Originally posted on https://nationaleconomyplumber.com/6-signs-you-need-water-heater-repair/
A deteriorating water heater doesn’t seem like a big deal until you have to take an ice cold shower. The water heater is constantly working round the clock, every day throughout the year.
Considering the increased amount of stress it has to endure, it’s no surprise that it is bound to break down at some point. Once nothing but cold water is coming out of your taps and your showers, it suddenly strikes you just how important this appliance is.
Water heater repair is important. Here are 6 signs you should look out for in a malfunctioning water heater.
1. Irregular Water Temperatures
Do you notice that sometimes your water comes out as hot as you need it yet other times it comes out lukewarm or even cold? Fluctuating water temperatures is a good indication that something is wrong with your heater.
Ask a professional to come and have a look at what the issue could be. Try also to remember when you first bought the water heater.
If it is relatively new, you can have it repaired but if it’s too old, you are better off replacing it with a new one. This saves you the time, money and stress of having to fix the appliance multiple times.
What causes the water heater to lose heat? The most common reason behind this issue is the accumulation of mineral deposits. Mineral deposits build up over time and cover your water heating elements keeping them from working as needed.
When only the water elements are faulty you can have them repaired or replaced instead of buying another whole new water heating system.
2. Discoloration of Water
It goes without saying that the only water that comes out of your tap should be colorless. It may seem hazy sometimes due to high pressure but should turn colorless once the pressure is even.
If you notice that the water coming out of your taps is brownish, rusty or has some little dark particles, your water heater is to blame.
Owing to sedimentation, water changes color and comes out brownish. If this is the case, you could be facing a serious health hazard in your home.
Ask a qualified water heater professional to come to clean the hot water tanks or leave the water running to see if the water color changes back to colorless.
If this doesn’t work, it could mean that your tank is rusty.
3. You Run Out of Hot Water Too Fast
The water heater is designed to keep your water hot and ready for use throughout. It has two heating elements one at the bottom and one at the top. At any one time, a water heater has gallons upon gallons of hot water inside.
Should you run out of hot water in times of need, then one of your water heating elements isn’t working.
4. Funny Noises Coming from the Tank
As the heating system ages, it starts with a mild buzz and slowly grows on to become rumbling sounds. Many distraught homeowners assume that their water heater is about to burst. But this isn’t the case at all.
It’s perfectly normal if your water heater makes a little noise. But if the noise becomes loud banging, popping or cracking sounds then you have a good reason to raise concern.
To know what the issue could be, contact the repair professionals and have them come check your water heater out.
In many cases, a water heater becomes noisy when there’s too much accumulation of mineral deposits inside the tanks and onto the heating elements. Other reasons could be that the water heater has a broken dip tube causing cold and hot water to mix.
Too much noise may also weaken the structures of your water heater causing it to become weak and to start leaking. This means that you’ll have to buy a new water heater.
But if yours hasn’t started leaking yet, you can have the repairman flush all the water and have them thoroughly clean the inside areas of your heater. This is the only way to stop the noises and have it working again.
5. Signs of Corrosion
Often, corrosion on your water heater means that you should get a new unit installed. You can tell that your water heater has corrosion or rust if it shows on the outside, or if your water is discolored and brown.
But what happens if the problem is only partial?
Some people make it work by having the heat exchanger and other rusty parts replaced. But this is only a temporary solution that gives you time to raise the money needed to purchase another heater.
Water heaters are designed to serve you for an average of 8 years to 12 years. If you want to get more out of it, it is crucial that you have it maintained and cleaned on a regular basis.
6. Leaking Water
Apart from noise, there are other reasons that can weaken the structure of your water heater causing it to leak. This leads to water pooling around the bottom of the tank.
Besides this being quite dangerous especially if you have pets, small kids and other electrical appliances around the area. It could also cause corrosion to occur which could eat into the outer parts and make its way to the inside areas of your water heater.
If you notice that your heater has a leak, have it repaired before it causes more problems.
Need Water Heater Repair? Hire a Professional!
Having an amateur repairman fix your water heater is a risky way of either damaging it or raising more issues.
Dealing only with professional plumbers and repairmen is what guarantees you impeccable service and the longevity of your water heater.
Looking for credible plumber and water heater repair professionals? Contact us today. We are licensed to work on all types of water heaters and are experienced enough to know how to solve all your water heater malfunctions.