Water heaters are integral parts of every household and commercial building, so it’s essential to spot the signs that indicate you may need a new one soon, or your current one may be in immediate danger of failing. Like most people, you probably don’t think much about your water heater unless it starts making weird noises or stops working altogether. However, even if you have a reliable water heater, there are many reasons to hire a professional plumbing service to inspect it regularly and keep it running smoothly. Call a plumbing service in Haslet, TX, immediately to schedule an appointment if you see any red flags. You ensure that your water family is safe from any danger.
No Hot Water
There’s no question that a hot shower in cold weather feels impressive, but if you start experiencing consistent problems with your water heater, it might be time to call a plumbing service. Experts suggest that homeowners contact an expert once they notice issues with their water heater. The experts can help determine whether or not your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced and can provide advice on how to fix it. Experts recommend getting a new Energy Star certified one if you decide to replace your water heater. This will ensure that your new appliance uses less energy and saves money on utility bills. Before purchasing a new water heater, check out some of our reviews of top models from leading brands in Haslet, TX. You may also want to take advantage of special plumbing services offered by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth.
Frequent Repairs
If you’ve been calling plumbing service for repairs more than once or twice in the past year, your water heater is on its way out, and maybe it’s time to replace the entire unit. It’s better to invest in a new water heater than to shell out money for repairs on an old one. While repairs can occasionally help extend the life of an older unit, they shouldn’t be necessary more than once every few years. For example, if you’ve had to have your water heater repaired three times in less than a year, it’s probably time to get a new one. Professional plumbing services will be able to tell whether or not it’s worth investing in repairs before deciding if replacement is necessary. The best way to avoid a hefty repair bill down the road is by taking care of any problems as soon as they arise.
Rusty Water
If the water coming out of your faucets is rusty, it could signify that your water heater is rusting. In most cases, the rusty water will only be present in the cold water lines. The hot water you use is pulled from the tank top, which isn’t rusted yet. Once it starts deteriorating, you can do nothing besides replace it. If you notice rusty water coming out of the taps, call a plumbing service as soon as possible to have it fixed. They’ll be able to send someone over to inspect your system and suggest whether you should repair or replace it.
Oily, Metallic Smell
If you smell an oily, metallic odor coming from your water heater, chances are there is a leak in the tank. The smell may be coming from the water itself, or it could be coming from a leak in the tank. A leak in the tank will cause sediment and rust to build up around the edges of the tank and contaminate your water supply.
It’s essential to have your water heater inspected and repaired or replaced immediately by a plumbing service if you notice this odor. If the problem is left untreated, it can cause severe damage to your home or business.
Your Water Is Taking too Long to Heat Up
Most people in Haslet, TX, notice when their water heater is going bad because it takes a long time for the water to heat up or there isn’t enough hot water to go around. The problem could be a worn-out heating element, a faulty thermostat, or an accumulation of sediment in the tank.
There are two heating elements when you have an electric water heater: one near the top of the tank and one near the bottom. If only one part is worn out, you’ll probably have enough hot water for some purposes but not others. If both are worn out, you’ll have no hot water, and you should contact a plumbing service to fix it.
Strange Noises
It’s not normal for your water heater to make strange sounds when running. The only thing you should hear from it is the natural flow of water through its pipes as it cycles on and off throughout the day.
If you hear loud popping noises coming from your water heater, then this could mean that sediment has started to build up in the tank over time. This sediment can increase volume over time and block off circulation inside your heater. As a result, more pressure builds up within it and leads to these strange sounds as water starts to rush through clogged pipes. A plumbing service can help clean out your water heater to run correctly again.
If you have any other strange sounds coming from your water heater like knocking or banging, there’s probably something wrong with its thermostat or electrical system.
Your Water Heater Is Leaking
A leaking water heater can quickly become a severe problem for most homeowners. If the leak is coming from the bottom of the tank, it’s usually due to old age. As the water heater ages, corrosion will eat away at the tank until it eventually springs a leak. This could mean you’ll need to replace your tank with a new one, though sometimes you can return the affected components if they’re still in good condition.
If you’re noticing water around the heater, but it doesn’t seem to be coming from the tank itself, then there’s likely an issue with one of the connections or fittings on the unit. You’ll want to call a professional plumbing service to investigate the problem so that you can get things back up and running as quickly as possible. A leaking water heater will not only waste energy but could also create mold problems in your home if left unchecked. Don’t wait until your home has been damaged before you decide to call for help.
