A leaky water heater is a serious problem that needs professional attention. A plumber can tighten a loose drain valve and replace an old anode rod to prevent further rusting of the tank.
Annual flushing can also help reduce sediment buildup in the tank and can save you money by extending its lifespan. Click Water Heater Repair Aurora CO to learn more.
If you turn on the hot water only to find lukewarm water, this is a sure sign that your heater isn’t working properly. It may be the result of a thermostat issue, a damaged heating element, or a faulty high-temperature limit switch. You can try replacing blown fuses and resetting the circuit breaker, but if you still don’t have hot water, then it’s time to call in a plumber who specializes in water heater repair.
Another common reason for a lack of hot water is that your tank is too small to meet your household needs. If you have an older tank that’s been around for a while, sediment may have built up inside, reducing its capacity. Upgrading to a newer, larger tank will solve this problem.
It’s also possible that your hot water isn’t getting as hot as it should because of the distance between your home and the water heater. Hot water can easily cool down over long distances, especially if your pipes aren’t insulated. Replacing your pipes with insulated ones will help reduce this problem.
Strange knocking, hissing and rattling sounds are usually signs that something is wrong with your water heater. These noises indicate that your heating element or the bottom of your tank are starting to degrade and need replacement. It’s a good idea to hire a professional water heater repair specialist for this task, as it can be dangerous if you do it yourself. They’ll have the tools and experience to do it safely and quickly. They’ll also make sure to check your plumbing connections for looseness and tighten them as needed. This will ensure that your new water heater is installed correctly.
Rusty Water
If your water is brown, rusty or reddish in color it may be coming from one of your pipes. The first thing to do is determine whether this is happening with both cold and hot water or just one faucet. If it’s only with the hot water then the problem is likely in your water heater or the pipes attached to it. If it’s with all of the water in your home, then it’s probably a larger issue, such as contamination from a nearby construction site or issues at a water main or fire hydrant.
If the rusty water is only from your hot water, then it could be due to sediment buildup within your tank. If you drain and flush your water heater tank on a regular basis (which should be done twice per year) then this should help solve the problem. If you’re still having trouble, then it may be time to call a plumber for a tank replacement.
Another cause of rusty water is that the anode rod within your water heater has dissolved. The anode rod is comprised of metals such as aluminum, magnesium, and zinc and sacrifices itself to keep the steel lining of your water tank from corroding. If this rod is no longer doing its job then your water heater will need to be replaced.
Finally, if the rusty water is only from certain faucets, then it may be that your piping has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. Most modern homes use PVC and other plastic piping, but older homes may have copper tubing or galvanized steel pipes that are at the end of their lifespan. Contacting an Artesia plumbing company for a repiping consultation can help you decide how to move forward.
Strange Smells or Tastes
If you have noticed a strong rotten egg smell when running hot water, it is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. This is a colorless, flammable and toxic gas. It is usually caused by a corroded anode rod inside the tank that is absorbing sulfates from the water. This problem is preventable by changing the anode rod every three years and by installing a water softener, if needed.
Other unpleasant odors in your hot water can indicate a number of problems with the water heater or plumbing. Musty odors typically suggest bacterial growth in the water supply, while chemical odors can signify a contamination issue such as a chemical spill or corrosion of the water heater. Foul-smelling odors in your water can also be a sign of decaying organic matter such as sewage or fungi.
Odors that are metallic-tasting or brown in color can be caused by dissolved iron. If the odors are confined to your water heater, you can flush and disinfect it. However, if the problem extends to other parts of your home and includes stains in tubs and toilets, it may be more difficult to resolve, and you might need a new water heater.
Sounds in the water heater tank such as low rumbling or bubbling can also indicate a problem. Sediment buildup along the bottom of the tank can cause the sediment to boil, and you will hear this bubbling sound. This is an unsafe condition and should be addressed immediately.
Poor Water Pressure
Whether it’s when showering, washing dishes or doing laundry, water pressure that is less than satisfactory is frustrating. It’s also a warning sign that it may be time for some maintenance or repairs.
Low water pressure can have many causes, but a common one is the result of too much demand on the plumbing system. If you’re using multiple fixtures at the same time, the water supply must divide itself to reach both places, resulting in lower overall pressure. When this occurs, your water supply is working harder than it should, and this can cause damage to your pipes over time.
Another problem is that there might be a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. If this is the case, you will likely see water stains on your ceilings or floors and may even hear water dripping from the walls or floor. It’s important to have any leaking pipes fixed as soon as possible to avoid more expensive problems down the road.
If the problem seems to be specific to your hot water system, it’s possible that a sediment buildup has obstructed the drain valve. In this case, the tank will need to be flushed to remove any sediment that has collected.
Another possibility is that the shut-off valve to your water heater has been partially closed. This is a simple fix, but a plumber will need to know how to find the valve, which is usually in your basement or garage but could be buried in a meter box on city property. The good news is that your preferred water pressure should return immediately following a professional inspection and service.
Noise
There’s nothing that grabs a homeowner’s attention quite like loud knocking, screeching or gurgling noises from the water heater closet. Though some operational noise is normal, escalating rumbles, thundering bangs or endless creaks signal issues that may not only lead to expensive repair bills but potentially dangerous safety hazards. Addressing such problems promptly can prevent minor issues from spiraling into breakdowns or costly replacement.
Popping or crackling sounds often stem from sediment buildup heating up and causing mini-boiling episodes in the water tank. Draining and flushing the tank can help resolve such issues as long as the tank is still structurally sound.
Hissing or groaning sounds often indicate that the tank has a leak, which requires a professional plumber to inspect and make repairs as soon as possible. Left unchecked, significant tank leaks can cause extensive and costly damage to your home’s plumbing system.
Screeching or whistling sounds usually mean that the water heater’s valves are not properly adjusted. Checking the pressure-releasing valve and inlet and outlet valves can help with such issues.
Sizzling and popping noises are a sign of excess condensation, especially with gas-powered units. Leaving this issue unchecked can lead to issues that include corrosion of internal components and the development of leaks around the unit’s base. A professional can recommend solutions to such issues, including the use of a dehumidifier in your home. A hissing sound could also be a sign of a defective heating element or an insufficient amount of water to fill the tank. Draining and flushing the tank as well as using a descaler can address such issues as well. It is important to have a professional flush your water heater once a year to minimize these issues and catch any other problems early.