Chances are good that you never give your hot water heater a second thought until until there’s a problem and it’s time for hot water heater repairs. Water is arguably one of the most important components of a well-run household. If you don’t have water, then you can’t do dishes, you can’t do laundry, and you can’t even bathe. The thing about water heater problems is that they can happen very suddenly, and they can really wreak havoc on your entire household. It is important that you take fast action, because if you allow a problem with your electric water heater to fester, then it can get out of hand and end up costing you more than it would have if you had had it repaired on a timely basis. For example, if your water heater is leaking, you can end up with thousands of dollars in damage to your floors, walls and other structures. Simply put, when it comes to water heater repairs, a “wait and see” approach is often foolhardy.
Let’s take a look at some of the repairs that most plumbers face on a daily basis.
Leaking Water Heater
If you notice water leaking in the area where your hot water heater is installed, this is a very strong indicator that you have a leak and a water heater repair is in your future. There are several reasons that water heaters develop leaks, and there are several locations on the water heater where leaks tend to develop. If the T&P pipes or cold or hot water outlets are leaking from the water heater, then it could be that a valve needs to be tightened. If tightening does not help the valve, then it may need replacement. Leaks around the bottom of your hot water heater tank can be the most insidious. This is because they may be originating in the drain valve or T&P valve below the tank, a fairly common water heater repair. Sometimes fixing these valves is the only thing that’s required. However if the actual tank itself is leaking, then it will likely need to be replaced due to corrosion.
Water Is Too Hot
If your water heater has a problem with the thermostat, you may notice water that is too hot and that may end up causing burns. Water heaters easily heat water to the point that it scalds a person or a pet. Sometimes the problem is easy to fix because the homeowner may have the thermostat set too high on the unit; a quick adjustment can be all that’s warranted. However if the thermostat is malfunctioning and causing water to get too hot, then it may need to be replaced. If none of these are true, and the water is too hot, the temperature and pressure relief valve may have gone bad, a situation that also requires replacement and is a common cause for water heater repair calls.
Not Enough Capacity
If you find yourself running out of hot water during your shower before you’ve got to rinse out your hair or finish your regimen, then your water heater tank may be too small for your household’s water capacity. If your usage has not increased, and you have noticed that the water heater has suddenly stopped producing enough water to take an entire shower or to run a whole load of laundry, then there may be a problem with the thermostat on the water heater. Sometimes turning up the thermostat may remedy the problem, just be careful not to turn it up to the point that it can cause scalding or make the water too hot. Another possibility is that a heating element in your hot water tank may have gone bad, or you may be experiencing a restriction in the flow of water out of the heater due to an obstruction. Either scenario requires a hot water heater repair call.
Stinky or Discolored Water
If you turn on the tap in the kitchen or the bathroom and your nose is greeted with a weird odor, it is sometimes the case that you have an issue with the supply pipes that run the water to the tap – and water heater repairs are often needed. If the smell is only noticeable when you are running your hot water, the likely scenario is that you have a problem with your water heater. If you are noticing green, brown, or yellow water or if the water has a slimy texture or rusty taste, the storage tank on your hot water unit may be to blame. A usual reason for the water discoloration is a buildup of sediment on the walls and bottom of the water heater tank. Flushing the water heater gets rid of sediment, which also helps extend the useful service life of the water heater by reducing the chance for corrosion that causes leaks. Your Summerlin, NV, plumber is a good source for flushing your hot water heater tank, and this should be done at least once a year, although you can flush the tank more often if you have particularly hard water. Once the tank is flushed, if your water still tastes rusty or is discolored, then there may be a rust-preventing anode rod causing the issue. Water heater repair will be required in this case.
Funny Noises from the Water Heater
Most water heaters operate in almost virtual silence. If your water heater is starting to be noisy, then a problem inside the water heater is a likely cause. Typically, water heater noise is due to sediment on the bottom of the storage tank. The noise occurs when the heating element burns the sediment away. Again, flushing and draining the tank at least once a year can help. However, if your heating element on your water tank is starting to fail, you may also hear odd noises. Thankfully, replacing a heating element in a hot water heater is a fairly fast and inexpensive hot water heater repair that your Summerlin, NV, plumber can easily handle. Call us at Craig’s Plumbing today!