Cold Showers
If your hot water seems to run out faster than usual, it’s likely due to sediment build-up. Sediment builds up at the bottom of your tank over time and can cause issues with how efficiently your heater performs. It’s best to call a professional plumbing service to drain your tank and flush out all the sediment to function like new again.
Additionally, if you notice that cold showers are taking longer than usual to heat up, it could indicate that you need a new water heater altogether.
Water Is too Hot or Not Hot Enough
Is your water sometimes too hot and sometimes not hot enough? If so, your water heater is likely to show signs of failure. The problem may be with a faulty thermostat or a clogged sediment filter. In either case, you need to call in a professional plumbing service immediately. A failing water heater can cause severe problems for your home and family if you don’t address it right away. Haslet, TX, the plumbing service will help determine what is causing your water temperature issues, fix them quickly, and get you back on track with regular hot showers.
Failed Shutoff Valve
Every water heater has a shutoff valve that allows you to turn off the water flow going into the unit if it needs to be replaced or repaired. In many cases, these valves also act as pressure relief valves. They’ll release excess pressure safely when working correctly, so it doesn’t build up inside the tank and cause damage.
Unfortunately, these valves can fail over time. Sometimes they get stuck in place; other times, they get jammed, so they can’t open when needed to release pressure. Either way, this is a disaster waiting to happen. If your water heater’s pressure relief valve isn’t working correctly, it could burst and flood your home with scalding hot water. If you notice that your shutoff valve is sticking or has become difficult to turn, call a plumbing service in Haslet, TX, immediately for help. You may need to replace it before there’s an accident on your hands.
Low Pressure in Shower/Bathtub
Low pressure might indicate that sediment has built up around your home’s main water supply line. You should have your home’s plumbing system checked by a professional plumbing service if these symptoms are present. In some cases, replacing your water heater may be necessary to ensure proper flow throughout your house. In other cases, simply cleaning out debris from around pipes and drains can solve the problem without replacing significant appliances. Contact a plumbing service for help identifying what needs to be done to fix your plumbing issues.
Burning Smell
This is a common sign of water heater failure. Over time, heat builds up inside your water heater, which can cause heating elements to burn out. You may hear a hissing sound or smell something burning from your water heater. If you notice either of these signs, contact a plumbing service right away; you mustn’t try to repair it yourself if dangerous gasses are leaking into your home. If you have kids or pets who play around with baseboards and vents, seek immediate help from a professional plumber. Gas leaks are serious business and shouldn’t be taken lightly. They can cause serious injuries trying to fix things on your own.
Your Electric Bill Is High
If you notice your electric bill is higher than usual, it could be because your water heater is working overtime. When the water heater has a problem, it doesn’t heat up properly, and sometimes it can overheat. When this happens, the heating elements will keep running and running to get the water back up to the proper temperature. Suppose this is happening more often than usual. In that case, it’s a massive indication that something is wrong with your water heater and should be checked out by a professional plumber in as soon as possible.
Restricted Flow
If you notice that your faucets seem to take longer to run, or if your showers and sinks seem like they’re draining slowly, restricted flow could be a sign of a problem with your water heater. A clogged or damaged screen may cause reduced flow through a faucet. However, even if there doesn’t appear to be anything wrong with an exterior inspection, water heaters can still break down inside and impact performance. As soon as possible, after noticing poor flow at any fixture in your home, call in a professional plumber to determine whether it’s time for repair or replacement. You don’t want to risk losing access to hot water or wasting energy by leaving a broken system in place. It might not be easy, but paying attention to your plumbing will help you catch problems before they become costly.
Your Tank Is Getting Old
That’s right. Your trusty water heater has been around for quite a while. The average lifespan of a water heater is 10 years, so if you’ve made it this far, congrats. But that also means you need to keep your eyes and ears open for signs that the time has come to replace it. Some tanks have expiration dates or warning labels, so check those out.
Keep Your Water In Top Shape with Professional Water Heater Repair Services
Your water heater is a complex system, and like all appliances with moving parts and electrical components, it is prone to failure. You can prolong the life of your water heater by following periodic maintenance from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth – Haslet, TX. We can also check for specific warning signs of impending failure through regular inspections. Call us now to enjoy a free consultation on all our plumbing services.