Have you noticed your hot water running lukewarm or cold lately? Or have you heard a strange noise coming from your water heater? If so, it could be a sign something is wrong with it, and you should call for professional water heater repair in Lenoir City, TN. Often, what may seem like a minor problem can quickly become a significant and costly repair job if not taken care of immediately. Fortunately, there are often telltale signs that indicate an issue with the unit before it turns into an emergency.

Common Issues with Water Heaters

It’s vital to note that water heater repairs are not a DIY project. You could do more harm than good without the proper training, tools, and safety gear. However, spotting the signs of a problem early and finding a reliable contractor for repair in Lenoir City, TN can help prevent severe damage to your unit. Common signs that indicate a need for professional water heater repair include:

The water heater makes weird sounds

Water heaters should run quietly, so if you hear pinging, popping, or rumbling sounds emanating from the unit, it’s a sign of the water heater calling for repair. These noises result from sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, which makes it hard for the heating element to heat water properly. The noises you hear are the sediments jostling around and hitting the sides of the tank. You need to call a water heater repair pro to flush them out of the tank before they cause major damage.

There’s a leak or moisture around the unit

Most people overlook the water pooling near their water heater, assuming it’s a one-time spill or something else. Don’t make this mistake! Leaks or moisture around the unit indicate a crack in your hot water tank. You’ll need to do a visual inspection of your tank to check for any signs of corrosion, damage, or leaks, or hire a water heater repair pro to inspect it for you. Hot water can cause severe damage to your home. If this happens, you’ll require a water damage restoration service alongside getting a replacement for your unit.

Discolored or smelly water

Another sure sign you need to hire a water heater repair is discolored or smelly water from the hot tap. While most homeowners incorrectly believe it’s an issue with their water supply, it’s usually a problem with the water heater itself. In most cases, this is caused by corrosion in the tank or an accumulation of sediment at the bottom. On the other hand, a foul smell usually signals bacteria in the tank, which is an even more pressing issue as it can be dangerous to your health.

Still convinced that the problem is with your water supply? We recommend doing a simple DIY test to be sure. Fill up two buckets with water–one from the hot tap and the other from the cold tap. Let them sit for five minutes, and compare the color. If one has a discoloration while the other is clear, you have a water heater problem.

Fluctuating water temperature

No hot water from the tap may be a no-brainer, but if you experience fluctuating water temperature, that could be a sign of trouble. There are several possible explanations for this issue, but the most common is your thermostat. First, check to see if you accidentally turned it too high or too low, and adjust it accordingly. If the temperature still fluctuates, then the problem could be with the heating element.

Electric water heaters usually have two heating elements. If one of the elements is broken, the water won’t be as hot or stay hot for long. Similarly, gas water heaters rely on a burner to heat water. A broken or dirty burner won’t be efficient in heating water. Whichever the case, it’s best to call a water heater repair professional to help troubleshoot the problem and suggest an appropriate fix.

Low hot water pressure

Sediment buildup can do more than reduce the efficiency of your unit’s heating element–it can also affect the overall pressure of your hot water. The sediments or rust deposits in the tank can clog pipes, lowering the hot water pressure coming out of your tank. Other possible causes of low hot water pressure include:

A faulty pipe connection
A broken line
A bent distribution line
Improper installation

A professional plumber can comprehensively inspect your unit and repair all the necessary components.

The tank is too old

Water heaters have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. If yours has been around for more than that, it may be time to consider a replacement. With age, your water heater will become less efficient and more prone to breakdowns. In addition, the expense of water heater repair may be more than the cost of a new installation.

Therefore, consider getting a new unit if yours is getting close to its expiration date. There are new, higher-efficiency models today that are more economical to run and will ultimately save you money. If you’re unsure of your water heater’s age, check the sticker on the side of the unit for the manufacturing date–the first two digits indicate the year it was manufactured.

You Can Count on Us for Your Water Heater Services

When you need professional water heater repair in Lenoir City, TN, you can rely on experts at My Professional Plumber. We service and install all types of water heaters and would be happy to help you. With many years of experience in the industry, our team of experienced and licensed professionals can inspect and diagnose your water heater and recommend the most appropriate solution. We guarantee quality workmanship and customer satisfaction in all our services.

Don’t wait until a water heater issue turns into an emergency. Contact us at 865-248-2549 today for quality service that won’t break the bank. Our team at My Professional Plumber is looking forward to assisting you!

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Signs You Need Professional Water Heater Repair Services | Lenoir City, TN