5 Common Signs It Is Time to Have A Water Heater Repair And Inspection | Carrollton, TX
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Everything has changed over the last year, including how much you rely on your water heater. You probably haven’t thought about it, but your water heater is being used more than ever. Most people are taking more showers, washing their hands, and washing their clothes more often as a result of the current health crisis. This means your water heater is working harder than ever supplying hot water to all areas of your home on a consistent basis. It also means that you may need water heater repair.
How do you know if it is time for water heater repair? Obviously, if you wake up and you don’t have any hot water this is a clear indication that you need to call a plumber, but there are a lot of signs that indicate you may need a repair long before a chilly shower occurs. Knowing what to look for is half of the battle, so it may be helpful to browse the following list and look for any signs that may be occurring in your home. Even if you don’t notice any of these signs, keep in mind that the best way to keep your water heater functioning for its full lifespan is with annual servicing.
You Notice Leaks Around Your Water Heater
If you notice anything leaking around your water heater this an emergency sign that you need water heater repair in Carrollton, TX. There is never a reason that water should be dripping off your water heater. Even if a small amount of condensate forms, it should never be enough to form a leak.
When the plumber comes out to your home the first thing they will check is the fixtures around your water heater. If the fixtures are loose they may be responsible for the leak, but if the fixtures and drain pipes are all properly secure then there is a good chance there is a crack somewhere in your tank. Unfortunately, a crack cannot be repaired so you will need to replace your water heater. This is not something you want to put off, because one small crack will quickly become a flood if the building water pressure causes the tank to burst.
Your Water Isn’t Hot Enough
Have you noticed that your shower water just never seems to get to the same temperatures as before? Or maybe you’ve noticed that you are racing the clock to get out of the shower before the water goes cold. Both scenarios are indications that there is something wrong with your water heater.
If you are comfortable, you can check the thermostat on your water heater to see if it needs to be adjusted. It is possible that the thermostat was knocked at some point if you have been busy in the basement which can explain cooler water. However, if the thermostat is set properly and you still feel like your water isn’t warming properly it’s time for water heater repair.
There’s a good chance that sediment has built up along the bottom of your tank. As part of the heating process minerals naturally separate from the water and fall to the bottom of the tank. If you have hard water, the buildup will be even more noticeable. As a result, the heating coils will get covered in minerals that turn hard reducing their ability to properly heat. If you get a plumber out for water heater repair they can flush your water tank to remove the sediment and properly restore the heating function.
The Water Looks Rusty
A sure sign that it’s time for water heater repair is if you notice your water is discolored. An old water heater that is starting to rust inside the tank can easily be spotted via the appearance of rusty water out of your hot water tap. While on occasion it may be a rusting pipe causing the problem instead of the tank, you need a plumber to troubleshoot the issue either way.
You don’t want to drink or shower in water that contains rust, and eventually, a rotting, rusting tank will burst. With this in mind, if you have any reason to be concerned about the color of your water make sure to call a plumber right away to take a look. The one thing you might do before calling the plumber is to ask your neighbors if they are having a similar issue. If they are, then the issue is with your water supply. If they aren’t, this is a signal that it is isolated back to your house and a Carrollton, TX plumber is still your best option.
Strange Noises from Your Heater
Your heater should ideally exist quietly in the utility closet or basement. At most you may occasionally hear a humming or a click when it turns on or off. Any other noise is an immediate sign that you need water heater repair. While all sounds are troubling, certain sounds are more troubling than others. If you hear a sharp popping noise, clanking noise, or hissing noise it is probably not a bad idea to turn off your water heater until the plumber gets to your home. Popping or hissing can indicate a build-up of water pressure which can lead to a burst tank so you want to take immediate action.
Water Pressure Is Becoming Weaker
Finally, there are a lot of plumbing issues that can lead to reduced water pressure in your home, but if you notice that only your hot water pressure is low this is a good indication it is time for water heater repair. Don’t put up with a trickle of hot water when all it takes to solve the problem in a few minutes with a good plumber. bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas is always a phone call away and ready to help you with water heater repair.
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