The water heater is an important home appliance – it’s the one thing that ascertains the Haslet Texans are able to get out of bed on a cold winter morning. However, as essential a piece of equipment as it is, most home owners have no idea that there is a need for water heater repairs, at all.
Luckily though, there are some more than obvious sings which will correctly indicate to you that your water heater might be in a dire need for some TLC and maintenance.
Read along to find out how you can accurately pin-point the signs of water heater damage to request timely repair services – well before you have to opt for a replacement.
Signs Indicating the Need for a Water Heater Repair
Age
First things first – how old is your water heater? You wouldn’t think it, but the age of your water heater can correctly indicate if it requires repairs or it’s time to completely think about a replacement. If it’s only a few years old, then it could be that it only requires some cleaning and minor tinkering to restore proper functionality. If you can’t even remember how long ago you bought your existing water heater – it might be time to consider buying a new one.
Water Heat Fluctuations
You turn the shower and you’re hit with paltry stream of lukewarm water, or the water is hot enough to scald you. Or, you wake up one morning thinking a nice hot shower will refresh you and instead you have a slug of ice cold water dumped on you – any and all types of water temperature fluctuations point to the malfunctioning of your water heater. Sometimes it could be something as simple as the pilot light not being lit, or a possible circuit break – however, it’s quite possible that it’s something a little more serious than that. Either way, it’s a cause for concern.
Water Pressure Issues
You know how we just mentioned a paltry stream of water? Well this time around, we’re not talking about the water temperature, rather the pressure. If your shower is only receiving a minimum amount of hot water making taking a bath, washing dishes, or anything else a massive struggle, it’s quite likely that your water heater needs to be looked at. Mineral deposition in a water tank can affect the efficiency of your water heater and its heating coils. The only solution is a thorough examination and assessment of the water heater functionality by a professional plumber.
Strange Noises
A water heater, especially the water tank model is quite a major home appliance. As such, it may be prone to emitting some rumbling noises. However, if you start hearing seriously unusual clanging, banging, loud popping sounds coming from the water heater – make no mistake it definitely means that something might seriously be wrong with your water heater and it’s in dire need of repairs ASAP.
Weird Smells
One of the more obvious signs of water heater damage is the presence of weird smells emanating from the water. If there is a metallic sting to the water, in taste and in smell, or any other foul odor that threatens to overpower you just as soon as you flip the taps for hot water, it’s a sure indication that either there’s serious corrosion somewhere along the inside of the water tank, or that there are possible mineral deposits. The first time you smell something that’s even remotely ‘off’ about the water, call in professional help for repairs – your water heater needs it.
Unseemly Colors
Muddy, rusty, cloudy water that just isn’t clear is an obvious sign that something is wrong with the water heater and it’s time you get it repaired. Dirt flakes or grit that comes out of the water tank is also indicative of the same problem. Sometimes, however, it could be that it’s the pipes that are creating the problem not the water heater itself – but that is simple enough to check. Just let a couple of buckets of water pour out. If the water runs clear by the time you begin filling the third bucket, it’s most certainly the water pipes at fault. If not, then your water heater needs to be looked at.
Waterlogging Concerns
Have you noticed waterlogging in the basement or garage (depending on where the water heater is located)? Is there some moisture in and around the water tank area, or is there serious water pooling there? Either way, it could mean that your water heater may have a crack or break which is causing a leak.
Causes of Water Heater Malfunctioning
There are quite a few reasons and causes which can make your water heater malfunction. Some of the more obvious ones are listed below.
- Mineral deposits on the heating elements
- Defective heating elements/heating coils
- Mineral deposits in the pipes
- Twisted or damaged water distribution pipes
- A faulty temperature sensor
- Malfunctioning pilot light
- Damaged pilot light
- Sediment buildup in the tank
- Breaks or cracks in the tank
- Leaks around the valves or the heater fittings
- Poor installation of the water heater
- Corrosion, galvanization or rust.
What Next?
If you’ve noticed any of the signs and symptoms that could point towards a possible water heater problem, the most obvious next step is to call in professional help for a thorough examination and assessment.
The tank water heater requires the expertise of a trained and experienced plumber who knows the ins and outs of water heater damage.
Luckily, for any water heater repairs in Haslet, TX, you can easily depend on the excellent services of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Company. To deal with an emergency or for a regular consult, feel free to set up an appointment today by calling at 817-983-7876. You can also contact them online, by sending them a message here.
For more information, please visit www.benjaminfranklinplumbingfortworth.com.