A Homeowner’s Guide To Caring For Your Water Heater and Preventing A Costly Water Heater Repair | Oak Ridge, TN
Thursday, February 24th, 2022
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Water heaters are appliances that most people don’t think about until something goes wrong. But even if you have one of the best units in your home, you may need water heater repair services from time to time, either because of normal wear and tear or because something went wrong during installation or maintenance. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the more common water heater malfunctions and offer advice on what you can do to prevent them from happening again.
What Makes a Good Water Heater?
There are many different types of water heaters available for residential use, so it’s essential to be familiar with all your options before making a purchasing decision. The main factor separating water heater models is their storage capacity, generally measured in gallons and can range from as little as 5 to more than 50. The size of your household will largely determine how much water heating capacity you need. However, there are several factors you should consider when purchasing a new water heater.
A good water heater should be energy-efficient and safe, easy to maintain, and reliable in an emergency. It should also have a strong warranty and be available from reputable brands in Oak Ridge, TN, that stand behind their products
Common Water Heater Malfunctions
There is a plethora of potential problems that could require water heater repair service, but some of the most common include:
No hot water. This can be caused by a faulty thermostat, bad heating element, or defective elements in the storage tank itself.
Insufficient hot water. Insufficient flow may indicate that you need to clean sediment from your tank, but it could also mean that something is restricting water flow (such as mineral buildup) or that an element is completely dead.
Leaks. Water collecting around the bottom of your tank could be caused by a leaking drain valve, loose fittings, or defective elements.
Strange noises. If you hear sharp popping sounds or hissing coming from your heater, it may mean the temperature/pressure relief valve has failed. Other noises, such as gurgling or boiling sounds, could indicate air in the water lines. If your water heater starts making new noises that don’t sound normal to you, it may be wise to have a professional inspect it right away.
Low efficiency. If you start seeing higher than normal levels of sediment and mineral buildup in your tank, it could mean that an energy efficiency booster is needed to purify the water.
Drain issues. If you notice that water keeps draining from your tank without any obvious reason, such as when someone uses a lot of hot water, it could mean that your drain line is backed up or that you have a major leak.
Smelly hot water. If your home starts smelling bad, it could be due to algae growth in the water tank or a bacteria problem in the drain line.
Trouble regulating temperature. The temperature in a water heater can be affected by sediment buildup in an older tank. Still, it could also result from poor insulation, problems with thermostats, or defective elements.
Colored water. If your tank water appears yellow, brown, or orange, it could be caused by extremely high temperatures inside the tank, but it could also be due to corrosion of the steel tank.
Most water heater malfunctions are relatively severe, and you should always seek immediate assistance if your tank develops a significant problem.
What To Do When Your Water Heater Fails
Many people in Oak Ridge, TN, avoid calling a water heater repair expert when their water heater stops working because they’re concerned about having to pay for pricey repairs. But at times like these, quick action can make all the difference. Here are some steps you should take if your water heater fails:
Turn off its gas or electricity supply: You should always shut down your water heater’s gas or electric power before attempting any repairs, which will help prevent accidents and give you a better idea of what needs fixing. If it’s too difficult for you to turn these things off yourself, call an emergency plumber or a water heater expert at once. Shutting these resources down is also essential because they can lead to fires if left on when there’s no water running through them.
Call a plumber right away: Turning off your heater’s power may temporarily stop it from heating your water, but you should still call an emergency plumber at once. A water heater repair expert can help you determine what repairs are needed and tell you if your water heater can be saved. They’ll also explain how long it’ll take for a new water heater to arrive and install it for you, so you don’t have to suffer without hot water.
Don’t use any appliances that connect to it: When your water heater has stopped working, don’t risk using appliances that connect to it until a water heater repair professional has checked them out. This includes everything from dishwashers and washing machines to toilets and showers. The pipes feeding these fixtures might burst if there isn’t enough water pressure behind them.
Think about getting a new unit: If you suspect you need major water heater repairs or replacement, think about hiring a water heater repair professional now so they can deliver your new water heater as soon as possible.
Don’t forget about regular maintenance: Even if your water heater hasn’t stopped working yet, you should still think about scheduling annual maintenance appointments with your plumber. Water heaters have hundreds of parts that can break down over time, and regular checkups can ensure they run smoothly.
Get Quality Water Heater Repair Services in Oak Ridge, TN
Every day we face simple household chores that turn into major problems if not handled correctly. To minimize your risk of dealing with costly water heater repairs, it’s a good idea to learn how to maintain your plumbing and home appliances. At My Professional Plumber our licensed experts offer helpful tips for maintaining your home’s critical systems and utilities. Contact us whenever you require water heater repair or installation services. We’re standing by to serve you. Call us now for a free consultation.