7 Telltale Signs You Need Water Heater Repair | Harvey, LA
A water heater failure can cause inconvenience to any household. Most people rely on hot water for everyday activities such as showering, dishwashing, laundry, etc. Ice-cold water due to a malfunctioning unit can be an unpleasant surprise. When your water heater is acting up or on the fritz, you should take action quickly before it fails and you end up without hot water for days. This guide explains 7 common signs that you need water heater repair in Harvey, LA.
bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans has been helping homeowners with water heater repairs and replacements for years. Whether your water heater is gas, electric or tankless, our technicians are trained to diagnose, fix, repair, or replace any water heater. Our plumbers are insured, licensed, and background-checked, so you can rest assured that we’ll handle your repairs safely and professionally. We also offer a wide range of services to keep your water heater in tip-top condition, including preventative maintenance, flushing and draining services, filter replacements, thermostat adjustments, and more.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Professional Repair
While a water heater is one of the most hard-working appliances in your home, it can wear out and develop issues over time. Unfortunately, these problems don’t resolve on their own. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the signs that your water heater needs professional repair in Harvey, LA:
1. Making strange sounds
If you hear odd noises, such as loud rumbling or banging from your unit, it could be a warning sign that it’s close to breaking down. These noises are more noticeable as the water heater gets older. They usually indicate sediment buildup and mineral formation inside the tank. When sediment and minerals accumulate in the tank, they may react with the heating element to create those mini-explosions you hear. This process wears on the tank and components, leading to cracks and leaks.
2. Rusty or murky water
Rusty-colored water from taps or faucets is a sign to call for a professional water heater repair. It indicates corrosion inside the tank or in the pipes connected to it, which could lead to leaks and other serious issues. Cloudy water from your taps may also indicate calcification and sediment buildup in the tank. These accumulations can clog the pipes, drain valves, and hot water lines, as well as damage the heater components.
3. Insufficient hot water
When your water heater is not delivering enough hot water, it may mean that the unit is not large enough for your family’s needs. It could also indicate other issues, such as a worn-out heating element, mineral and sediment deposits, or a clogged dip tube. This is often an early warning sign that the system is ready for replacement. Consult a licensed water heater repair to help you determine the best solution.
4. Leaks and puddles
Your water tank is not supposed to leak. However, if you notice puddles of water on the floor or near the tank’s base, seek professional help as soon as possible. Leaks can develop because of expansion issues of the tank itself, water pressure issues, corroded pipes or joints, faulty valves, broken plastic linings inside the tank, or loose fittings. It’s always best to call a water heater repair to address this issue ASAP because a leaking tank can cause significant damage to your flooring, walls, and even the foundation of your home. It can also lead to potentially hazardous situations, such as electric shock.
5. Weak or no pilot light
If you have a gas water heater, it should be equipped with a small flame that stays on all the time. This pilot light should be visible when you take off the access panel. If it’s not lit or flickers, you need to call a professional immediately. That indicates a burner assembly, thermocouple, or gas valve malfunction. A licensed water heater repair pro will help diagnose the issue and recommend the best repair option.
6. Water temperature is too cold or too hot
If your unit is producing too hot or too cold water in your taps, it could mean an issue with the thermostat, mineral buildup, or a faulty heater element. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature of the water in the tank. It could trigger the heating element to overheat the water if it’s defective. Mineral deposits can affect your heater’s ability to heat the water properly. Likewise, a heater element can ground out, causing it to stay on indefinitely without automatically switching itself off. As a result, it can cause your unit to heat the water continuously until it burns itself out. Whichever the case, you’ll need to call a professional for water heater repair to help you resolve the issue.
7. Age
The average lifespan of a decent water heater is around 8 to 10 years before needing to be replaced. If your unit is around that age, you should start considering a replacement. Older water heaters are more prone to issues and malfunctions, so it’s best to look for other signs indicating the need for repair or replacement. If you’re unsure how old your appliance is, simply check the serial number on the manufacturer’s label. It has a date code that can tell you when it was manufactured. The first two digits in the code are the last two numbers of the year, i.e., 10 is from 2010.
Whatever problem you’re experiencing with your water heater, it’s critical to address it immediately. A malfunctioning unit can be dangerous and cause extensive damage to your home if left unchecked for too long. When in doubt, it’s always best to call a professional water heater repair to inspect your unit. They can help diagnose the problem and provide you with the best solution. It’s also a good idea to have your water heater serviced annually to catch any minor issues before they become major ones.
Call us today at bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans for water heater repair or replacement in Harvey, LA.
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