8 Signs You Need To Schedule A Water Heater Repair Appointment | San Antonio, TX
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Although the water heater in your San Antonio, TX home is considered an appliance, it is a vital part of your plumbing system. Without a properly functioning water heater, you won’t get any hot water from the tap. This is a serious problem because you need hot water for many daily activities. Without hot water, you cannot shower, wash your hands, wash the dishes and clean your house effectively. In addition, your hot water-based appliances, such as your dishwasher and washing machine, won’t function at peak performance without hot water.
Because your water heater is so essential to your daily life, the last thing you want is for it to break down completely. If you want to avoid a complete breakdown, you need to identify problems early so minor issues don’t escalate to significant problems that affect your ability to use hot water.
If the water heater in your home is experiencing any of the following issues, it is best to schedule an appointment for water heater repair as soon as possible.
#1 No Hot Water
If you let the hot water run and it continues to come out cold, it is the most obvious sign you may need to call a plumber who specializes in water heaters and their repair. Before you make the call, there are a few things you can troubleshoot on your own first. The last thing you want is to pay for an unnecessary service call. Before scheduling an appointment for water heater repair, check the following.
- Electric water heaters: Check the circuit to ensure it hasn’t tripped. Next, make sure there is power going to the water heater.
- Oil-fired water heater: Make sure the pilot is lit and there is oil in the tank.
- Propane water heater: First, check to ensure the pilot is lit. Next, make sure there is propane in the tank.
- Natural gas water heater: Check the pilot to be sure it’s lit. Next, check your records to ensure your gas bills have been paid. If your account is up-to-date, check with a neighbor to ensure there isn’t a widespread outage.
If everything checks out and you still have no hot water, it is time to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair.
There are several issues that could be causing the problem. If you have an electric water heater, there is a good chance that the heating element has failed. If you have an oil-fired water heater, you could have a thermostat issue, an issue with the electric motor, or a faulty power switch. If your water heater runs on gas or propane, the gas valve could be failing, or there is a gas leak. Finally, regardless of the type of water heater you have, a lack of hot water could mean that the unit has reached the end of its lifespan.
Because multiple issues can cause a lack of hot water, you should call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. A plumber can inspect the system to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repair.
#2 The Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough
If, after letting the hot water run for an adequate amount of time, it still isn’t getting hot enough, you may need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair.
Before you make the call, check the thermostat setting. The EPA recommends you keep your water heater set to 120 degrees. This is hot enough to perform daily activities and for your hot water-based appliances to function at peak performance. In addition, 120 degrees isn’t so hot that you will get burned.
If the problem just started and it is freezing outside, the weather could be causing the problem. When the exterior pipes get very cold, the water coming through the lines will be very cold, making it difficult for the water heater to heat the water in the tank.
If the thermostat is set correctly, it is time to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. One common cause of this problem is a faulty thermostat. In addition, there could be an issue with the burner with a gas, propane, or oil-fired water heater or a defective heating element with an electric water heater.
The sooner you make the call, the sooner your water heater will reach the desired temperature.
#3 You Run Out Of Hot Water Often
Running out of hot water in the middle of a shower can be frustrating. If your family uses more hot water than usual, you can run out of hot water when you shower. If this happens once in a while, it isn’t a cause for concern.
If you are frequently running out of hot water, the first thing you should do is consider your family’s hot water demand. If someone new moved into your home, your hot water demand would increase. The same is true if you just installed your first dishwasher or washing machine. If your hot water demand is the issue, you will need to replace your existing water heater with a unit with a larger tank. You can also go with a tankless water heater that provides hot water on demand. A tankless water heater will eliminate the risk of running out of hot water altogether.
If your family’s hot water demand hasn’t changed, you should immediately call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. When large amounts of sediment build up in the water tank, there will be less space for hot water storage, which could be why you keep running out of hot water.
A plumber will inspect the unit to determine if the sediment can be removed or if a water heater replacement is the best option.
#4 Poor Hot Water Pressure
Adequate water pressure is essential for your daily life in your San Antonio, TX home. If your water pressure is poor, simple tasks like washing your hair and rinsing a dish will take longer than necessary. In addition, without adequate water pressure, your hot water-based appliances won’t function at peak performance. If your water pressure is inadequate, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair.
