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When to Call a Plumber for Water Heater Repair

Water heaters heat and store incoming cold water for dishwashers, clothes washers, showers, and tubs. When a problem occurs with your water heater, you will want to hire a professional plumber visit Water Heater Repair Spring TX to proceed.

First, ensure electricity gets to the appliance by checking that the circuit breaker or fuse is not tripped.

If your water heater needs to provide more hot water for everyone in your house, several issues may be at play. The first thing you should do is check the thermostat to make sure it isn’t set too low. It would help to keep it between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit to save energy. The thermostat can be adjusted by turning the dial on the side of your water heater.

If you turn the temperature dial up and still don’t have enough hot water, your water heater is undersized for your home. Replacing it with a larger unit may be the best course of action.

Another issue could be that the heating elements have gone bad and must be fixed. This is most likely to happen with electric units but can also occur with gas units if the thermocouple or thermopile is defective. If this is the case, replacing them will solve your problem.

A faulty in-line or ball valve is another common cause of not having enough hot water. This is usually a simple fix and can be done by a plumber. If the water tank leaks, it can often be fixed by draining and flushing the unit. This is typically a job for a plumber, as it requires shutting off breakers and draining the unit, but they can do this quickly and at a reasonable cost.

Some leaks can be fixed by simply tightening the nut on the pressure relief valve. If this isn’t the case, it will require removing the unit and replacing the valve.

If you notice any water leaking around your water heater, you should turn off the power and water supply, then immediately call a professional to take a look. Some problems, like tank leaks, are unfixable and need to be replaced, but the pros will help you understand your options and answer any questions you might have.

If the water coming from your faucets smells like rotten eggs or has a metallic odor, it’s important to find the source of this problem. If a gas leak causes the scent, contacting a professional to address this issue immediately is best. If the odor comes from your water heater, several things can be done to fix the problem.

The first step is to determine whether the odor and discoloration are present in hot and cold water or only in hot water. If they are only in hot water, the problem likely stems from your water heater, and you should flush the tank as your appliance manufacturer recommends. If they occur in hot and cold water, the problem may be caused by your well or plumbing system. This requires a thorough flushing of your entire water system by a licensed plumber.

If the odor is coming from your water tank, it’s often a sign of a magnesium anode rod that has become corroded. This rod is designed to absorb rust from the tank but can start to erode and produce hydrogen sulfide when exposed to water containing sulfites. Hydrogen sulfide can be dangerous at high levels and cause nausea, headaches, and delirium in humans. A plumber can replace your magnesium anode with an aluminum or aluminum/zinc anode to stop the odor and prevent damage to your water heater.

If the odor comes from your drain pipes, it’s usually a sign of bacteria in the pipes. These bacteria produce gases that smell like sewage when the drain is used. The bacteria are generally caused by your water heater running at a low temperature or sitting idle for an extended period. Disinfecting the drainpipes with a hydrogen peroxide solution will usually eliminate this odor. If the smell persists, a plumbing professional should assess your system and recommend a whole-house water treatment solution.

Most homeowners give more thought to their water heater when it starts acting up. When this important household appliance goes awry, it can create many problems that are difficult to ignore. Being unable to shower, wash dishes, or clean the laundry room is frustrating and inconvenient. Worse still, a leaking water heater can lead to significant home damage and high water bills. Call a plumber to schedule repairs immediately if you see signs of a leaking water heater.

Leaks from pipes, fixtures, and appliances are a common problem that can occur in any home. Worn-out or damaged pipe joints typically cause them, clogged or overflowing pipes, and pipe corrosion. These problems can be easily prevented with routine plumbing maintenance. In addition, homeowners can reduce the risk of leaks by regularly checking behind appliances and cabinet corners for rust or discoloration.

Water stains on the walls and ceilings and higher than-usual water bills are all signs that you have a leaking water heater. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should shut off the water in your house and turn off any hot-water-using appliances. If there is a lot of water flow, you should also place a bucket under the leak to prevent flooding.

If you notice that the water from your tank has a strong sulfur smell or is discolored, it may be a sign of corroded metal parts or sediment buildup in the tank. In some cases, this can be repaired by flushing the tank and having a plumber replace the magnesium or aluminum anode rod.

You can prevent some water heater leaks by draining the tank about twice a year. This will keep sediment from building up and rusting the tank. It is best to drain the water heater with a hose connected to the temperature pressure relief valve at the top and the drain valve at the bottom of the unit.

It would help if you also had a plumber inspect and replace the float and the refill and venting valves at least once every five years. These valves can wear out, causing the water heater to overheat and leak.

When water heaters start to make noises, it’s a sign that something is wrong and you should take action. While homeowners can address some noises, others will require the help of a professional plumber.

Screeching sounds are typically caused by a partially closed valve that traps water and creates a high-pressure environment. This will cause the water to try to escape through the trapped water, resulting in the screeching sound you hear.

Tapping noises indicate that your check valves need to be adjusted or replaced, or you might have sediment buildup in the tank. In either case, you’ll want to have a professional inspect your water heater and check all valves to ensure they can open and close properly.

A squeaking sound is usually confined to one fixture or area of plumbing and can often be traced back to a worn washer, grimy aerator, loose brass screw, or other small component that needs to be replaced. In most cases, a quick repair by a professional should resolve the issue.

Loud banging or rattling noises can indicate that your pipes are expanding or contracting as they heat up and cool down. This can be a problem for copper pipes that need to be insulated because they will enlarge and then shrink to scrape against house joists, studs, and wall supports. In some instances, turning down the temperature of your water heater may help resolve the issue without requiring any invasive pipe work.

Knocking or hammering noises can occur when water crashing into shutoff valves too quickly causes a shockwave that hits the pipes and makes them vibrate and make noise. This is a small deal, but it can be unpleasant if the sound disappears. Installing air chambers or water hammer arrestors can help to eliminate these sounds.

Singing or sizzling sounds can signify that your water heater is nearing the end of its life and will soon need to be replaced. If this is the case, you’ll likely need to drain and flush your tank to remove any accumulated sediment in the bottom of it. Performing these routine maintenance tasks will extend the life of your water heater and save you money in the long run.