Are you taking proper care of your water heater? Your water heater is an essential part of your home, but it’s easy to take it for granted. The last thing you want is to ignore problems until it is too late. But if you aren’t a plumbing expert, it can be hard to know what to look out for. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Read on for common hot water heater repairs, and the signs you shouldn’t ignore.
Fluctuating Water Temperature
Are you noticing that sometimes you get the hot water you need, but other times it’s lukewarm or cold? Fluctuating temperatures are a very common sign that your heater needs help. It’s best to call in a professional to get to the route of the issues if you notice this.
Also, try to remember how long you’ve had your water heater. If it’s new, then you can get it repaired and should have a warranty. If it’s old though, this might be the beginning of further, more serious issues.
It’s often best to replace the heater rather than patch it up. In the long run, you’ll save time and money. You won’t have to go through a bunch of costly emergency hot water heater repairs.
This is one of the most common water heater repairs, but what causes it? Most of the time, it’s mineral deposits building up over time.
As they start to cover your water heating elements, it prevents them from doing their job. The minerals form a hard barrier that stops the elements from heating the water or being able to heat up at all. If it’s only your water elements that are the issues, you can repair or replace them. It’s not always a case of needing a new heating system.
Water Discoloration
The water coming out of your taps should never be any color other than clear. It might look hazy at times because of high pressure, but once the pressure evens out it should be colorless.
If you’re getting water that is a brownish color, has rust in it or other dirt particles, you’ve to a heater issue. Sedimentation changes the color of your water and it’ll come out a brown color. This could cause a serious health issue for you and your family.
At this point, you want to leave the water running to see if the color changes back to clear. Call in a professional to clean the hot water tank too and remove any sediment build-up. They can also check if your tank is rusty and that’s what’s causing the issue.
Water Leaks
If the structure of your water heater weakens, you could wake up to a nasty leak. You’ll notice water starting to pool at the base of your tank. If you have pets, small children, and electrics nearby, this is a serious hazard.
Not only this, but a serious leak can seep into your home and compromise its structure too. Corrosion can also set in, eating away at the internal parts of your water heating system.
Can a leaking hot water heater be repaired? Of course, but you’re going to need to call in a professional. A water heater technician can assess the extent of the damage and work out the best way to proceed.
Weird Noises
Another of the most common hot water heater issues is hearing weird noises coming from your tank. It might start as a low hum or buzz, and over time become a louder rumbling noise.
It might be alarming but your heater isn’t about to explode. It’s actually normal for your water heater to make a little noise. What you need to worry about are cracking sounds, loud bangs, and pops.
There are a few reasons behind noises in your water heater, so it’s best to call in the experts. In most cases, it’s a build-up of mineral deposits in the tank rattling around. Another reason could be the dip tube broke, mixing hot and cold water. If things are rattling around in your tank it could weaken its structure. The weaker it becomes, the more susceptible it’ll be to leaks. Depending on the damage, you’re more than likely looking at replacing the whole heater.
Call in a repair technician to drain and clean your tank. This will help prevent damage, stop the loud noises and keep your water heater working.
Hot Water Runs Out Fast
Your water heater should keep your water hot and ready to use when you need it. There are two heating elements, one at the top and one at the bottom.
At any time, there should be gallons of hot water at your disposal. If this isn’t the case, then one of your heating elements might have broken. You shouldn’t run out of water when you need it.
Water Heater Corrosion
If you have corrosion on your water heater, most of the time you’re going to need a new one. The easiest way to spot corrosion is if you can see external rust. Or, you might have rust-colored water when you turn on your taps.
If it’s the heat exchanger or another part that rusted, sometimes you can replace it. This will only be temporary though, and you’re likely to see other parts of the heater start to rust.
Your water heater should last you between 8-12 years on average. Replacing parts on an older heater is often only kicking the can further down the road. But if you want your heater to last longer, proper maintenance from a professional is key.
Hot Water Heater Repairs Made Easy
So, there you have it! Now you know these common hot water heater repairs and what they mean, you’ll know the signs to look for.
Proper, regular maintenance from a professional water heater technician is vital. It’ll help prevent issues and spot problems before they get worse. Saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
If your water heater is due for a check-up, contact us today. At Waterwork Plumbing, we’ve got the skills and knowledge to suit all your water heater needs.
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