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All of the parts of the plumbing system in your Knoxville, TN home work together to provide clean water flowing to your faucets and showerheads and also to allow the water to flow freely down the drain. Even though your water heater is technically an appliance, it is still essential to your plumbing system. You rely on hot water for many daily tasks, and your washing machine and dishwasher need hot water to function correctly. Without a functioning water heater, you won’t have hot water, and it will affect your daily life.
The last thing you want is for your water heater to break down completely. The best way to prevent a complete breakdown is to identify issues early so you can schedule an appointment for water heater repair. If you can detect the problem early, you can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major one that is expensive to repair or would require a water heater replacement.
If the water heater in your home is experiencing any of the following issues, you should call a plumber who specializes in water heaters and their repair.
#1 Strange Sounds
The water heater in your Knoxville, TN home should be silent when it runs. Any strange sound is a cause for concern and will require a call to a plumber specializing in water heater repair. The sound the unit is making will help the plumber identify the problem.
- Banging: A banging sound often signifies large pieces of sediment in the water tank that are banging against the sides. If you don’t schedule an appointment for a repair right away, the large pieces of sediment can crack the water tank, causing the stored water to flood your home.
- Popping: A popping sound also signifies sediment in the water tank; however, a popping sound often means there is a large amount of sediment and sludge at the bottom of the tank. When water gets trapped under the sediment, it will boil, creating a popping sound.
When you schedule a water heater repair appointment, a plumber will inspect the unit to determine if the sediment can be removed. If not, you will need to replace the water heater in your home.
#2 You Have No Hot Water
If you have no hot water, you may need to schedule an appointment for a repair. However, the cause might not be that your water heater is broken; therefore, there are a few things you should check before you make the call.
If you have an oil-fueled water heater, make sure the pilot is lit, and there is oil in the tank. If your water heater uses propane, make sure the pilot is lit, and there is propane in the tank. If you have a natural gas water heater, make sure the pilot is lit, and your gas bills have been paid. Also, check with a neighbor to ensure there isn’t a widespread outage. Finally, if you have an electric water heater, make sure there is power going to the unit, and a circuit hasn’t tripped.
If everything checks out, it is time to schedule a water heater repair appointment. Multiple issues could be causing the problem, such as a faulty heating element or burner. You will need a plumber to inspect the appliance to figure out why you have no hot water to make the repair or replace the unit.
#3 Moisture Or Water Pooling
The area around the water heater in your home should be dry. If there is moisture or water pooling in the area, you should schedule a repair appointment.
Moisture on the walls or the floor often signifies a disconnected or broken hose. Although this is a relatively easy fix, ignoring the problem can cause significant water damage and mold growth.
If there is water pooling around the unit, the water tank could be cracked, which is a serious issue that would require emergency water heater repair. Allowing the problem to persist will result in the entire contents of the water tank flooding your home.
It is best to call a professional as soon as you see any moisture or puddles around the unit.
#4 You Take Cold Showers Frequently
If you run out of hot water in the middle of a shower often, you should schedule a water heater repair appointment. There is nothing worse than running out of hot water with a head full of shampoo; therefore, it is essential you have the issue resolved quickly.
This issue could be due to the size of your water heater. If someone new has moved into your home or you recently installed your first washing machine or dishwasher, your family’s hot water demand will increase. If this is the problem, you will need to replace your existing unit with a water heater with a larger tank or a tankless water heater that provides hot water on demand.
If your family’s hot water demand hasn’t changed, the issue is likely with the water heater. When large pieces of sediment build up in the tank, there will be less space in the tank for water storage, causing you to run out of hot water quickly. When you call a plumber for a water heater repair, they will inspect the unit to determine if the sediment can be removed or if a replacement is the best way to solve the problem.
#5 Poor Hot Water Pressure
Poor water pressure is an annoying problem that can affect your ability to perform daily tasks and can affect the way your hot water-based appliances perform.
Poor hot water pressure is often due to clogged waterlines. When sediment builds up in the tank and breaks apart or turns into sludge, it can clog the waterlines, reducing the hot water pressure.
When you make a water heater repair appointment, the plumber will try to clear the waterline. If there is a significant amount of sediment and sludge in the tank, the plumber might advise you to replace your existing unit.
Why Choose My Professional Plumber?
If you have issues with the water heater in your Knoxville, TN home, contact My Professional Plumber. We are a full-service plumbing company, and our plumbers have over 70 years of combined experience. Our plumbers are professionally trained and skilled. Before we hire a plumber, they must pass a background check and a drug test. We created this policy, so our customers feel safe when they allow our plumbers into their homes.
If you have a plumbing emergency and we aren’t in the office, don’t worry. We provide emergency service and will be here for y9ou 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To schedule an appointment for water heater repair or any other plumbing service, give us a call today.