Signs of Water Heater Issues | Water Heater Repair Fort Worth

We tend to ignore the hot water heater as long as it functions. When problems occur they typically make a grand entrance in the form of a cold shower or the discovery of water in the floor. Sometimes, the leak isn’t immediately obvious, and when we check on the water heater because there is no hot water, then the water is discovered and mildew and mold along with other damage may have already occurred. If you have water heater issues Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides water heater repair in Fort Worth.

First, let’s look at some of the signs of a developing problem with the water heater. If you can recognize the “early warnings” water heater repair in Fort Worth may mean being able to repair the water heater before damage makes its unusable, requiring a replacement. It may also prevent potentially catastrophic damage to your home. If your water heater is experiencing any of these signs of water heater issues call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Fort Worth plumbers for water heater repair in Fort Worth.

• Unusual noises. The water heater may make banging sounds when internal valves close, or a gurgling noise when sediment builds up in the bottom of the tank.
• Rusty or cloudy water. Rusty water most likely means the anode rod has dissolved and should be replaced. This will require a licensed plumber to provide this water heater repair in Fort Worth. Cloudy water probably indicates a build-up of sediment in the form of calcium or magnesium in the tank. These minerals will impair the heating of hot water and can cause serious damage to the tank if not addressed.
• Lukewarm water or no hot water at all. This is the most common sign of trouble. It may be due to sediment build-up, a pilot light that has gone out in the gas hot water heater or a bad heating element, or thermostat in the electric water heater as well as other issues. A water heater should heat up fairly quickly, if it isn’t there is probably a problem depending upon the water heaters recovery time. Most fairly good range water heaters will heat completely cold water in approximately 50-55 minutes. A licensed plumber can provide this water heater repair in Fort Worth restoring hot water to your home.
• Odors to water. If you notice water is smelling like sulfur or rotten eggs it is very likely a sign that the water heater needs to be flushed of sediment accumulation.
• Water in the floor or pan. Water leaking from the hot water heater may be a leaking plumbing connection, a leaking pressure relief valve, the tanks drain valve or it may mean the water heater itself will need replacing. Check on the water heater regular, and if you see any signs of rust and corrosion along on the tanks surface it indicates a leak is imminent. When a glass lined tank begins to show signs of rust on the surface, it indicates the glass lining has broken and the tank will have to be replaced.
• The pressure inside of the water heater can rise for a number of reasons and cause leaking valves, pipes or even cause pipes to separate spilling hot water that may be ejected due to high pressure.

The purpose of the pressure relief valve is to release hot water when the pressure rises but these valves commonly malfunction and the pressure continues to rise where the weakest point, most often a pipe will rupture to allow pressure to release. Though rare, the tank itself may blow up with increased and excessive pressure.

Some water heaters have one or more thermostats, and may have a high temperature control. These can be faulty as well, allowing pressure to build which is going to escape somewhere, through a functional pressure relief valve, or a weak spot, such as blowing out pipes for example.

A potential sign of a pressure problem with the water heater is finding hot water at a faucet that normally takes some time for hot water to arrive. The pressure within the tank having nowhere else to go is backing up through the hot water supply lines to appliances and faucets. High pressure can rupture the glass lining of water heaters having them.

Remember, hot water or warm water when it shouldn’t have yet arrived may be a sign that water heater repair in Fort Worth is necessary. Early intervention may prevent damage to the tank. Until a plumber can arrive you can cut the power to an electric water heater off in the homes electrical service box, and relieve pressure by opening a hot water faucet and allow some to escape. Your next step is to call a plumber to provide water heater repair in Fort Worth.

It’s important to provide annual maintenance to the hot water heater to provide efficient performance and extend its service life. For most of the U.S., hard water is a problem and the hot water heater should be flushed annually at the minimum. Once a water heater is thoroughly flushed the home owner can connect a hose pipe to the drain valve with the opposite end of the hose pipe placed inside a bucket. Empty 2-3 quarts every 2-3 months to remove sediment from the bottom of the tank to prevent build-up and the damage it incurs.

Recognizing these signs and providing timely water heater repair in Fort Worth will help to extend the life of the water heater and prevent breakdowns from occurring, robbing you of the hot water you expect to always be there when you need it.

For water heater issues, service or water heater repair in Fort Worth call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Fort Worth. Our professional Fort Worth plumbers can be counted on to provide superior plumbing services, and your satisfaction is always 100% guaranteed.