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Signs It’s Time To Call A Plumber Specializing In Water Heater Repair | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on December 2, 2022

Every appliance in your home is essential to make your life easier, but some appliances are more necessary than others. For example, if your washing machine or dryer breaks down, you can go to the laundromat. If your dishwasher isn’t working correctly, you can wash the dishes by hand. Your water heater is one appliance you can’t live without. The unit is filled with cold water, where it’s heated and stored, so you’ll always have hot water to shower, wash your hands, cook, and clean. Your hot water-based appliances also rely on the water heater to function at peak performance.

Most people install their water heaters in the basement, closet, or tucked away out of sight, making it challenging to detect some issues. It’s best to check the unit a couple of times a month to ensure it’s working correctly.

Many homeowners today attempt DIY home repairs to save money, and some enjoy DIY projects for the sense of accomplishment they feel when the job is complete. Although a DIY repair is excellent for some projects, repairing a water heater isn’t one of them. Plumbers undergo years of professional training and apprenticeship to learn how to make plumbing repairs. If you don’t have the necessary training, you can do more damage trying to fix the water heater yourself. Also, a DIY repair will void the warranty, and you’ll need to pay for future repairs yourself.

If your unit experiences any of the following problems, it’s best to call a water heater repair professional in Oak Ridge, TN immediately.

#1 You Have No Hot Water

The most obvious sign that it’s time to call a water heater repair professional is a lack of hot water. If you turn on the hot water and it comes out cold, you may need to hire a plumber. Before making the call, you should check a few things to avoid an unnecessary service call.

Electric water heater: Ensure there’s power going to the unit and a circuit hasn’t tripped.
Natural gas-fueled water heater: Ensure your gas bills have been paid to ensure your service hasn’t been terminated. Also, rule out an outage by trying to use another gas-fueled appliance, checking the gas company’s website, or checking with a neighbor.
Propane or oil-fueled water heater: Make sure there’s fuel in the tank and the pilot is lit.

If everything checks out on your end, it’s time to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair in Oak Ridge, TN. A couple of issues can cause a lack of hot water, and you’ll need a plumber to diagnose the problem correctly.

Broken heating element: If the heating element isn’t working, the water supply won’t stay hot. A professional in water heater repair can fix the heating element to restore the hot water.
The unit is over ten years old: If your water heater is over ten years old, it has likely reached the end of its lifespan and can no longer heat the water supply. If age is the issue, replacing the water heater is the only way to resolve the problem.

You rely on hot water many times during the day, so it’s best to call a water heater repair professional as soon as the problem starts.

#2 The Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough

If the hot water doesn’t get hotter than lukewarm, you may need to hire a plumber specializing in water heater repair in Oak Ridge, TN. Before making the call, check the unit’s thermostat. The recommended temperature setting is between 120 and 140 degrees, and if the thermostat is set too low, adjusting it will solve the problem. If the thermostat is correctly set, it’s time to call a plumber.

There could be an issue with the unit’s thermostat, preventing it from getting the correct signal, and the water won’t get hot enough. If your water heater has two heating elements, one may have failed, and the functional element won’t have enough power to heat the water supply to the desired temperature. Finally, if the unit is over ten years old, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. When this happens, the unit won’t function as efficiently as it once did, and it will be impossible for the unit to heat the water to the desired temperature.

A plumber specializing in water heater repair can inspect the unit to determine why the water isn’t getting hot enough and fix the problem or replace the unit if necessary.

#3 You Frequently Run Out of Hot Water

There’s nothing worse than starting your day with a cold shower. If you use too much hot water in a short period, the hot water will be depleted, and the water will be cold. If you frequently run out of hot water, it’s best to hire a water heater repair professional in Oak Ridge, TN.

The number of people living in your house could be the problem. The unit may not be large enough to handle your family’s hot water demand if someone new recently moved in. This problem can be resolved by replacing the existing unit with a unit with a larger tank that stores more hot water. You can also install a tankless water heater that provides hot water on demand, so you won’t have to worry about running out of hot water again.

If nothing has changed in your household, there could be a significant amount of sediment buildup in the tank. When too much sediment builds up in the tank, it will take up the space meant for water storage, causing you to run out quickly.

It’s best to immediately hire a plumber specializing in water heater repair, so you never have to take a cold shower again.

