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There is nothing more convenient than having no hot water coming into your Oak Ridge, TN home. Without hot water, you cannot perform simple daily tasks such as showering and housework. If you don’t have hot water, your dishwasher and washing machine won’t function properly.
The best way to prevent a complete water heater breakdown is to be able to detect minor issues before they become major ones. If your water heater is experiencing any of the following issues, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair immediately.
#1 No Hot Water
If you turn your hot water on all the way and it comes out cold, you may need to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. Before you make the call, there are a few things you should check first.
- If you have a gas water heater, make sure that your bills are up-to-date and that the pilot light on the water heater is lit.
- If you have an oil-water heater, make sure that there is oil in your tank and that the pilot tank is lit.
- If you have an electric water heater, make sure that the circuit hasn’t tripped, and the water heater has power.
If everything checks out, schedule an appointment for a repair. The heating elements could be malfunctioning, making it impossible for the water to keep the water in the tank heated.
There could also be an issue with the thermostat. If it isn’t functioning properly, the water heater won’t register the desired temperature, so you won’t have hot water.
#2 The Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough
If you turn on your hot water all the way and it is coming out lukewarm, you may need to schedule an appointment for a repair. Before you schedule the appointment, check the setting on the thermostat. It is recommended that you keep your water heater set to 120 degrees. This is hot enough to handle daily tasks and for your water-based appliances to function properly but cool enough that the water won’t scald you.
If the thermostat is set correctly, schedule an appointment for water heater repair. If one of the two heating elements isn’t working, the water in the tank won’t reach the desired temperature.
#3 Poor Hot Water Flow
Poor water pressure can be a hassle. It can make simple daily tasks difficult, and your washing machine and dishwasher won’t function properly. If the hot and cold water pressure is poor, you could have a leak in the waterline or an issue with the water main that should be checked by a plumber immediately.
If just the hot water pressure is poor, the issue lies within your water heater. As your water heater ages, sediment can build up inside the tank, which can clog the water lines. A plumber specializing in water heater repair can inspect the unit to determine if the issue can be repaired or if a replacement would be the better option.
#4 You Are Running Out Of Hot Water Quickly
If it is your turn to shower and you run out of hot water halfway through, you may need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. Before you make the call, you should consider any recent household changes. For example, if a new family member recently moved into your home, your hot water demand will increase, which could be causing the problem. Also, if you recently installed a washing machine or dishwasher in your home, your hot water demand will increase. If this is the case, you will need to have a larger water tank installed to meet your hot water demand. You can also have a tankless water heater installed which provides hot water on demand, and you will never run out.
If you haven’t made any recent changes in your household, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair. If you have a lot of sediment built up in the water tank, you won’t have as much room in your hot water reserve. If the plumber says the sediment cannot be removed, you may need to replace it.
#5 Rust In the Hot Water
Rusty water is a serious issue because it is not safe to use. If the hot and cold water coming into your Oak Ridge, TN home is rusty, the issue lies within your pipes. If just the hot water is rusty, you have a water heater issue. When sediment builds up in the bottom of the tank, it can break up, coming out in the hot water.
#6 Banging Or Rumbling Sounds Coming From the Water Heater
If the water heater in your Oak Ridge, TN home is functioning properly, it should be quiet. If you hear a rumbling sound or a banging, you will need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. If there are large pieces of sediment in the tank, it can bang around on the inside. If you don’t have the problem repaired, the sediment can create a crack in the tank, resulting in a flood.
#7 Moisture Or Water Pooling Around the Tank
There should never be moisture or water pooling around the water tank. If there is, call a plumber specializing in water heater repair immediately.
The issue could be an easy fix, like a disconnected or broken hose. While this is a minor issue, it can become a major one if you ignore it. The moisture caused by the hose can promote mold growth and can cause water damage.
The issue could be a crack in the water tank, which is much more serious. The water will continue to leak, resulting in a major flood. In most cases, this issue would require a water heater replacement.
Why Choose My Professional Plumber?
If you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair and want to work with the best in the business, schedule an appointment with My Professional Plumber. We have been serving customers in the area for years, and our plumbers have over 65 years of combined experience in the plumbing industry.
We understand that plumbing issues can arise at the most convenient times, which is why we offer emergency service day or night.
To schedule an appointment for water repair or any other plumbing service, give us a call today.