6 Indicators That You Need Water Heater Repair Soon | Lenoir City, TN
Friday, November 25th, 2022
Water heaters are a great convenience to have in your Lenoir City, TN home. As long as they work correctly, that is! Any homeowner who has ever had to book a water heater repair knows how expensive, time-consuming, and difficult it can be to fix a completely broken-down unit. You might regret calling the plumber after a breakdown, especially if they take a while to repair it, they can’t attend to your issue straightaway, or the repair charges are excessively high.
To help avoid the stress of a water heater malfunction that takes your hot water source offline for hours at a time, there are some key indicators to look out for. Precautionary maintenance is your best friend when it comes to avoiding costly breakdowns!
Improper use can result in you needing a water heater repair service to address the failure of the internal mechanisms. No matter how high-quality the water heater is, or what reputable brand you purchased it from, it is important to use the product correctly and maintain it effectively. In order to avoid the premature failure of your investment and potential loss, these 7 indicators will help you determine if you need to request the attention of a professional plumber.
1. There’s an Old Tank
A water heater that is older than its intended life span of 10 years can experience issues, such as water leaks, that are unfixable. Water heaters are built to last for a decade or more, but the older they get the more likely it is you’ll need a water heater repair service.
If you know the age of your water heater and it is approaching the end of its lifespan, it’s worth having a professional investigate its true condition and advise whether it’s time to upgrade. Failure to replace a water heater at a suitable time once it ages can result in flooding, energy efficiency loss, and higher energy bills. All of which can be avoided with a replacement at the appropriate time.
Thanks to advancements in modern plumbing techniques, you can extend the lifespan of your heater through timely water heater repair and maintenance services. You could also improve your home’s efficiency by upgrading to a modern unit.
2. There’s a Broken Drain Valve
A loose drain valve is a common cause of leaks from water heaters. Water can leak through the hinges if the valve is not fitted correctly. The best way to resolve the problem is to tighten it with a wrench. However, it’s imperative that it is not over-tightened as this can cause damage to the water supply. A professional plumber in Lenoir City, TN can investigate the leak and tighten, repair or replace the drain valve during a water heater repair service.
3. You’ve Noticed Pressure Issues
Another reason for the leak you see coming from your water heater is the pressure in its tank is incorrect. The tank must find a way to relieve the pressure, and this often results in leaks.
All water heaters come with a pressure and temperature release (TPR) valve. The valve regulates the pressure released by the water heater. A fault in the valve can result in less control over the heater’s pressure. However, this isn’t the only cause of pressure issues. Accumulation of sediments in the tank can lower water pressure and so can pipe blockages.
4. There’s Noticeable Rust
During a plumbing inspection service, it is our duty to tell you if your hot water heater is exhibiting severe signs of rust or corrosion. Typically, the bottom of the tank will corrode first and a water leak from the bottom of the tank is a common reason that people call for a water heater repair service.
Most often, this corrosion is caused by the sediment that has settled at the bottom of your tank. Annual tank flushing can shift this sediment out of your plumbing system and prevent it from causing major issues. To remove sediment from your water heater tank, make it a habit to flush it every six months, or at least once per year. A tank with noticeable rust caused by sediment buildup may require an imminent replacement, so it’s important to schedule an inspection.
5. A Leaking Water Supply Line
Although most water heater leaks appear to be coming from the heater, it is important to determine and fix the source of the problem through a professional water heater repair service.
The plumbing that transports water from the water supply line to the heater is located above the heaters, and may be the cause of excess water. It could be the pipe itself or down to a faulty cold water connection, valve, or other component.
6. Odd, Unexpected Loud Noises
While most water heaters aren’t silent during operation, don’t ignore a water heater that becomes unexpectedly loud. Too much sediment buildup can cause a water heater tank to bang and pop. Mini-explosions can occur when sediment builds up and reacts with the heating element. Thankfully, this sounds worse than it is! Draining the water heater to remove sediment from the tank is the best way to fix an obnoxiously noisy heater during a water heater repair service.
A water hammer is another possible cause of a loud hot water heater. A water hammer occurs when your water supply has been shut-off a while and re-opened without adequate pressure adjustment. The subsequent high-pressure release of water that floods your home’s pipes can hammer your system once the valve re-opens. A plumber is best placed to adjust the pressure valve and correctly drain the system when this occurs, to prevent widespread damage.
If you notice any of the above indicators in relation to the water heater installed in your Lenoir City, TN home, then call My Professional Plumber. We will help you make an informed choice about whether you need a water heater repair or replacement service. Our trusted, certified, honest and reliable plumbers are here for you!
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