What Are The Telltale Signs You Need Water Heater Repair? | Schertz, TX
A water heater is a necessity in most Schertz, TX homes. This is because heated water is needed for various uses, including cooking, showering, bathing, handwashing, and laundry. Contrary to what some people believe that a water heater is critical only during winter, hot water is used for various uses over the year. A water heater can be gas- or electricity-powered. Although this essential plumbing appliance is built to last, they aren’t immune to the wear and tear that reduces its efficiency. However, you can reduce the prevalence of wear and tear by hiring a water heater repair technician for regular maintenance and inspections of the water heater.
However, a water heater is a stiff appliance and withstands heat and pressure, though there are components such as valves that protect it. Unfortunately, the unit might fail even after you meticulously follow a solid maintenance plan. To protect the water heater properly, you need to understand the reasons behind or that might probably result in its failure. So, what are the main reasons that might necessitate a water heater repair? Knowing them is essential since they inform the sign for the water heater failure. They include;
Old Age
One of the obvious reasons why the water heater will undoubtedly fail is its age. A conventional water heater has a service life of 10-15 years. On the other hand, a tankless water heater might serve you for over 20 years. Whenever the unit approaches the end of its service life, it will need more water heater repairs. Hence, whenever your water heater is a few years close to the end of its service life, you should begin pondering about replacing it. However, tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient and space-saving. On top of this convenience, they are also more durable, as stated above. Hence, when considering a water heater replacement, you should think about a tankless water heater.
Blockage and Buildup
The accumulation of sediments and other materials in the water heater is another reason you might experience water heater failure. The sediments settle at the bottom of the water heater tank and on the heating element, reducing its heating efficiency. Though this is a major reason for corrosion in a water heater tank, some homeowners don’t consider it.
However, enlisting a plumber for a routine inspection of the unit and its maintenance means that the issue will be caught before it causes major damage. The water heater repair professional flushes the tank to remove the sediments and replaces the anode rod and the heating elements if damaged.
What Are the Signs That There Is Sediment Buildup in the Water Heater?
Lack of Hot Water Supply
The most common sign that the water heater is failing is if you don’t get heated water whenever you turn on the hot water outlets. You might get lukewarm water at first, followed by cold water. Further, if you have to run the water from a hot water faucet for a minute before the hot water finally starts flowing, that is also a sign that your water heater has an underlying issue.
In this case, you only have one option, calling a plumber for a water heater repair. Accumulated sediments within the water heater might cause the issue. Whenever the sediments settle on the heating element, they reduce the surface area in which the element comes into contact with water, reducing the heating efficiency. Hence, have your water heater flushed at least once every year.
Metallic Aftertaste
Are you left with a sharp metallic taste on your tongue when you drink hot water? Does the hot water appear muddy or yellowish? Those are telltale signs of sediment accumulation in the water heater tank. The sharp metallic taste indicates that the unit or the hot water pipes are rusting. Rusty hot water stains the utensils, sink, faucets, and glass. When you use such water for bathing, it can damage your skin. Hence, you should have a water heater repair service in Schertz, TX.
Uncharacteristic, Loud Sounds
The Water heater shouldn’t produce any sound when heating your water. However, when there is a buildup of sediments within the water heater tank, you might start hearing a loud banging sound. Also, if there is a leakage, you might hear hissing sounds. Regardless of the nature of the sound, you should have an inspection service by a water heater repair professional.
Corrosion
It starts rusting when water comes into contact with metal, especially iron. A water heater is nothing but a metal storage unit in which water is heated. Hence, it is only natural that the unit might experience corrosion after some time. This is bound to happen regardless of how best the inner walls of the water heater are coated. The rusting weakens the walls and causes pinhole leaks from your water heater.
Unfortunately, if you are the kind of homeowner that doesn’t prioritize maintenance, you will fall victim to rusting sooner rather than later. This is because sediment accumulation in the water heater catalyzes the corrosion. When the now weakened water heater is subjected to high temperatures and pressure, it is prone to explosion. Rather than risk such a catastrophe, have a water heater repair, maintenance, and inspection done regularly by a licensed plumber in Schertz, TX.
Pressure Valve Malfunction
Because of the high temperatures within the water heater, pressure builds up. Without a place for excessive pressure to escape from, the unit might explode. Fortunately, all conventional water heaters feature a pressure relief valve where the excessive pressure leaves the unit in the form of gas or steam. If the pressure relief valve has an issue such as clogging or loose, it might affect the water heater.
For instance, if the pressure relief valve is blocked, the pressure will not escape from the tank. When the water heater tank suffers undue pressure, it may become loose. If the excessive pressure doesn’t escape the tank, that is a safety hazard because the tank might even explode. Hence, if you suspect that the valve is blocked or has an issue, call a water heater repair technician to address the issue.
Professional Plumbing Services
Though a water heater is designed to last for at least a decade, they are prone to various issues, as explained above. However, you can reduce repair instances with routine maintenance and inspection by a licensed company. Call our plumbers at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio for a water heater inspection, repair, maintenance, and installation service.
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