9 Signs It’s Time To Schedule An Appointment For Water Heater Repair | San Antonio, TX
Every appliance in your San Antonio, TX home is designed to make your life easier and more convenient. You can live without some appliances, such as a dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer because you can wash your dishes by hand and go to the laundromat to wash and dry your clothes. There are other appliances you can’t live without, such as a stove and refrigerator.
One appliance you can’t live without is your water heater. Although the water heater is technically an appliance, it is also essential for your plumbing system. The water coming into your hold is cold, and your water heater will fill with water, and the unit will heat and store the water, so it’s there when you need it.
You rely on hot water all day to perform household tasks. Without hot water, cooking, cleaning, and showering will be impossible, and your washing machine and dishwasher won’t function at peak performance. Because your water heater is so important to your daily life, it’s essential to detect the early signs that you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair.
Most homeowners install their water heaters in the basement or closet to make their homes more aesthetically pleasing. If you keep your water heater hidden, you can’t detect early issues, and you should check the water heater at least once a month. If you notice any of the following problems during your inspection, you should call a plumber specializing in water heater repair as soon as possible.
#1 No Hot Water
The most obvious sign it’s time to schedule an appointment for water heater repair is when no hot water comes from the taps. Before you call a plumber, you should check a few things to avoid an unnecessary service call.
If you have an electric water heater, make sure there is power going to the unit, and a circuit hasn’t tripped. If you have an oil or propane-fueled water heater, make sure there is oil in the tank. Finally, if your water heater runs on natural gas, make sure your bills have been paid and the gas company hasn’t terminated the service. Also, check the gas company’s website or ask a neighbor if they have gas to rule out a widespread outage. If everything checks out, it’s time to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair.
If the heating element fails, the water in the tank won’t heat up, resulting in cold water coming from the hot water taps. If the water heater in your San Antonio, TX home is over ten years old, it’s likely nearing its lifespan and can’t heat the water. If this is the case, it’s time to replace the water heater.
A plumber specializing in water heater repair can inspect the water heater to figure out why you have no hot water, so the problem can be resolved, restoring your hot water.
#2 The Water Is Lukewarm
If you turn on the hot water and it comes out lukewarm, you might need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. Before making the call, check the thermostat setting on the unit. The EPA recommends homeowners keep the thermostat set to 120 to 140 degrees, and this is hot enough for the washing machine and dishwasher to function correctly without causing a burn. If the thermostat is set correctly, you should consider the temperature outside. If it is below freezing, the water coming into your home will be very cold, and it can take a while for it to reach the desired temperature. If the thermostat is set correctly and it’s not freezing outside, it’s time to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair.
If your unit has two heating elements, one may have failed, and the remaining heating elements won’t be powerful enough to heat the water to the desired temperature. Failing to have your water heater maintained will cause it to function inefficiently and can’t heat the water. The same is true if your water heater is over ten years old.
When you schedule an appointment for water heater repair, a plumber will inspect the water heater to figure out why the water isn’t getting hot enough. They can repair the problem or replace the water heater if necessary.
#3 You Run Out Of Hot Water Frequently
Most people run out of hot water at least once. If you are last in line for the shower and the washing machine or dishwasher is running, it isn’t uncommon to run out of hot water. If you run out of hot water frequently, your water heater could be to blame, and you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair.
The problem could be due to the size of the water tank. If you have a large family, your existing water heater may not be large enough to meet your family’s hot water demand. If it isn’t, the last person in line for the shower will take a cold one. Fortunately, you can solve the problem by installing a new water heater with a larger tank. You can also install a tankless water that saves energy, takes up less space, and provides hot water on demand, so you don’t run out again.
If a high hot water demand isn’t the problem, sediment could be to blame. Large pieces of sediment can build up in the water tank, and there won’t be as much room for hot water storage, causing you to run out of hot water. A plumber specializing in water heater repair can try to flush the sediment; however, if they can’t, you will need to replace the water heater, so you don’t run out of hot water again.
#4 Inconsistent Water Temperature
Does the water temperature fluctuate when you are in the shower? If so, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair. There could be an issue with the thermostat, which can easily be replaced. However, if your water heater is over ten years old, it should be replaced. When a water heater reaches the end of its lifespan, it can no longer function efficiently, creating inconsistent water temperatures. A professional in water heater repair can replace your existing unit with a newer model that can save money on your energy bills.
