Water Heater Trouble | Water Heater Repair Arlington

All homeowners depend upon the water heater for hot baths, showering, laundry and washing dishes. When the water heater fails, it is a major inconvenience. While not all water heater trouble will provide an advanced warning, there are numerous problems that can alert you to imminent trouble. Being aware of these warnings can prevent a minor repair from becoming a larger one, and can prevent the inconvenience of the lack of hot water. The average life span of a conventional water heater is eight to ten years. Being alert to impending problems and providing routine maintenance and timely water heater repair in Arlington can help to assure or even extend its service life, and prevent the inconvenience of water heater failure.

Typically, if a water heater is experiencing the need for increased repair, and it is ten years old or older you may want to consider replacement. There are advantages other than the greater reliability of a new appliance; it is also an opportunity to purchase a new model with greater energy efficiency, saving on the cost of energy.

Ignoring signs of problems can result in the need for additional water heater repair in Arlington, and potentially reduce the appliances expected lifespan of service. Some of the common problems homeowners experience is as follows:

Insufficient Hot Water

If the water is not as hot as usual, or doesn’t last as long as it normally does, you will need water heater repair in Arlington. This can be due to several factors that can only be determined by a qualified plumber in Arlington.

Water Heater Making Unusual Noise

Water heaters typically make some noise. Unusual noise is the alerting factor to problems developing.

Homes with hard water that lack a water softener will eventually experience plumbing issues related to it, including the need for water heater repair in Arlington. Sediment can accumulate in the bottom of the tank and harden, forcing the water heater to work harder, and diminishing its efficiency as it uses increased energy. This can lead to the early demise of the water heater if the tank is not routinely flushed to remove the sediment build-up.

The processes involved in build-up of sediment can result in a noisy water heater, including a rumbling noise.

Rusty Colored Water

Rusty water can be a sign of several issues, and not all are related to the water heater. If your home has galvanized piping it may be a sign of piping corrosion. It may also be a sign that water heater repair in Arlington is needed to provide replacement of the water heater sacrificial rods. Water heaters with a glass liner shouldn’t rust, unless the lining has been broken.

The fact remains rusty water indicates a problem requiring attention. Rust on the water heater exterior can indicate leaks may follow.

Water Around the Water Heater

If water is present surrounding the water heater, inspect the water heater and its pipes for the source of the leak, it may have a leaking fitting or pipe for example, or the tank may be leaking. Dampness, stains, mold or mildew can indicate the presence of a leak. A leak may require pipe or water heater repair in Arlington, or it may indicate complete failure requiring water heater replacement.

Water Heater Maintenance

Providing annual or bi-annual draining of the water heater tank, and prompt water heater repair in Arlington when required, will not only assure the service life of the water heater, it will reduce the risk of leaks and the number of repairs.

Draining the Hot Water Heater

1. Assemble an oven hot mitt, a thick towel and a garden hose.
2. Turn off gas or electricity to the water heater.
3. Turn off water supply to the hot water heater. If the shut-off valve located at the water heater will not shut the water off, shut off all water entering the home at the water meter.
4. Use caution, hot water may scald you. You have the option of waiting for hot water to cool.
5. Connect the garden hose to the water heater tank drain. Place the other end outdoors; ensure it will not drain on people, pets, electrical plugs, electric appliances or landscaping. If you are unable to drain the tank outdoors use a large bucket, and empty it frequently by cutting the drain valve off. Place a thick towel beneath the drain to catch any water that leaks.
6. Turn on a nearby hot water tap to let air into the plumbing system. This will allow the water to drain from the water heater.
7. Use the mitt or a towel to open the water heater drain which may be hot.
8. Let the tank drain until you no longer see any sign of sediment draining on the ground or in the bucket.
9. Remove the garden hose, holding it up carefully to prevent any hot water from flowing back onto you.
10. Use the oven mitt or a towel to close the water heater drain. Turn the water supply back on.
11. Ensure there are no leaks at the water heater drain. If leaks are present, tighten it. If it continues to leak it will require water heater repair in Arlington before continuing. Cut the water off until repaired. Otherwise, continue to the next step.
12. Turn the power back on to the water heater.
13. Once a full flush is provided, drain 2 quarts every 2-3 months to keep sediment from building up in the tank. If this routine is followed, a full flush should no longer be required.

If you’re experiencing water heater trouble, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing professional plumbers can provide the expertise and quality service you desire with water heater repair in Arlington or water heater installation. Our repairs are always backed with our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas.