid. In your home, your air conditioning system can help keep the humidity down. Some homes also require dehumidification to keep home humidity at a manageable level. If you have a dehumidifier and air conditioning but are still noticing that your home is uncomfortably damp, it might be time to look for other issues.

Usually, an AC system coupled with a dehumidifier does the trick in homes that tend to hold in the humid air. If they don’t seem to be working, it’s likely that some of the moisture in your home is coming from something besides the humid outdoor air. It could be that you have a plumbing issue that’s making your home more humid than it should be. In this article, we’ll talk about some plumbing issues that could be a cause for concern. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Plumbing Issues That Might Be Increasing Your Home’s Humidity Level

The major plumbing concern that could be causing your home to be overly damp is, quite simply, leaks. Unfortunately, people may not realize that there can be leaks that aren’t always noticeable. If your home seems overly damp, or you’re noticing a musty odor or mold growth throughout your home, you might want to check for leaks in these areas:

  1. Tub & Shower Drains: Tub and shower drains can leak, especially those that are plastic or fiberglass, as these materials tend to flex when people stand on them. That can result in the seal around the drain breaking. Signs that this could be happening include water stains on a ceiling below the tub, or damp and loose tiles or flooring around the tub.
  2. Toilet Flange: The toilet flange is the space where your toilet is joined to the waste pipe. In the occurrence of a toilet flange leak, water will seep out every time you flush. This is very problematic, as it not only contributes to the dampness in your home, but it eventually destroys your flooring and subflooring, and, if your bathroom is located on a second story, the ceiling below.
  3. Sinks: Leaky pipes underneath your sinks can be sneaky. Sometimes, it’s a small leak that may not be readily noticeable, but over time will cause your sink base and flooring to rot. If you notice that items stored in an under-sink cabinet seem damp, old water stains near the plumbing, or a musty odor, chances are you have a leak.
  4. Water Heaters: Water heater tanks can start slowly, but then eventually burst – leaving you with a disaster on your hands. If you notice any puddling around the tank, it’s time to act. It could be a valve, which usually only requires a repair. But if the tank itself is leaking, you will likely need to replace it right away.
  5. Washers: There are many reasons why your washing machine might be leaking, including drain hose issues, a faulty drain pump, or even a clogged hose. Check for puddles behind or around the washer if you suspect this might be a problem. Leaks around your washer can damage flooring and cause wood rot, so they should be taken care of as soon as possible.

I think I may have a plumbing issue in my home. Who can help me?

When you choose Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning to help with your leaky pipes, you’re choosing a full-service plumbing contractor who can help you get all the services you need. We’ll help to ensure the plumbing in your home is in tip-top condition. If you live in Stevensville, Coloma, St. Joseph, or the surrounding areas and need help with leaky pipes or appliances in your home, give us a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Why Choose a Full-Service Contractor?

technician standing by truck smilingIf you’re like most homeowners, you likely rely on help from professionals in order to keep your home running smoothly. In fact, it’s a good idea to leave the installation, maintenance, and repair of certain home equipment, such as air conditioners and heating equipment, to the pros. And when you’re looking for an HVAC contractor for your home, you’ll want to find one who can help meet all of your home comfort needs.

What does a full-service HVAC contractor offer?

Unfortunately, there are some HVAC companies out there who offer only the very basics when it comes to home comfort equipment. That’s why it’s so important to find an experienced contractor who can offer a wide range of HVAC products and services. For instance, when you choose to work with Boelcke for your heating and cooling needs, you’ll be pleased to know we offer:

Full service, at your service!
Call or Click:

Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321

Ask A Tech
  • Heating & Air Conditioning Installation
  • Heating & Air Conditioning Repair
  • Heating & Air Conditioning Maintenance
  • Ductless Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Heat Pumps
  • Furnaces
  • Boilers

Our skilled technicians are pleased to offer you and your family high-quality home comfort equipment from brands like Heil®, and Fujitsu. But, if you don’t have those brands installed in your home, you should know you can rely on us to maintain and repair virtually all equipment makes and models.

How Boelcke Goes Above & Beyond

As you can see, you can rely on Boelcke when you need heating or cooling installation, maintenance, and repair. What’s more, we offer other great products and services to help round out your home comfort product and service needs:

  • Indoor Air Quality: Are you concerned about the air you and your family are breathing inside your home? Then you can trust Boelcke to help you get the indoor air quality, or IAQ, solutions you need. We proudly offer air sterilization, high-efficiency filters, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and UV lights.
  • Plumbing: Do you need quality plumbing services for your home? Then count on Boelcke to meet your needs. We’re pleased to offer top-notch plumbing solutions for you and your family. From leaky faucets to complete plumbing overhauls, Boelcke will be more than happy to assist you. Our plumbing technicians are experienced in all types of plumbing repair, replacement, and installation services. We can help you with sinks, tubs, and toilets, as well as outside services including water and sewer main repair and replacement.
  • Hot Water Heaters: When you need a new water heater, you should know you have different options. Today, there are a number of different types of water heaters available for residential use. Homeowners can choose from the traditional storage water heater, which uses a tank to reserve heated water, as well as tankless options that heat water on demand.
  • Generators: If you’ve ever been faced with an extended power outage, you know it can be both an inconvenient and costly experience. Being without power in your home not only makes day-to-day activities difficult or impossible, but it also can cause extensive damage to appliances and costly replacement of perishable grocery items. You can avoid these costs and disturbances, though, when you choose a high-quality Honeywell® home generator from Boelcke Heating & Cooling.

I need HVAC, plumbing, or indoor air quality services for my home. Can Boelcke help?

