Water heaters are an essential part of any home, providing us with hot water for baths, laundry, and many other household tasks. However, if your water heater is not working correctly, it can be a sign of a much bigger problem. Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that it is time to call a water heater repair expert. Knowing these signs can help you save time, money, and a whole lot of frustration. From strange noises to fluctuating water temperatures, here are the signs you need to call a water heater repair expert in Knoxville, TN.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair
Many people don’t realize their water heaters are failing until cold water starts flowing from the faucets. As a result, it’s essential to know the telltale signs that indicate your water heater needs to be repaired before things get to this point.
Water Temperature Fluctuations
Water temperature fluctuations indicate something is wrong with your heater. If the water is hot sometimes, then cold or lukewarm on other occasions, it may be time to call a water heater repair expert.
Mineral deposits are the most common cause of temperature fluctuations. As mineral deposits accumulate around the water-heating elements, their performance worsens. However, these components are serviceable and can be fixed to get the heater back in working shape.
Reduced Pressure
Pipes can become clogged due to the presence of mineral sediment in the water. These particles build up in the heating components and cause the water pressure to drop. Low water pressure may also be the result of an aging water heater. Call a water heater repair expert to remove the mineral buildup in your water heater.
Leakage
You’re probably thinking, “Well, that seems obvious.” However, this is not always the case. When a water heater springs a leak, water slowly trickles down the heater, making it hard to detect the problem until the damage has been done. As a result, scheduling routine maintenance with plumbers is essential to ensure your water heater is operating as it should. Water heater repair in Knoxville, TN is something you should look into as soon as you notice any leak, no matter how small.
Strange Noises
A small amount of noise from the water heater is not a cause for concern. However, if this noise persists or worsens over time, it may be time to have your water heater serviced. The noise usually intensifies when mineral deposits accumulate close to the heating elements. The buildup of calcium and dirt at the bottom of the tank creates a layer that reduces the water heater’s efficiency. If you hear noises emanating from your water heater, chances are that it’s because of mineral deposits jostling around inside.
Hiring a water heater repair service will help you eliminate these contaminants once and for all. If the noises aren’t taken seriously, the tank could also develop leaks.
Hot Water Runs Out Quickly
If your water heater’s element or burner is malfunctioning and causing hot water to run out more quickly than usual, your water heater likely needs to be repaired.
Rusty Water
Do you get rusty water when you turn on the hot water tap? You might be surprised to learn that your tank doesn’t always produce rusty water. After all, doesn’t rust come from combining water and metal? A metal pole called an anode rod is installed into the top of your water heater to prevent the tank from rusting and corroding. Because magnesium or aluminum corrodes faster than the metal in your water heater, an anode rod prevents the water from rusting. The anode rod should be checked at least once a year, and if rusty water is flowing out of the hot water tap, it may be time to replace it. Call a water heater repair expert as soon as you notice rusty water.
Discolored or Smelly Water
Sometimes, the water from your taps may be hazy and have a strange odor. Mineral deposits in the water heater cause water to become cloudy and leave an unpleasant odor; this clearly indicates that your water heater needs to be repaired. Odorous water could be an indication of a bacterial infection inside the tank. We recommend having this fixed right away because the water poses health risks.
Lukewarm Water
When your water heater produces lukewarm water, it could be because of several different issues. If you’ve put the water heater on vacation mode or lowered the temperature, you’ll get only lukewarm water. The water heater may take longer to heat water to the desired temperature if the outside temperature is much lower than normal or if your hot water consumption has increased. If you eliminate these possibilities and still have lukewarm water, it may be time to call a professional plumber.
Electric water heaters feature two heating elements. If one of the elements fails to do its job, the water will be lukewarm instead of hot. Similarly, burners are used in gas water heaters. A malfunctioning burner in a gas water heater can cause the hot water tap to deliver lukewarm water. If you think there may be an issue with the water heater’s burner or any other component, call a licensed plumber at once.
Lack of Hot Water
If there are ever stretches during which no hot water flows from any of your home’s faucets, that’s a surefire sign that your water heater needs to be repaired. Several factors could be to blame for this, including low water pressure in your home’s pipes and fixtures and a lack of power reaching your home’s outlets for appliances.
Clogged Drain Valve
If sediment and mineral deposits have accumulated in your drain line, it may be time to call in a water heater repair expert. This eventually prevents water from draining through the valve and can lead to costly repairs or a replacement of the entire water heater.
Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your water heater functioning properly for many more years. You should flush your water heater at least once per year.
Need a Repair? Hire the Pros at My Professional Plumber
Trust the pros at My Professional Plumber for all your water heater repair needs in Knoxville, TN. We are delighted to assist you in finding the best course of action for your water heater issue, since we repair and service various makes and models.
Call My Professional Plumber at 865-248-2549 for more information about our services or schedule an appointment online.
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