You need hot water to perform many daily tasks in your Las Vegas, NV home. Without hot water, you cannot take a hot shower, wash your hands, and perform household chores. Your washing machine and dishwasher also rely on hot water to function at peak performance.
Your water heater is responsible for producing hot water. Water fills the tank, and the water heater keeps it hot, providing hot water when you need it.
If your water heater isn’t functioning properly, you won’t be able to perform simple daily tasks. Also, your washing machine and dishwasher won’t work correctly.
The best way to prevent a complete water heater breakdown is to recognize the early signs that you need a water heater repair. If your water heater is repaired as soon as it starts malfunctioning, there is a chance that you can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major one.
If your water heater is experiencing any of the following issues, you should call a plumber specializing in water heaters.
#1 You Run Out Of Hot Water Frequently
Running out of hot water in the middle of a shower is a rotten way to start the day. If this happens to your frequently, you may need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair.
It is common for sediment to build up in your water tank over time. When a significant amount of sediment builds up in the water tank, there will be less space for water storage, causing you to run out of hot water frequently.
It would help if you also considered any changes in your family’s hot water demand. If someone new recently moved into your home, your hot water demand will increase. The same is true if you recently installed a washing machine or dishwasher. If your hot water demand has increased, you will need to have a larger water heater installed. You can also go with a tankless water heater that heats the water when you turn it on.
#2 Your Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough
If you turn the hot water on and it doesn’t get hot enough, regardless of how long you let it run, you may need to schedule an appointment with a plumber specializing in water heater repair. Before you make the call, check the setting on the thermostat.
It is recommended that you set your thermostat to 120 degrees. This is hot enough to perform daily tasks and for your hot water-based appliances to function properly, and not hot enough that you can be scalded by the water. If the thermostat is set well below 120 degrees, adjusting it could help.
If your thermostat is set correctly, you will need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. There are a couple of potential reasons why this can be occurring.
- Faulty thermostat: If the thermostat is broken, your water heater won’t register the correct temperature.
- Faulty heating element or burner: A faulty heating element or burner will make it difficult for the water in the tank to reach the desired temperature.
- The water reached the end of its lifespan: When a water heater comes to the end of its lifespan, it will struggle to heat the water in the tank to the desired temperature.
A plumber can come to your Las Vegas, NV home to inspect your water heater to determine if your unit can be repaired or if a replacement is the best option.
#3 No Hot Water
If you turn on the hot water and it runs cold, it is hard not to panic. Before you start worrying too much, there are a few things you should check before scheduling an appointment for water heater repair.
- Electric water heaters: Make sure a circuit hasn’t tripped, and there is power going to the unit.
- Gas water heaters: Make sure the pilot light is lit. If your unit uses propane, make sure there is oil in the tank. If it runs on natural gas, make sure your bills have been paid, and there isn’t a widespread outage.
- Oil water heaters: Make sure the pilot is lit, and there is oil in the tank.
If everything checks out, you will need to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair.
If the heating element or burner has failed completely, the water in the tank will get cold. A plumber may be able to repair the problem to get the unit running again.
If your water heater is over eight years old, it may have reached its maximum lifespan and needs to be replaced.
#4 Strange Sounds
Strange sounds coming from your water heater signify a problem, and you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair. The issue depends on the sound you hear.
- Banging: When large pieces of sediment build up in the tank, they can float around in the tank, banging against the sides. Ignoring the problem could result in a cracked water tank, which can flood your home.
- Popping: A popping sound also signifies that sediment has built up in the tank. When water gets trapped under the sediment, it will boil over, creating a popping sound.
Major sediment issues like these often require a water heater replacement. A plumber specializing in water heater repair can inspect the unit to determine if the sediment can be removed or if a water heater replacement is the best option.
#5 Moisture Around the Tank
The area around the water heater in your home should be dry. Any leaks or moisture would require a call for emergency water heater repair.
The best-case scenario is a hose is clogged, cracked, or disconnected. This is a minor issue but could cause more problems. The moisture can cause water damage and mold growth, which can be an expensive problem.
The issue could also be a crack in the water heater, which is a serious problem. Until you have the problem checked by a professional, the water will continue leaking and can flood your home.
Why Call Craig’s Plumbing?
If you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair and want to work with water heater experts, contact Craig’s Plumbing. We have been serving Las Vegas, NV, customers since 1997. We are a full-service plumbing company, and we guarantee our work. If you aren’t happy with the service we provide, we will refund 100 percent of your money.
Our plumbers are highly trained and must pass a drug test before they are hired. We respect you and your home, so we require our plumbers to wear shoe covers when they are inside your home.
We have an excellent reputation in the community and have a 5-star rating on Google.
To schedule an appointment for a water heater repair or any other plumbing service, give us a call today.