At Boelcke, we’re always ready to help meet any home comfort need you might have – from heating and cooling to plumbing and hot water heaters. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Hot Water Heaters Near Stevensville, MI

Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning offers Hot Water Heaters near you in Stevensville, and throughout the Southwest Michigan area.

hot water heater from boelckeIs it time for a new hot water heater in your home? If so, you should know you have many options to choose from. Whether you’d like to install a traditional tank system, or an energy-efficient tankless model, Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning provides top of the line hot water heaters that provide both heated water and energy efficiency to your home.

When you work with Boelcke, our highly skilled technicians will be happy to install a hot water heater in your home. They’ll help you decide the right size and type for your home and your lifestyle, and they’ll provide professional, prompt installation. You and your family will enjoy hot water for household chores, cooking, and bathing in no time – and you’ll save energy when compared to older, less efficient models.

Ready for a consultation or need more info?

Contact Boelcke at (269) 429-9261 or complete the short form below and a representative will reach out to you.








    * Denotes required field.

    What do our Customers Think?

    "Never Been Disappointed"

    five stars

    "I have had our heating and air conditioning service done by the Boelcke team for many years. I have never been disappointed. I have also had my furnace replaced and a new air conditioner installed. We have been very satisfied. However, it is the relationship that we continue to enjoy with the whole Boelcke team that we appreciate the most. Yesterday it was Ben who visited us. Send him back any time. He, like the others, fit right in. Thank you."

    Nick N. | Local Resident and Facebook Reviewer

    4.6

    five stars

    4.6

    five stars
    angi-logo

    4.6

    five stars

    Boelcke review scores as of 4/8/24

    At Boelcke, we can help you with your hot water heater needs in Stevensville & Southwest MI.

    Our qualified technicians are ready to provide you with professional hot water heater installation and more. We offer a number of water heating products for your convenience. You can count on us to provide:

    When you need a hot water heater from a qualified specialist for your home, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your hot water heater needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

    Tankless Water Heaters Near Stevensville, MI

    Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning offers Tankless Water Heaters near you in Stevensville, and throughout the Southwest Michigan area.

    tankless water heater from boelcke on wallWouldn’t it be great if you could get continuous, on-demand heated water throughout your home? You can, when you choose a tankless hot water heater from Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. Our tankless hot water heaters provide heated water whenever and wherever you need it in your home. And, because water is heated on demand, rather than continuously, you can count on energy savings for your home as well.

    Our expert technicians will be happy to install your tankless hot water heater. They’ll make sure to install a properly sized system for your home and your lifestyle. You and your family will enjoy a virtually endless supply of hot water when you choose a tankless water heater from Boelcke. Not to mention, our tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient, helping you save money on your utility bills.

    Ready for a consultation or need more info?

    Contact Boelcke at (269) 429-9261 or complete the short form below and a representative will reach out to you.








      * Denotes required field.

      What do our Customers Think?

      "Never Been Disappointed"

      five stars

      "I have had our heating and air conditioning service done by the Boelcke team for many years. I have never been disappointed. I have also had my furnace replaced and a new air conditioner installed. We have been very satisfied. However, it is the relationship that we continue to enjoy with the whole Boelcke team that we appreciate the most. Yesterday it was Ben who visited us. Send him back any time. He, like the others, fit right in. Thank you."

      Nick N. | Local Resident and Facebook Reviewer

      4.6

      five stars

      4.6

      five stars
      angi-logo

      4.6

      five stars

      Boelcke review scores as of 4/8/24

      When you need a tankless water heater for your home in Stevensville or Southwest MI, Boelcke can help.

      We can install a tankless water heater in your home, allowing you constant hot water and efficiency. Additionally, we offer a number of other water heating products. Count on us to provide:

      When you need a tankless water heater from a qualified specialist for your home, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your tankless water heater needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

      Water Heaters Near Stevensville, MI

      Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning offers Water Heaters near you in Stevensville, and throughout the Southwest Michigan area.

      water heater from boelckeWhen you need a new water heater, you should know you have different options. Today, there are a number of different types of water heaters available for residential use. Homeowners can choose from the traditional storage water heater, which uses a tank to reserve heated water, as well as tankless options that heat water on demand. If it’s time for a new water heater in your home, you can count on Boelcke Heating and Cooling to help.

      At Boelcke, we’re pleased to offer a range of water heater options for our residential customers. And, when you work with us, you can trust our expert technicians to provide you with prompt, professional water heater installation. They’ll help you select the right hot water heater for the size of your home and your lifestyle, so you and your family can enjoy hot water for cooking, cleaning, bathing and more.

      Ready for a consultation or need more info?

      Contact Boelcke at (269) 429-9261 or complete the short form below and a representative will reach out to you.








        * Denotes required field.

        What do our Customers Think?

        "Never Been Disappointed"

        five stars

        "I have had our heating and air conditioning service done by the Boelcke team for many years. I have never been disappointed. I have also had my furnace replaced and a new air conditioner installed. We have been very satisfied. However, it is the relationship that we continue to enjoy with the whole Boelcke team that we appreciate the most. Yesterday it was Ben who visited us. Send him back any time. He, like the others, fit right in. Thank you."

        Nick N. | Local Resident and Facebook Reviewer

        4.6

        five stars

        4.6

        five stars
        angi-logo

        4.6

        five stars

        Boelcke review scores as of 4/8/24

        Choose Boelcke when you need a water heater for your home in Stevensville or Southwest MI.

        Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning proudly provides a comprehensive listing of water heating products for your home. When you call on us to install your hot water heater, we’ll be pleased to offer you the following:

        When you need a water heater from a qualified specialist for your home, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your water heater needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.