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The water heater is an important component of the water supply system. Its main purpose is to heat and store water. The water heater is typically large in size and takes up space. There are other versions of water heaters that do not take up as much space as the more common conventional water heater appliance. The conventional water heater or storage take water heater is the most popular water heater available. The storage tank water heater’s popularity is due to its affordability and commonality. Storage tank water heaters are easier to repair and replace due to how readily available this type of water heater is. All plumbing fixtures need maintenance and the occasional repair to remain efficient and operational. This is especially true for water heating appliances. If you live in or around the Oak Ridge, TN, area, and are in need of water heater repair or replacement, contact the staff at My Professional Plumber for urgent service today.
Are You in Need of Water Heater Repair or Replacement?
Conventional water heater owners must be observant and proactive in their plumbing system care. Storage tank water heaters last an average of about 9 to 12 years. It is highly likely a water heater would last longer with the proper care and maintenance. Recognizing the signs of malfunction and appliance decay can prevent costly water heater disasters and extend the lifespan of your water heater.
Signs Your in Need of Water Heater Repair
Water Not Hot Enough
If your hot water heater isn’t heating your water sufficiently, it could be due to a variety of causes. The most common cause being a change in thermostat temperature. If the hot water heater isn’t set at a temperature that is suitable for you, you may believe that something is wrong with your hot water heater, when in reality, all you need to do is turn the heat up. The recommended temperature for hot water heaters is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. To avoid burning hot water, it is important not to set it too high. Although 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the recommended temperature, experts say it is ok to turn the temperature as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid boiling hot temperatures to prevent injury. If your thermostat is set to 120 degrees or above and is still failing to properly heat the water, you should contact a water heater repair professional for urgent service.
An electrical issue could also be causing your hot water heater to stop working efficiently. Electrical issues only occur with electrically powered water heating appliances. Gas-powered water heating appliances can also experience this issue due to a gas leak or pilot light extinguishing. These issues have the potential to become dangerous and require emergency water heater service.
Dip tube issues can also lead to a lack of hot water. When the dip tube bends or malfunctions, it can disrupt the water heating process by dumping too much water into the water heater tank at once, preventing even and total heating of the water.
Suddenly High Energy Cost
A spike in energy bills can be alarming. Your water heating appliance could actually be the culprit. Energy bills include both gas and electricity. A spike in energy cost could be due to a fault in the water heater appliance or some other household component. The water heater is a good place to start due to its 24/7 operations. An issue with the electrical connection or gas leak could cause major energy waste, and therefore major energy costs. If you are experiencing a spike in energy bills, contact your local and trusted plumbing professional for water heater repair and plumbing inspection. If you live or around the area, contact the staff at My Professional Plumber for all of your plumbing and water heater needs.
Discolored Water
If the water coming out of your water isn’t crystal clear, you have an issue and the culprit could be your water heating appliance. The water coming out of your water should be both colorless and odorless. If it has either of these things, you should contact a plumber for urgent water heater repair or replacement. Discolored water could be caused by a variety of things, and a professional assessment of your plumbing system will be required.
Discoloration in the water is sometimes caused by high amounts of sediment buildup in the water. There are very small mineral deposits in the water. The minerals in the water will begin to clump together over time inside of the high-pressured and hot environment of the water heating system. The sediment that builds up, can actually change the color, composition, and taste of the water. If you notice a slight tinge of brown or red in your water, contact your local water heater service provider for a water heater flush. If flushing the tank doesn’t work, your plumber will have to find another solution to the problem.
Discoloration in the water can actually be due to a rusted tank. Rusted water heater tanks cannot be repaired. If your water heater tank is old and rusted, water heater repair is not an option, you will need to replace it with the help of a professional plumbing service provider. If you are in need of water heater repair and live in the Oak Ridge, TN, area, contact the staff at My Professional Plumber to schedule service today.
Leaking Tank
Water heating tanks are made to be sturdy and withstand long periods of heat over time. The tanks cannot last forever, unfortunately. Tank leaks can happen for a variety of reasons, some of them avoidable and some of them not. Tank leaks caused by sediment buildup can be prevented with annual water heater tank flushing. Tanks caused by old age and rusting are inevitable. Tank leaks can cause other damage to occur and should be prevented at all costs. To prevent a tank leak, you should have a professional plumber inspect and repair your water heating appliance on an annual or biannual basis. The better you maintain your water heating appliance, the longer it will last and the fewer malfunctions you will experience. If you live in or around the Oak Ridge, TN, area, contact the staff at My Professional Plumber to schedule water heater repair and replacement service today.