6 Signs You Need A Water Heater Repair | Helotes, TX
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The water heater in your Helotes, TX home is technically an appliance; however, it is an essential part of your home’s plumbing system. The water heater heats the water coming into your home, and the heated water is stored in the tank until you need it.
If your water heater isn’t functioning properly, life in your home will be challenging because you need hot water for many daily tasks.
The best way to keep your water heater functioning properly is to recognize the early signs that you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. If you can identify issues early, you can prevent a major, expensive problem from occurring.
#1 You Have No Hot Water
A lack of hot water is the most obvious sign that you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. A few issues can cause a lack of hot water that isn’t due to the water heater being broken; therefore, you should check a few things before calling a professional.
- Electric water heater: Make sure a circuit hasn’t tripped, and power is going to the water heater.
- Oil-fueled water heater: Make sure there is oil in the tank, and the pilot is lit.
- Propane water heater: Make sure there is propane in the tank, and the pilot is lit.
- Natural gas: Make sure your gas bills have been paid, and the pilot is lit. In addition, call the gas company to ensure there isn’t a widespread outage.
If everything on your end seems to be alright, it is time to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. Several reasons can cause a lack of hot water, and you will need a professional to determine the cause so the necessary repair can be made. The most common causes of a lack of hot water include:
- The heating element has failed
- The water tank is leaking
- Failing gas valve
- Gas leak
- Faulty thermostat
A plumber will examine the unit to determine the best way to solve the problem.
#2 You Run Out Of Hot Water Often
Have you been running out of hot water more often than usual? Have you been taking more cold showers than usual? If you said yes to either of these questions, you might need to schedule an appointment for a repair.
Before you make the call, consider your family’s hot water demand. Has someone new moved into your home? Did you recently install your first washing machine or dishwasher? If you said yes to either of these questions, your water heater might not need to be repaired, but you still need to call a plumber. If your family’s hot water demand has increased, your existing water heater may not be large enough to handle your family’s demand. In this case, you will need to replace your water heater with a larger one or a tankless unit that provides hot water on demand.
If nothing has changed in your household, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair. When a large amount of sediment builds up in the tank, there won’t be as much space for water storage, causing you to run out of hot water frequently. A plumber can inspect the unit to determine if the sediment can be removed or if you will need to replace your existing unit.
#3 Discolored Hot Water
When you turn on the hot water in your home, you expect it to come out clear. If the hot water has a brown tint, it is contaminated and unsafe for use. This issue will require an appointment for emergency repair.
When sediment builds up in the tank, it can break apart when the water heats up, or the sediment bangs against the side of the water heater, causing it to break apart and contaminate the water.
A plumber specializing in water heater repair can try to remove the sediment; however, if they can’t, you will need to replace the unit.
#4 Poor Hot Water Pressure
If the hot water pressure in your Helotes, TX home is poor, simple daily tasks will take longer than necessary, and your hot water-based appliances won’t function at peak performance. This is a frustrating issue and will require an appointment for water heater repair.
Over time, sludge can build up in the bottom of the water tank, which can clog the water lines. A plumber can try to clear the sludge from the lines, restoring adequate water flow. If they cannot remove the sludge or your water heater is over ten years old, replacing the water heater is the best option.
#5 Strange Sounds
A water heater that makes strange sounds needs to be repaired. Your water heater should be whisper quiet, and a banging sound is a sign there is a problem. When large pieces of sediment build up in the tank, it can float in the water and bang against the sides of the water tank. This is a serious issue because if the sediment is large enough, it can crack the water tank, causing 50+ gallons of water to flood your home.
A popping sound also signifies a problem. When sediment and sludge build up at the bottom of the tank and water is trapped underneath, the water will boil, causing the popping sound. Allowing the issue to persist can cause permanent damage to the unit; therefore, you should call a plumber specializing in water heaters right away.
#6 Moisture or Leaks
Whether your water heater is in a closet or the basement of your Helotes, TX home, the area should always be dry. If there is moisture on the walls and the floor around the unit, you should schedule an emergency water heater repair appointment. The most common cause of this issue is a broken or loose hose. This is easy to fix; however, the moisture can cause water damage and mold growth, so you should call a plumber right away.
Water pooling around the water heater signifies a leak in the tank, which is a serious problem, and you shouldn’t wait to call for a water heater. If you wait, the water will keep leaking, resulting in a major flood in your home.
Why Choose bluefrog Plumbing & Drain of San Antonio?
If you need a plumber specializing in water heater repair, contact bluefrog Plumbing & Drain of San Antonio. We are a full-service plumbing company and are also water heater experts.
Over the years, we have earned an excellent reputation in the community. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau; we are a Google Guaranteed business and have a 5-star rating on Google.
We are here for your 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have a plumbing issue and we aren’t in the office, we provide emergency service.
To schedule an appointment for water heater repair or any plumbing service, give us a call today.
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