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While most hot water heaters are built to last between eight and twelve years, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to experience issues ranging from minor wear and tear to parts needing replacement and everything in between. This is often simply due to constant use, especially during the colder months when the heaters are used for space heating. While many issues are easy to fix, there are others that require the expertise of a water heater repair professional. By educating yourself on the common problems that can occur with your water heater, you’ll be able to assess the situation correctly and easily determine when it’s time to call in a professional Arlington, TX plumber.

Common Water Heater Issues and Their Likely Causes

Little or No Hot Water

There’s nothing more frustrating than getting ready for a hot shower or bath, only to learn that the hot water is malfunctioning. This is actually a very common issue, and in many cases, an easy fix. When there is little hot water, this is most likely caused by a low thermostat temperature, and can usually be remedied by turning up the thermostat. If you’re getting zero hot water and it just runs cold, it could be that the unit’s pilot light has blown out or a faulty heating element. On a gas water heater, the malfunctioning part is often the thermocouple or pilot control valve, and on an electric water heater, the heating element is typically what causes this problem. For cases of zero hot water, it’s always best to call in a professional plumber to ensure safe and efficient water heater repair.

Leaking Hot Water Heaters

One of the most common causes of a leaking hot water heater is an old tank. In these cases, the tank must usually be replaced to prevent further damage such as whole house flooding, which can lead to costly repairs.

Leaks can also occur if there’s a loose drain valve, which can usually be remedied by tightening the valve with a standard wrench. It’s important to remember that the valve should feel snug, but not overly tight. Condensation buildup is also a common culprit, and in these cases, the tank is not actually leaking, although it appears to be. This typically occurs during summer months when the outdoor temperatures are high, and usually all it takes is a quick wipe down of the unit to remedy the situation.

If your water heater temperature is set too high, this can cause excess pressure in the tank, which in turn leads to the water being forced out of the tank. Additional causes of pressure buildup include faulty temperature pressure relief valves and exterior water coming in at high pressure. Faulty valves and incoming water issues typically require professional water heater repair.

Odorous Water

When hot water coming from your faucets and showerheads gives off a distinct, sulfur/rotten egg smell, this typically indicates bacteria in the water tank, and this problem is best to be left to a professional Arlington, TX water heater repair specialist. The fix requires cleaning and flushing out the tank, and if you’re not skilled in this area, a do-it-yourself job can lead to additional problems.

Noisy Hot Water Heater Tank 

Noisy tanks can indicate a variety of problems, many of which require hot water heater repair services. Sediment buildup is a minor issue that can easily be remedied by proper draining and yearly maintenance checkups. When there is sediment buildup, the tank will make a distinct popping sound. The heating element on your hot water heater may also be failing, and this can be fixed by replacement of the element by a hot water heater repair professional. If you hear a sizzling sound, this may indicate a leak in the tank, and the water drops onto the burner assembly. Knocking and hammering noises are often due to a blockage within the system, while ticking sounds are sometimes due to loose pipe straps.

Rusty Water

If you experience rust-colored water only when the water temperature is hot, this could be due to a corroded water heater. When the water heater becomes corroded, sediment from the corrosion filters out when you run the hot water. In most cases, this issue requires professional hot water heater repair or replacement of the entire unit to ensure your water is safe for use and consumption.

When to Enlist the Help of a Professional

Hot water heaters feature many working parts that must work together properly in order to function. While many issues can be fixed easily by simply tightening a bolt or adjusting the thermostat, there are other problems that require the expertise of a hot water heater repair professional to prevent additional damage that requires a full replacement. If your hot water heater is not performing as it should and easy fixes are not helping the situation, the best course of action is to call in an expert to assess and troubleshoot the situation. By entrusting your appliance to a hot water heater repair professional, you can save both time and money in the long run and your unit should be back up and running in no time.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

If you’re in need of hot water heater repair services in Arlington, TX, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can help. This family-run business employs licensed and certified professionals who are happy to visit your home and provide a thorough assessment before getting started on repairing your unit or replacing your unit. The company offers both residential and commercial services seven days a week for convenient scheduling. To schedule an appointment, call 817-478-4119, or set up a chat session via the business website.