The Homeowner's Guide to Water Heaters: 6 Signs You Need a Repair
Water heaters take on a lot of stress over time. Eventually, every water heater will break down. Before you know it, you’ll hop in a freezing-cold morning shower and realize that you need a water heater repair.
If your water heater begins to show any of the following signs of trouble, call the team at Kellie Plumbing. We’ll help you to get the problem fixed fast and at an affordable price!
Irregular Water Temperatures
Is your water coming out of the sink piping hot on some days but lukewarm or even cold on other days? Fluctuating water temperatures are a sure sign that your water heater may need repair.
When mineral deposits build up in your water heater, they can block your heating elements and keep them from working properly. Fortunately, you can easily and affordably have your system flushed to restore the function of your tank.
When you’re suffering from irregular water temperatures, a professional plumber can look at the issue to determine whether you need a simple water heater repair or a full replacement.
Strange Smells in Your Water
There are a number of possible reasons that your water heater may be causing your water to have a distinctive smell. These include:
- Bacteria in the water
- Corrosion on the anode rod
- Rust in the tank
- A gas line leak
If your water heater has bacteria inside of it, it will need to be decontaminated. One of our plumbers can flush your system to clean it and remove the strong odor.
Anode rods are made out of materials such as aluminum and magnesium. Whenever these materials start to disintegrate, they can start to smell like rotten eggs. A plumber can replace your anode rod to rid this smell from your home.
If you have a gas water heater, strange smells should always be taken seriously. A gas leak can be dangerous for homeowners, so make sure to call a plumber right away, shut off the gas at the supply line, and clear the area.
There’s No Hot Water at All
There’s nothing more frustrating than climbing into the shower to relax or turning on the faucet to do dishes and only having cold water come out.
There are a number of potential causes for this type of trouble. A malfunctioning thermostat could be what is preventing your water heater from working. If you have an electric water heater, a tripped circuit could be the reason your home doesn’t have hot water. If you have a gas water heater, a broken pilot light may be preventing your water heater from working.
When you’re in doubt, call in a professional plumber. They can quickly and easily evaluate the unit to make sure that it’s fully operational. If any repairs need to be made, they can usually be done that same day. If the water heater can no longer be repaired, a plumber can walk you through the options for a replacement.
There Are Puddles Around Your Tank
If your water heater is leaking, contact a plumber immediately for water heater repair. A leaking water heater can be a safety hazard and can cause water damage to floors, walls, and surrounding items.
Water is Coming Out Discolored
Does your water come out brown or have small rust particles whenever you turn on the faucet? If so, your water heater is likely to blame. Discolored water may be a sign that your water heater needs a cleaning.
Your home’s pipes may also be causing this issue. Work with a plumber to determine the true cause of the issue.
Your Water Heater Is Noisy
As water heaters age, they begin to make noise. While a mild buzz can be normal, loud banging, popping, or cracking sounds coming from your water heater are a cause for concern.
Allow a professional plumber to inspect your tank to determine what the cause of the noise is and how it can be fixed.
If any of these warning signs are left unattended for too long, they can cause serious damage, leading to the need for a new water heater installation.
Water Heater Installation and Repair
While many water heater issues can be solved with a simple repair, there are cases in which your home will require a new water heater installation. Whether you simply need a tune-up or you want to upgrade to a newer, more efficient model, turn to the team at Kellie Plumbing to get the job done right.
