Signs That Indicate You Need Water Heater Repair | San Antonio, TX
Photo By Ariwasabi at Shutterstock
Cold weather can have a direct impact on the water heater systems in your house. Winters in San Antonio, TX, can be quite chilly. With the passage of time, water heaters start becoming deteriorated gradually. This is due to the fact that water is continuously being flushed out because of the water’s heat, which causes minerals to accumulate and hence decreases the efficiency of the heater.
Although normally the life span of a water heater is anywhere between 10 to 15 years, you can increase the longevity of your unit by getting your water heater repair timely. As soon as you see a warning sign that your heater needs a repair, immediately call a professional plumber. If you prevent the damage from worsening and change the damaged parts, your heater will last much longer than that. A well-maintained heater is very cost-effective, as it saves you the cost of bigger repair while also reducing the risks of any serious damage. It also prevents any damage to the heater that might need the unit to be replaced if the damage is beyond repair.
The Water is Not Hot Anymore
The most telling sign that you need a water heater repair is that it stops heating the water. Normally a water heater can store a large amount of water: about 50 gallons. When this water is heated, the minerals in the water start depositing at the bottom of the tank. Prolonged use causes this deposit to increase. Over time, it reaches the point when it builds a layer between the water and the heating element. The water thus ceases to heat up, and the tank starts heating up instead.
This speeds up the dilapidation of some parts of the tank. You should not let the damage get this far, and immediately consult a professional when you feel that the water is not as hot as it used to be.
Strange Sounds Coming From the Water Heater
The above-mentioned mineral deposit causes the tank to overheat. This overheating not only causes leakages but also causes the heater to make popping sounds since its parts are deteriorating and the tank itself is getting heated. This is an easily detectable warning sign that you should not be unheeding of.
Corrosion of the Connections
There is an anode rod in every heater that prevents it from getting tarnished. This anode rod itself corrodes over time. Once this happens, all the parts of the heater are placed at risk of corrosion. All the connections of the heater corrode, which is followed by the complete failure of the heater. This can all be prevented by getting the heater checked regularly and keeping it well maintained.
Water Tank Leakages
When the minerals create an obstruction between the water and the heater, the tank itself starts heating up. This has a direct impact on the metal that the tank is made of, which starts losing its strength. This causes the surface of the metal to crack. Water can easily leak through these cracks, which decreases the efficiency of the heater, and increases your bills. To have this problem fixed, contact a professional that deals in water heater repairs as soon as you notice these signs.
The Water Emanates a Smell or Looks Dirty
If the water in your house smells off or has a metallic taste, this may be an indication that your heater will give up on you any moment. This is because the minerals in the tank sneak into the main water supply, and cause that odd smell.
The dirt in the water is rust and other accumulations in the tank. This is all caused by the cracks that come from the overheating of the tank. If you notice any such signs in your heater you need immediate water heater repair.
You’re Not Able to Change the Water’s Temperature
If your water heater is damaged, chances are that it will still supply you hot water, but you will not be able to alter the temperature of the water. This is because the temperature gauge is no longer working, so any changes you make in the thermostat will not affect the temperature of the water.
Decreased Water Pressure
A decrease in the flow rate of the hot water indicates that you need water heater repair. This reduced water flow rate and pressure could be caused by a number of problems. Listed below are some of the reasons behind decreased pressure from your water heater.
• Blockage in the faucet
• The tap of the valve is malfunctioning
• Blockage in dip tube caused by mineral and sediment deposits
• The shut-off valve is malfunctioning
• Water is blocked due to obstruction
Relief Valve Starts Leaking
In case the relief tank of your water heater starts leaking, this means that it needs to be looked into. This can be caused by the spring of the relief tank weakening or because of being worn out. Another reason could be the high pressure of water. This might mean that you need an expansion tank.
Pilot Light Does Not Light the Same
Due to the deterioration of the pilot base, the pilot light will not light continuously, but it will flicker. It might also light at a lower flame. This means that your water heater needs to be checked by a professional.
If you notice any of these signs in your water heater, then you should immediately contact a professional plumber for a water heater repair. Although some warning signs may make the problem obvious to you, you should not attempt to repair it on your own. Water heaters are expensive, and one mistake on your part can cause serious damage to them. You should rely on a skilled person with experience to mend it.
Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio are experienced and know the ins and outs of plumbing. They are met with numerous such problems on a daily basis, and hence they can quickly, correctly and efficiently solve your heater related problems. They are equipped with the most up-to-date techniques and the right tools to fix your water heater. By hiring a professional plumber early on for a water heater repair you are saving yourself the future hassle, and cost of buying a new heater to replace the broken one.
Repairing a water heater is far cheaper than replacing one, considering the cost of water heaters at present. If your heater is troubling you, hire an expert for your water heater repair.The best service providers for this matter are BlueFrog Plumbing of San Antonio, TX. Contact them by calling at 210-876-1629 or visit their website to have someone come and inspect your water heater.
Priority Service