Who to Call for Water Heater Repair?

Imagine taking a nice hot shower only to find yourself running out of it midway. A broken water heater not only causes discomfort but also leads to expensive repairs and replacements. Fortunately, water heaters rarely fail without giving prior notice.

If you pay close attention, you can pick up on signs indicating your water heater will fail. That said, let’s look at what they are and who to call for water heater repair.

Major Signs Your Water Heater Will Fail

If you can identify the signs of water heater failure, you’ll be able to save money and get your heater fixed before it stops working entirely. Here are all the signs of a broken water heater:

1.  Leaks from the Heating Tank

Leaks are a common issue that may simply occur because of loose fittings or connections. Tightening them can fix the problem. However, if you find a pool of water under the heating unit or see drips from the tank, it’s a sure sign your water heater is failing. In case of tank leaks, there is no option except replacement.

The leaking heater could be due to several issues, including:

• Bad gasket
• Condensation build-up
• High temperature or water pressure in the tank
• Rust and corrosion
• Stuck or broken drain valve
• Wobbly or damaged heating element bolts

2.  An Aged Water Heater

An aged water heater will eventually fail. Be sure to check the installation date that’s labeled on the heating unit. Even if it is missing, you can search for the manufacturing date online by searching for the brand name and serial number of your water heater. If your water heater is over ten years old, consider replacing it.

3.  Discolored Water

If the color of the hot water coming out of the faucets is rusty, it is one of the biggest signs your water heater is failing. In this case, the coating that prevents corrosion within the heater starts thinning.

Fortunately, if the issue isn’t too extreme, simply replacing the anode rods can get rid of the problem. You might also want to flush your tank.

4.  Low Water Pressure

If you find the pressure of hot water lowering, it may be because of sediment buildup. Typically, hard water is the main cause of buildup. The good news is that this issue can be resolved with professional water heater services. If you’re quick to get your heater checked, its life may be extended.

5.  Increased Heating Bills

Any issues with the water heater would reflect on your heating bills. Hot water makes up a major part of the heating consumption in any household. Therefore, water heating bills will increase when the water heater loses efficiency. It is ideal to get the heater checked by a professional plumber to determine if any water heater repair is possible before you replace it.

6.  Rusting on the Tank

Rusting is another major sign your water heater needs replacement. Rusting in the tank is a major sign of corrosion and indicates that the problem is beyond repair. It is wiser to replace the water heater to avoid water damage or leaks. 

Measures to Protect Your Water Heater

Water heaters are a common fixture in many homes, offering a consistent source of hot water for various household needs. While they are generally safe when properly maintained, homeowners must be aware of potential safety concerns regarding water heater repairs.

Here are the key safety measures every homeowner should take to ensure their gas water heater’s safe operation and maintenance:

1.   Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Proper maintenance is the foundation of gas water heater safety. Regularly schedule professional inspections to check for any issues, including gas leaks, carbon monoxide leaks, or water heater malfunctions. Address any necessary repairs promptly to prevent safety hazards.

2.  Ventilation Matters

Proper ventilation is critical for gas water heaters. Ensure that the flue and venting system is installed and maintained correctly. Any blockages or leaks in the venting system can lead to carbon monoxide buildup, a silent and deadly threat. Install carbon monoxide detectors near the water heater and other home areas for safety.

3.  Gas Leak Detection

Gas leaks are a serious concern. To safeguard against gas leaks, be aware of the odor of natural gas. Most people are unaware that the rotten egg odor is indeed that of a gas leak. The minute you detect this smell, you must evacuate that area instantly, and do not use any electrical appliances, as they could spark an explosion. Call your gas company or emergency services and get it checked.

4.   Identify Where the Gas Shut-Off Valve is

As a homeowner, it’s essential to know the location of the gas shut-off valve for your gas water heater. In case of a gas leak or any other emergency, being able to shut off the gas supply quickly can prevent further hazards.

5.   Adequate Clearance

Ensure that your gas water heater has proper clearance from flammable materials. The area around the water heater should be clear of paper, cardboard, or other combustible materials. It lowers the danger of fires caused by overheating.

6.   Familiarize Yourself with the Owner’s Manual

Each water heater has an owner’s manual that provides essential safety information and maintenance guidelines. Take the time to read and understand this manual to ensure you’re following manufacturer-recommended safety measures.

7.   Avoid DIY Repairs

Water heater repairs should not be treated as DIY projects. If you encounter an issue with your gas water heater, refrain from attempting to fix it yourself. Even seemingly minor repairs can have significant safety implications, so always contact a professional technician to handle the job.

8.   Keep Combustibles Away

Avoid storing any flammable materials near your gas water heater. These things can catch fire if exposed to the water heater’s heat.

Tips to Clean Your Heater to Save Hefty Water Heater Repair

It is always recommended to clean and inspect your geysers and heaters before you walk into the winter season. Some of the tips that we recommend and you should follow here include:

• Clean your heater’s filter.
• Check the temperature settings and make sure they are set to the right temperature for your home so that you don’t waste energy.
• If you have gas heaters, check the pilot light. Make sure it’s lit and not smoking or sparking when it turns on. You may need to relight it if it goes out frequently or at all during cold weather months (it could be that there is just too much moisture in the air). If there is no pilot light at all, call an HVAC technician immediately–this could indicate a serious problem with your system!
• Inspect any thermostats or switches associated with your heating system for signs of damage or wear-and-tear; replace them if needed before winter begins so that everything works smoothly after January 1st rolls around again next year!
• Check burners thoroughly before turning them on again after being stored away during summer months; check connections between pipes, too, since these can become loose over time due to expansion/contraction caused by changes in temperature levels throughout each season cycle.

Make Your House Ready for the Winter Season

Many homeowners walk into the winter season without proper preparations and care. Eventually, they are left to rue their lack of effort and face a plethora of problems when the winter season actually arrives.

Your house should be ready to face the winter season like a champ! It’s important to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Here are some concluding tips on how you can keep your home warm during these cold months:

Shut off drafts by caulking around windows and doors, repairing holes in walls and ceilings, installing weather stripping around doors and windows (or replacing it if necessary), getting water heater repair, checking for cracks around chimneys or other places where air could get into your home through gaps in the structure of your house.

It’s also a good idea to have an annual inspection done by someone who knows what they’re doing–a professional contractor can find issues that might not be visible from inside or outside of your house but could cause problems down the road by letting too much heat escape through them.

Get Your Water Heater Inspected by Showtime Express Plumbing

Whether you need to repair or replace a broken water heater, call Showtime Express Plumbing. Besides making the necessary fixes and replacements, we also offer solutions based on your specific hot water needs. Call us today at (770) 867-2537.