8 Issues That Would Require Immediate Water Heater Repair | San Antonio, TX
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Every appliance in your San Antonio, TX home serves a purpose, and they make your life more convenient. Although every appliance is essential to your daily life, there are some that you can live without. For example, if your washing machine or dryer breaks down, you can go to the laundromat. Sure, this isn’t convenient, but you will still have clean clothes. If your dishwasher breaks down, you can wash your dishes by hand. It may be a hassle and can be time-consuming, but your dishes will be clean.
There are other appliances in your home that you cannot live without. One of these appliances is your water heater. You need hot water every day to perform typical household tasks. Without hot water, you cannot shower, wash the dishes and clean your house. In addition, your other appliances, such as your washing machine and dishwasher, won’t function at peak performance without hot water.
Because your water heater is so essential in your daily life, the last thing you want is for it to stop working correctly or break down completely. The best way to prevent serious issues is to detect the early signs that you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. If you can catch the problem early, you can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major one, which could result in you needing to replace your existing water heater.
If your water heater is experiencing any of the following issues, you should call a plumber specializing in water heaters and their repairs right away.
#1 The Hot Water Comes Out Cold
If you turn on the hot water and it comes out cold, you may need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. It is one of the most obvious signs. Before you make the call, there are a few things you should check first. The last thing you want is to spend money on a service call for something that doesn’t require a San Antonio, TX plumber.
- If your water heater runs on natural gas, make sure your bills have been paid, and there isn’t a widespread outage. Also, make sure the pilot is lit.
- If your water heater runs on propane, make sure there is fuel in the tank, and the pilot is lit.
- If your water heater runs on oil, make sure the pilot is lit, and there is oil in the tank.
- If you have an electric water heater, make sure a circuit hasn’t tipped, and there is power going to the unit.
If everything checks out, you will need to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. There are a few issues that can cause a lack of hot water, and it will take the knowledge and experience of a licensed plumber to figure out why you have no hot water.
- Electric water heater: The issue could be a tripped reset button, a wire short, a weak breaker, or a faulty heating element. If your water heater is old, it may have reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced.
- Oil or gas water heater: A lack of hot water can be caused by air in the line, a clogged or damaged supply line, a defective gas control valve, a dirty or clogged burner, or poor ventilation. The issue could also be that your water heater is old and has reached the end of its lifespan.
The sooner you call a plumber specializing in water heater repair, the sooner you will have hot water again, and life in your home will go back to normal.
#2 The Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough
If you turn the hot water on full blast and it comes out lukewarm, you may need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. Before you make the call and waste money on a service call, check the setting on the thermostat. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends you keep your thermostat set to 120 degrees. This temperature is hot enough to perform daily tasks and for your water-based appliances to function correctly, and it isn’t so hot that you can be scalded. If the thermostat is set too low, adjusting it should solve the problem.
If the thermostat is set correctly and your water still isn’t getting hot enough, you will need to call a plumber specializing in water heaters and repairs. If you have an electric water heater, the heating element could be failing. If your water heater runs on natural gas, propane, or oil, the burner could be failing. If either of these components is no longer working properly, it will be impossible for the water in the tank to reach the desired temperature.
If your water heater is older than 8 years old, it may be reaching the end of its lifespan and no longer has enough power to keep the water in the tank heated to the desired temperature.
A plumber who handles water heater repair can inspect the unit and diagnose the problem. When they determine the cause, the plumber can take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.
#3 You Run Out Of Hot Water Frequently
Running out of hot water in the middle of a shower is a horrible way to start the day. If this happens to you often, your water heater could be to blame.
When the problem first starts, you should think about any recent changes in your hot water demand. For example, if someone new moved into your home or you recently installed a washing machine or dishwasher, your existing water heater may not be able to handle your family’s hot water demand. If this is the case, a plumber specializing in water heater repair will install a new water heater with a larger tank. You can also go with a tankless water heater that provides hot water on demand, allowing you to use as much hot water as your family needs.
If nothing in your household has changed, there could be a significant buildup of sediment in the tank. When too much sediment has built up, there won’t be as much space for hot water storage, causing you to run out of water frequently. A plumber specializing in water heater repair will inspect the unit to determine if the sediment can be removed or if you will need to replace the water heater.
