Is Your Water Heater Acting Up? Call A Plumber Specializing In Water Heater Repair | Atlanta, GA
Have you ever had to take an ice-cold shower? Have you ever tried cleaning your house with cold water? If so, you know how miserable and ineffective it can be. If your water heater isn’t functioning correctly, you must deal with these issues. Also, a broken water heater will prevent your hot water-based appliances, such as your washing machine and dishwasher, from working at peak performance, and your clothes and dishes won’t be as clean as they should be.
DIY water heater repair isn’t recommended because working with gas, oil, propane, or electric appliances is unsafe without proper training. Also, water heaters are complex, and one simple mistake can cause further damage, and a DIY repair will void the warranty.
If your water heater exhibits any of the following signs, hiring a plumber specializing in water heater repair is best.
You Don’t Have Hot Water
Your water heater is designed to heat the water entering the tank, where it’s stored until you need it. If you turn on the hot water and it’s cold, it’s time to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. You need hot water to perform everyday household tasks, so it’s best to make the call immediately.
The most common cause of this problem is a broken heating element. If the element doesn’t heat up, the water won’t, and the water from the hot tap will be cold. A licensed plumber can repair or replace the heating element to restore the hot water.
Your unit’s age could also be the problem. The average lifespan of a traditional tank water heater is eight to 12 years, and when the unit reaches the end of its life, it won’t heat the water. You can’t fix a water heater that’s reached the end of its life, and you must replace it.
The Water Isn’t Hot Enough
Is the hot water coming from the taps not hot enough? Do you allow the water to run for several seconds, and it doesn’t get hotter than lukewarm? If so, you may need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. You should check the thermostat setting before making the call to avoid an unnecessary service call, and if the thermostat is set below 120 degrees, adjusting it will solve the problem. However, if it’s set correctly, you’ll need to call a plumber. A few issues can prevent the water from getting hotter than lukewarm, including:
- The unit’s thermostat could be broken, and the unit won’t get to correct signals, preventing the water from getting hotter than lukewarm.
- If your water heater has two heating elements, one may have failed, and there won’t be enough power to heat the water supply to the desired temperature.
- If the unit is between 8 and 10 years old, it’s nearing the end of its lifespan and can no longer function efficiently, and the water won’t reach the desired temperature.
A plumber will inspect the unit to figure out why the water isn’t hot enough so that they can repair or replace the water heater.
The Unit Makes a Clanging or Popping Sound
Water heaters are designed to be whisper quiet, and if your unit makes a clanging or popping sound, you should call a water heater repair professional immediately.
Sediment can build up in the tank over time, especially if you fail to maintain the unit yearly. Large pieces of sediment can bang against the inside of the tank, causing a clanging sound. The problem should be addressed immediately because the sediment can crack the tank if you wait too long.
The sediment can also build up at the bottom of the tank, and any water trapped beneath the sediment will boil, causing the popping sound. The sediment can damage the heating element, so it’s best to call a professional right away.
You Run Out of Hot Water Frequently
A tank water heater holds 40 to 80 gallons of water, depending on the size of the tank, and this is enough to ensure you never run out of hot water. Running out occasionally is normal if you use too much hot water quickly and deplete the water supply. If you often run out of hot water, you should hire a water heater repair professional.
If the size of your household has recently grown, the water tank may not be large enough to meet your family’s hot water demand, and you’ll run out frequently. A plumber can replace the unit with a water heater with a larger tank. They can also install a tankless model that doesn’t store water and heats it on demand, so there’s no risk of running out of hot water again.
If your household size hasn’t changed, a significant amount of sediment build-up could be to blame. When sediment accumulates in the tank, it can take up space meant for water storage, causing you to run out frequently. If the plumber cannot flush the sediment, the unit must be replaced.
Pooling Water
A puddle around the water heater is a serious cause for concern. You should immediately turn off the water going to the water heater and call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. The puddles indicate a leak in the water tank, and if not addressed immediately, the unit’s contents will flood your home, resulting in significant water damage and mold growth.
Cracked water tanks cannot be fixed, and replacing the water heater is the only option.
Call Peach Plumbing & Drain Today
If you need to hire a water heater repair professional, look no further than Peach Plumbing & Drain. We’re a locally-owned and operated family business with over 72 years of combined plumbing experience.
Our plumbers are professionally trained, and their knowledge and skill have allowed them to complete some of the most difficult jobs in the plumbing industry. They’re available for emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and will get to your house as quickly as possible to resolve the problem.
Call us today to schedule an appointment for water heater repair or any other plumbing service.
See our most recent blog post on this topic here.