#4 Poor Hot Water Pressure

Adequate water pressure is essential to perform daily tasks, such as washing your hair and doing the dishes. Also, your hot water-based appliances need sufficient water pressure to function correctly. If the hot and cold water pressure is poor, there’s likely an issue with the plumbing system. If just the hot water pressure is reduced, the problem lies with the water heater, and you should call a professional in water heater repair immediately.

When sediment builds up in the tank, the hot water can cause it to break down and clog the water line. A water heater repair professional can clear the water line and try to flush the sediment from the unit. If this isn’t possible, your only option is to replace the unit. If you don’t, it won’t be long before the waterline clogs again, and you’ll be charged for another service call. Over time, the plumber’s fees will add up, and replacing the unit is the most cost-effective option.

#5 Brown or Rust-Colored Hot Water

The water coming from the taps in your home should be clean and clear. If the water is brown or rust-colored, it indicates contamination, and you’ll need an emergency plumber.

If the hot and cold water is discolored, the issue is with the pipes, and they’re likely rusted or corroded. If only the hot water is discolored, the problem is with the water heater, and you’ll need to hire a plumber specializing in water heater repair in Oak Ridge, TN.

When a significant amount of sediment builds up in the unit, the hot water stored in the tank will cause it to break down and contaminate the water supply. A water heater repair professional can try to flush the sediment to ensure the water is clean. If this isn’t possible, replacing the unit is the only way to ensure the hot water is free of contaminants.

If your water heater is over ten years old, the inside of the tank could be breaking down, and this will cause tiny shards of metal, minerals, and sediment deposits to contaminate the water. This problem cannot be fixed, and a water heater replacement is the only option.

Using contaminated water is not safe; therefore, it’s best to call a water heater repair professional immediately. If you must use the water before the problem is resolved, you should boil it first to ensure it’s safe.

#6 The Unit Makes Strange Sounds

Water heaters are designed to whisper quietly. If you stand near the unit, you might hear a low-level hum, and any other sounds require a call to a professional in water heater repair.

A clanging sound indicates large pieces of sediment in the water tank. The sediment will float in the water supply and bang against the sides. A water heater repair professional in Oak Ridge, TN can try to flush the sediment, but if they can’t, you’ll need to replace the unit. Allowing the problem to persist can crack the water tank causing the water to flood your home.

A popping sound indicates sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. When water gets trapped beneath the sediment, it will boil, causing a popping sound. Allowing the problem to persist can cause the water heater to overheat and damage the tank’s inner lining, requiring a replacement.

It’s best to call a water heater repair professional in Oak Ridge, TN as soon as you hear any strange sounds from the unit.

#7 Moisture or Pooling Water Around the Unit

The area around your water heater should be dry. If you notice moisture or water pooling around the unit, it’s best to immediately hire a plumber specializing in water heater repair.

Moisture on the wall, floor, or unit indicates a cracked, loose, or disconnected hose. Although this is a simple fix, it’s best to call a plumber immediately. The longer you wait, the more water damage and mold growth will occur, causing the repair bills to increase significantly.

If there’s water pooling around the unit, call an emergency plumber immediately. The pooling water indicates a crack in the water tank, and if it isn’t addressed immediately, 50+ gallons of water will flood your home, causing severe water damage. A crack in the water heater cannot be fixed, and you’ll need to replace the unit.

Call My Professional Plumber Today

If your water heater is acting up and you want to work with the best plumbers around, look no further than My Professional Plumber. We’re a full-service plumbing company, providing excellent service to customers in the Knoxville area for years.

Our plumbers have undergone years of professional training and apprenticeship, providing them with the knowledge and skill to handle the most challenging jobs in the industry. When you make an appointment for plumbing service, a plumber will arrive at your house on time in a fully-stocked truck allowing them to make most repairs the same day. This will make things easier because you won’t need to schedule two appointments.

We want you to feel safe and comfortable when you allow our plumbers into your home, so they must pass a background check and drug test before being hired.

We’ve been in the plumbing industry long enough to know that plumbing issues often arise at the most inconvenient times, so we provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you have a plumbing issue that must be addressed immediately, we’ll get a plumber to your house as quickly as possible to resolve the problem.

Thanks to the excellent service we provide, we have a 5-star rating on Google and won several industry awards. We were the 2017 winner of Home Advisor’s Best Of award and Cityview’s Best of the Best award in 2018. We also won Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2018 and then again in 2019.

We do our best to keep our prices low and offer affordable pricing. We also have money-saving coupons on our website for services and equipment.

To schedule an appointment for water heater repair, or for any other plumbing service, give us a call at My Professional Plumber today.