#5 Poor Hot Water Pressure
You rely on adequate water pressure for daily household tasks. If the water pressure is poor, simple tasks like rinsing a dish or washing your hair can take longer than necessary. Also, your water-based appliances won’t function correctly without adequate water pressure. If the hot and cold water pressure is poor, the problem is with your plumbing system. If just the hot water pressure is poor, your water heater is to blame.
When sediment builds up in the water tank, sediment can clog the waterline, resulting in poor water pressure, and you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair. A plumber can remove the sediment from the waterline, but this isn’t enough. If they can’t flush the sediment from the water tank, sediment will continue clogging the waterline, restricting the water pressure. If this is the case, replacing the water heater is the only option.
#6 Rust-Colored Hot Water
When you run the water in your San Antonio, TX home, it should come out clean and clear. Rust-colored water indicates contamination. If the hot and cold water is rust-colored, the issue is with the pipes in your home. However, if it’s just the hot water pressure that’s reduced, the problem is with the water heater, and you should schedule an appointment for emergency water heater repair.
When sediment builds up in the water tank, the sediment can break apart and contaminate the water. If the plumber can’t flush the sediment, the water heater will need to be replaced.
If your water heater is over ten years old, the inside of the tank could be breaking down, causing metal and sediment to contaminate the water. This problem can’t be repaired, and you will have to replace the water heater.
Contaminated water can be hazardous to your family’s health; therefore, you should call a plumber specializing in water heater repair right away. If you have to use hot water, it’s best to boil it first.
#7 Strange Sounds
The water heater in your San Antonio, TX home should be whisper quiet. If you hear strange sounds coming from the unit during your routine inspection, you should schedule an appointment.
When large pieces of sediment form in the tank, it will float in the water and clang against the sides of the water heater, causing a banging sound. If you allow the problem to persist, the sediment can crack the tank causing 50+ gallons of water to flood your San Antonio, TX home.
Sediment can form on the bottom of the water tank, and when water gets trapped under the sediment, it can boil, causing a popping sound.
It’s best to call a plumber as soon as the unit starts making strange sounds.
#8 Moisture and Leaks Around the Unit
The area around the water heater in your San Antonio, TX home should be dry. Any moisture or pooling water around the unit is a significant problem, and you should schedule an appointment for emergency repair.
Moisture on the walls and floor often indicates a broken or disconnected hose. Although this is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix, ignoring the problem can cause water damage and mold growth around the unit and can be expensive to repair.
Water pooling around the unit indicates a leak in the water tank and is a very serious problem. If you don’t call a plumber specializing in water heater repair immediately, 50+ gallons of water can flood your home, causing significant damage. A cracked water heater can’t be repaired; however, a plumber can replace the damaged water heater with a new, more energy-efficient unit.
#9 The Age of Your Water Heater
The best way to avoid the need for water heater repair is to have it replaced before problems occur. The average lifespan of a traditional water heater is between 8 and 12 years old.
If you aren’t sure how old your water heater is, check the label because most manufacturers put the installation date on the unit. If there is no label, you can search online with the water heater’s brand and serial number and find the date the water heater was manufactured.
Old water heaters develop frequent problems and cost money to run. If your water heater is old, it’s best to replace it with a modern, energy-efficient model.
Why Choose bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio?
If you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair, call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio. We are a full-service plumbing service and are experts in water heater installation, repair, and maintenance. We are a plumbing company, making us a one-stop shop for all your household needs.
We are members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. In addition, we are a Google Guaranteed business with a 5-star rating. Finally, Home Advisor named bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio an Elite and Top-Rated service, and we have over 1,000 positive reviews.
Our plumbers are professionally trained, skilled, and experienced and can handle any plumbing problem you have, from a clogged drain to a complete home repiping.
We understand how frustrating plumbing issues can be, and they can arise anytime. If you have a plumbing problem that can’t wait or we aren’t in the office, don’t panic. We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will get a plumber to your San Antonio, TX home quickly, regardless of the day or time.
Unlike many other companies in the area, we do our best to keep our costs down. We don’t charge a trip fee or overtime charges, saving money on the repair cost. In addition, we have money-saving coupons on our website that save money on plumbing services and water heaters.
To schedule an appointment for water heater repair or any other plumbing service, give bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio a call today.
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