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There are many essential appliances in your home, and some are more essential than others. One very important appliance is your home’s water heater. If your water heater isn’t functioning properly, you won’t be able to take a shower and perform simple daily tasks. Also, if your water heater isn’t working properly, the appliances that rely on water won’t function properly.
Because your water heater is so important, you should be able to recognize the signs that you need to call for water heater repair. If you can detect the signs early, you can have the problem repaired before it becomes something major, causing a complete breakdown.
#1 The Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough
If you notice that the hot water coming from the faucets isn’t getting hot enough, the first thing that you should do is check the thermostat. According to the EPA, your water heater’s thermostat should be set to 120 to 140 degrees. This is hot enough to do things around the house, but it isn’t so hot that you will get burned by the hot water.
If the thermostat is working properly, you should call a plumber who specializes in water heater repair. The problem could be something simple like a faulty thermostat. It could also be something more serious, like a failing heating element. Standard water heaters have a heating element on the top and bottom. If one of the elements isn’t functioning properly, the water in the tank won’t reach the desired temperature. Until you call for a repair, you will have to deal with cool or lukewarm water.
#2 You Are Frequently Running Out Of Hot Water
There is nothing worse than running out of hot water in the middle of taking a shower. If you notice that you are frequently running out of hot water, you should first think about the people living in your home. If you recently welcomed a new person in your home, your hot water demand will increase, which could be the problem.
If nobody has moved into your Chattanooga, TN home, your water heater is likely to blame. If there is a broken heating element in the water heater, only half of the water will be hot, causing you to run out of hot water often. There could also be several inches of sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, creating less room for the heated water. Your water heater may have also reached its maximum lifespan and needs to be repaired. It would take the knowledge and expertise of a plumber specializing in water heater repair to figure out what is causing the problem and determine the best course of action.
#3 Poor Hot Water Pressure
There is nothing more annoying than poor water pressure. If the water pressure isn’t great, it can be difficult to rinse the shampoo from your hair and properly do the dishes. Many household tasks will be difficult if the water pressure is poor.
If the hot and cold water pressure is poor, the problem could be a clogged aerator or a leak in the waterline. If it is just the hot water with low pressure, the problem is likely with the water heater.
When protein deposits and sediment build up in the tank, it can clog the pipes, which will cause poor hot water pressure. It is essential that you contact a professional in water heater repair before the problem gets any worse.
#4 Rusty Hot Water
If rusty water is coming from the faucets in your home, it is a major cause for concern. It isn’t safe to bathe in rusty water. It also isn’t safe to drink it or cook with it. If both the hot and cold water is coming out hot, your pipes are likely corroded. If just the hot water is coming out rusty, the problem likely lies within your water heater, and you should call a professional in water heater repair.
Over time, sediment will build up inside the water tank. When the water heats up, the sediment can come loose, causing your hot water to come out rusty. This is considered an emergency situation because your hot water won’t be safe for use until it is clean and clear.
#5 Strange Sounds Coming From the Water Heater
When your water heater is functioning properly, you shouldn’t hear anything more than a low-level hum. If you hear a banging or clanging sound coming from your water heater, you should call a professional in water heater repair right away. Over time, sediment can build up inside the water tank. If the sediment comes loose, it will clang around inside the water tank. If you try to ignore the problem and allow it to continue, the sediment can cause damage to the water tank, resulting in a major flood and significant water damage. It is best to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair before the problem can worsen.
#6 Moisture Or Water Around the Water Heater
There should never be any moisture or water around your water heater. If there is, you should call a professional in water repair immediately. The problem could be something easy to fix, like a disconnected or broken hose. This is a simple fix, but it should be taken care of right away. The longer the problem persists, the more water damage will be caused. Also, moisture around the water heater can promote the growth of mold and mildew. The problem could also be something more serious, like a leak in the water tank. This is an emergency situation, and you shouldn’t hesitate to call for water heater repair.
If you are having any issues with the water heater in your Chattanooga, TN home, contact Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air. We have been serving residential and business customers in the area since 1989. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and have an excellent reputation within the community. We are a member of a few business organizations, including the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, and the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts.
To schedule an appointment for water heater repair or any other plumbing, heating, and cooling issue, give us at Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air a call today.