Over time, sludge and sediment can build up in the bottom of the water tank, which can clog the water lines, restricting the water flow.
A plumber specializing in water heater repair can inspect the unit to determine if the waterlines can be cleared or if the only solution is to replace your existing water heater.
#5 Discolored Hot Water
When you turn on a faucet or shower in your San Antonio, TX home, you expect the water to come out clean and clear. If the water has a brown tint, you have a serious problem on your hands.
If the hot and cold water is discolored, there is an issue with the pipes that should be fixed immediately.
If only the hot water is discolored, you have a problem with your water heater and need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair.
Sediment is the most common cause. When sediment builds up at the bottom of the water tank, it can break apart and contaminate the water. If your water heater is over ten years old, the inside of the tank could be breaking down, and minerals and tiny pieces of metal are contaminating the water.
Using contaminated water is harmful to your health; therefore, you should immediately call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. The sooner you make the call, the sooner you can start using hot water again.
#6 Foul Smelling Hot Water
The water coming from the taps in your San Antonio, TX home should be odorless. If your hot water smells like rotten eggs, you should schedule a water heater repair appointment.
The problem is likely hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide isn’t harmful to your health at low levels, but you don’t want to shower in water that smells like rotten eggs. At higher levels, it can be harmful to your health. Hydrogen sulfide occurs when sulfur bacteria build up in the water tank.
A plumber specializing in water heater repair can drain the water heater, eliminate the bacteria and refill it. When the job is complete, your hot water will be odorless and safe for use.
#7 Strange Sounds Coming From the Water Heater
If the water heater in your San Antonio, TX home is functioning correctly, it should be run quietly. A strange sound coming from the water heater is a cause for concern, and you should schedule a water heater repair appointment. The sound the unit is making can help the plumber determine the cause of the problem.
- Banging: A banging sound often indicates large pieces of sediment in the water tank. When the sediment floats around in the water, it can bang against the sides, causing the sound. If you don’t call a plumber specializing in water heater repair quickly, the sediment can crack the water tank, causing a major flood in your home.
- Popping: A popping sound also signifies a significant buildup of sediment in the water tank. When water gets trapped underneath the sediment, it will get too hot and start to boil, causing the popping sound.
A plumber specializing in water heaters and repair can drain the unit and inspect it to determine if the sediment can be removed or if it is time for a new water heater.
#8 Moisture Or Leaks Around the Unit
There should never be moisture or water around the water heater in your San Antonio, TX home. If there is, you should schedule an emergency repair.
A loose or cracked hose can create moisture in the area. This is a relatively easy fix; however, if you wait to call a plumber, the moisture can cause water damage and mold growth around the unit.
The water tank could also be leaking, which is a more serious issue. Leaks can occur when large pieces of sediment build up in the tank or if your unit has reached the end of its lifespan. A leak is serious and would require a call to an emergency plumber. Allowing the problem to persist can result in 50+ gallons of water flooding your home, which can be very damaging.
Why Choose bluefrog Plumbing & Drain Of San Antonio?
If you have a water heater issue and need a plumber specializing in water heater repair, call bluefrog Plumbing & Drain Of San Antonio. We have been serving residential and commercial customers in the area for years and have an excellent reputation in the community. We are a Google Guaranteed business; we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and have a 5-star rating on Google. We are also a member of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association.
Unlike many plumbing companies, we offer zero trip charges and zero overtime charges. We understand that many of our customers live on a budget, and we won’t overcharge.
We have been in the plumbing business long enough to know that plumbing issues can arise anytime, even at the most inconvenient times. This is the reason we offer emergency service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No matter the problem, we will get a plumber to your home on time to make the necessary repair.
Our plumbers are highly trained, licensed, and insured. They can handle any job you have, whether it is something simple or something very complex.
We are a full-service plumbing company and offer various plumbing services, including:
- Drain cleaning
- Water heater repair and replacement
- Tankless water heater repair and installation
- Waterline and sewer line inspections
- Sump pump repair
- Gas line repair
- Water softener installation
- Emergency plumbing service
We appreciate our loyal customers; therefore, we offer a Proactive Protection Program. Customers who sign up for this protection will get priority service, a free plumbing evaluation every year, and 15 percent off every service.
To schedule an appointment for water heater repair or any other plumbing service, give us at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio a call today.
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