7 Signs You Need Water Heater Repair | Harvey, LA
Multiple issues can occur with your home’s plumbing system, and some are more serious than others. For example, a slow drain or dripping faucet are problems that should be fixed, but you can wait until you have time to wait for a plumber. However, some issues, such as a broken water heater, can’t wait and should be resolved immediately.
You rely on hot water throughout the day to shower, wash your hands, cook, and clean. Also, your hot water-based appliances need hot water to function at peak performance.
DIY water heater repair isn’t recommended because if you don’t have the necessary training, you could do more damage to the unit and void the warranty.
If the water heater in your Harvey, LA home experiences any of the following problems, it’s best to hire a plumber specializing in water heater repair.
#1 You Have No Hot Water
A lack of hot water can indicate a few problems, and some don’t require the help of a plumber. First, check the fuel source. If you have an electric water heater, make sure there’s power going to the unit and a circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If you have a propane or oil-fueled unit, make sure there’s fuel in the tank. If your water heater runs on natural gas, make sure your bills have been paid and check with a neighbor or the gas company to rule out an outage. If everything checks out on your end, it’s time to call a plumber specializing in repair services.
The most common cause is a faulty heating element, preventing the water from heating up. If the unit is ten years old, it may have reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be repaired.
#2 The Water Isn’t Hot Enough
Check the thermostat setting if the water doesn’t get hotter than lukewarm. Adjusting the thermostat will solve the problem if it’s set below 120 degrees. If it’s correctly set, it’s best to call a professional in water heater repair.
There could be a problem with the thermostat, or if the unit has two heating elements, one may have failed. The functioning heating element isn’t powerful enough to heat the water to the desired temperature. If the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may not have enough power to heat the water. A plumber can inspect the unit to determine why the water isn’t hot enough and make the necessary repair.
#3 Discolored Water
The water coming from the taps in your Harvey, LA home should be clean and clear. If the water is brown or rust-colored, it’s best to call a plumber immediately.
The discolored hot water indicates contamination and could be due to sediment buildup in the water tank. The hot water can cause the sediment to break apart and contaminate the water. If the unit is over ten years old, the inside of the water tank could be breaking down, causing metal shards and deposits to contaminate the water.
A plumber specializing in water heater repair can try to flush the water tank, but if this isn’t possible or the inside of the tank is breaking down, you’ll need to replace the unit.
#4 Reduced Hot Water Pressure
Adequate water pressure is essential for your daily life. If the hot water pressure in your Harvey, LA home is suddenly reduced, simple tasks will take longer than necessary, and your hot water-based appliances won’t function properly.
When sediment builds up in the water tank, it can break apart and clog the waterline, resulting in poor hot water pressure. A plumber can try to flush the sediment, but if they can’t, you’ll need to replace the water heater. If you don’t replace the unit, the waterline will continue to clog, and you’ll need to pay a plumber every time there’s a clog, which can be very expensive.
#5 You Frequently Run Out of Hot Water
Running out of hot water frequently can be frustrating because nobody wants to take a cold shower. If you often run out of hot water, it’s best to hire a plumber specializing in water heater repair.
One common cause is your family’s hot water demand. If the water heater isn’t large enough to meet the demand, you’ll often run out of hot water, and replacing the water heater with a larger one will solve the problem. You can also go with a tankless model that kicks on only when the hot water runs, providing hot water on demand.
If your family’s hot water demand isn’t the problem, there could be significant amounts of sediment in the tank, and there is less room for water storage. This problem cannot be resolved in most cases, and you’ll need to replace the water heater.
#6 Water Pooling Around the Unit
Water around the water heater indicates a leak. The pooling water indicates a crack in the tank that can cause 50+ gallons of water to flood your Harvey, LA home, causing significant water damage and mold growth. Unfortunately, cracks cannot be repaired, and you’ll need to replace the water heater.
#7 A Banging Sound
A banging sound indicates large amounts of sediment banging inside the water tank. Ignoring the problem can crack the water tank causing a flood, and requires a call to a water heater repair professional. If they can’t flush the sediment, you’ll have to install a new water heater.
Call bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans
If you need to hire a professional in water heater repair, look no further than bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans. We are a full-service plumbing and HVAC company, providing service to customers in the area for years.
Our plumbers are professionally trained, highly skilled, and experts in water heater repair. They have the knowledge and experience to handle any plumbing and HVAC problem. Also, we provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and will get a technician to your home as quickly as possible to resolve the problem.
To schedule an appointment for water heater repair or any other service we provide, give us a call at bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans or book online.
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