#4 Poor Hot Water Pressure
Poor water pressure is a frustrating issue because simple daily tasks will take longer than they should. Insufficient water pressure also affects the way your water-based appliances perform. Poor hot and cold water pressure signifies an issue with the plumbing system in your San Antonio, TX home. If it is just the hot water pressure that is poor, this issue lies within the water heater.
Over time, sediment can build up in the water tank. When it breaks apart, it can clog the waterline, resulting in poor hot water pressure.
A plumber specializing in water heaters and their repairs may be able to unclog the water line to increase the water pressure. If too much sediment has built up in the tank, the plumber may recommend a water heater replacement to prevent the issue from happening again.
#5 Discolored Hot Water
Discolored water signifies contaminated water. When you turn on the faucets or showerheads, the water should come out clear. If the hot and cold water is discolored, your pipes have likely rusted and corroded, and the corrosion is contaminating the water.
If only the hot water is discolored, the issue lies with the water heater. When sediment builds up in the water tank, it can break apart and contaminate the water.
If your water heater is over 8 years old, the inside of the tank could be wearing down. When this happens, small pieces of rust and metal can contaminate the water.
You will need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair to figure out why your hot water is contaminated so they can take the necessary steps to resolve the problem.
#6 Foul-Smelling Hot Water
When you turn on the hot water in your San Antonio, TX home, it should be odorless. If your hot water smells like rotten eggs, you should call a plumber specializing in water heater repair.
Over time, sulfate bacteria can develop in the tank. This usually occurs when warm water is left in the tank for too long.
If you have a magnesium anode rod or a water softener in your water heater, the soft water may have broken down the magnesium, causing a foul smell.
It isn’t safe to use foul-smelling water, and you probably won’t want to. It is best to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair immediately to repair the issue, and your hot water will be safe for use.
#7 Strange Sounds
The water heater in your San Antonio, TX home should be silent when it runs. If you hear strange sounds coming from the water heater, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair.
If you hear a banging sound, there are likely large pieces of sediment build up in the tank. When the sediment floats around in the water, it can hit the sides, causing a banging sound. If you don’t call for water heater repair immediately, the sediment can crack the water tank, resulting in a significant flood.
A popping sound is also due to sediment buildup. The water under the sediment can make a popping sound when it bubbles up through the sediment.
Strange sounds should not be ignored or taken lightly. They signify serious issues that need to be checked by a plumber specializing in water heater repair.
#8 Moisture Or Water Pooling Around the Water Heater
The area around the water heater in your San Antonio, TX home should be dry. If there is any moisture or water pooling in the area, you should schedule an appointment for emergency water heater repair.
The issue could be a loose, disconnected, or cracked hose. Although this is a relatively simple fix, ignoring it can cause more problems. The water and moisture leaking from the hose can cause water damage and mold growth in the area.
There could also be a crack in the water tank, which is a very serious problem. When large pieces of sediment build up in the tank and bang against the sides, the water tank can crack. If your water heater is over 8 years old, the inside of the tank could be failing, causing water to leak. If you don’t call a plumber specializing in water heater repair, the water will continue to leak. Ignoring the issue for too long can cause the water tank to fail, and the water in the tank will flood your home.
It is best to schedule an emergency water heater repair appointment as soon as you discover the moisture.
Why Choose bluefrog Plumbing & Drain Of San Antonio?
If you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair, contact bluefrog Plumbing & Drain Of San Antonio. We have been serving residential and commercial customers in the area for years and have an excellent reputation. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 5-star rating on Google. We are also a member of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC).
We have been in the plumbing business long enough to know that plumbing and water heater issues can arise at the most inconvenient time. This is why we provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you have a question regarding the issue or what caused it, we will be happy to answer all your questions. If you have questions regarding the repair, we will walk you through the entire process. We want you to understand everything our plumber plans to do and why.
Our plumbers are highly trained and skilled and can handle any job you have for them, whether you need a simple or complex repair.
To schedule an appointment for water heater repair or any other plumbing service, give us a call today.
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