Photo By Suti Stock Photo at Shutterstock

How Long Do Water Heaters Last? | Tips from Your Knoxville, TN Water Heater Repair Service Provider

Jamie Ndungu on November 5, 2019

Photo By Jo Ann Snover at Shutterstock

Whether you’re washing your hands, taking a shower or cleaning dishes in the sink, you need access to hot water throughout your Knoxville, TN home. Unfortunately, you can’t get that hot water if you don’t have a water heater that’s in good shape. Water heaters aren’t made to last forever, especially without proper water heater repair and maintenance every once in a while. If you’ve got an older water heater or a lack of hot water in your home, here’s what you need to know about how long a water heater is expected to last and what you can do to help that.

Water Heater Life Expectancy

Most of the fixtures and appliances in your Knoxville, TN, home have somewhat of a life expectancy; while they can last longer than this life expectancy, they don’t in the majority of cases. This is an important thing to keep in mind when it comes to how often you should replace the fixtures in your home.

While repair can extend the life of a water heater by a bit, the average life expectancy of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years. You can find an exact recommendation from your water heater manufacturer, but if you’ve got a water heater that’s 12 or 15 years old, now is a good time to replace it.

Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to water heater life expectancy is that it depends on the location of your unit, the frequency of water heater repairs and maintenance and the water quality in your home. Ultimately, the number you get from your manufacturer is more of a general guideline.

Types of Water Heaters

One important thing to remember in terms of how long your water heater is expected to last is that it depends on the type of water heater you have. Tank-type water heaters have the shortest lifespan because they’re constantly full of water that can eventually cause corrosion in the tank.

A lot of Knoxville, TN homeowners are opting for tankless water heaters these days because of the convenience and longevity they provide. Since tankless water heaters aren’t constantly holding a tank full of water, they can last as long as 20 years depending on the manufacturer and model. This is a great solution if you’re looking for a water heater upgrade that will last a bit longer than a traditional water heater.

If you do opt for a tankless water heater, you should know that water heater repairs and maintenance aren’t quite as simple. Tankless water heaters are a bit more advanced than traditional tank-type heaters, which means you need to find a plumber who knows what they’re doing if you expect to fix your tankless water heater instead of replacing it.

Water Heater Maintenance

As is the case with most things in life, taking care of your water heater is the best way to ensure it lasts a long time. As a general rule, you should have your water heater maintained by a professional at least once every six months, although you may need to do it more often depending on your water quality.

The biggest thing you can do to avoid hefty repair bills is flush your tank on a somewhat regular basis. Most homeowners can get away with flushing their water heater once every six months or so, but you may have to do it more frequently if you’ve got particularly hard water.

Hard water is water that has a lot of minerals in it, which can cause a mineral buildup in appliances and fixtures throughout your home. If you’ve got a big problem with hard water that’s shortening the life of your fixtures, the best thing you can do is invest in a water softener. You can get a water softening system for your entire Knoxville, TN, home that removes minerals from your water and makes it easier on fixtures. This may be a smart investment when compared to the cost of water heater repair and spending thousands to replace fixtures and appliances prematurely.

Is Water Heater Repair Worth It?

If you read about how long your water heater should last, you’ll notice that a lot of articles talk purely about water heater replacement and not repairs. While there are water heater repairs that can extend the life of your water heater by quite a bit, the fact of the matter is those repairs can only keep it running for so long.

Water heaters are equipped with a sacrificial anode that’s designed to take the brunt of the corrosion caused by the water in your tank. If there weren’t a sacrificial anode, the tank would quickly corrode and you’d have to replace the whole water heater. In fact, that’s the problem with water heater repair; you can replace the sacrificial anode and the elements in your water heater for years, but the tank is only going to last so long before corroding. And the fact of the matter is, replacing your water heater is the only way to reliably fix a busted tank.

Before you spend money to have your water heater repaired, have a professional take a closer look at things to make sure replacement isn’t a better option for you.

Simple Service

No matter what fixture or appliance you’re dealing with, the fact of the matter is things don’t last forever. The best thing you can do to avoid paying for expensive repair bills is keep up with routine maintenance and fix problems as needed.

Having a good plumber on your side is a big help when it comes to taking care of your water heater, and My Professional Plumber of Knoxville, TN has you covered. Not only can we help with water heater repair and maintenance, we can replace your water heater for you if that’s what you need. Give us a call at (865) 622-4101 to schedule an appointment today.

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