Signs You Need a Water Heater Repair Service | Tomball, TX

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As your water heater works hard day after day to provide hot water to your home, it's not unlikely that it will break down at some point. It's all too easy to ignore the signs of a deteriorating water heater until you go to have a shower and freezing cold water comes out. So, it's a good idea to have the number of a trusted water heater repair company in Tomball, TX to hand in case of an emergency. All homeowners should also be able to recognize these signs that a water heater repair is necessary so you can get your system up and running as soon as possible.

1. Uneven Water Temperatures

If you find that your faucets are producing lukewarm or cold water when you need it to be hot, but other times your system works just fine, this is a sign that you need to book a water heater repair. The most common reason for irregular water temperatures is mineral buildup inside the unit. When mineral deposits start to cover the heating elements, this can stop them from heating your water properly.

If there is a problem with your heating elements, you can usually have them repaired or replaced. However, it's worth bearing in mind the age of your water heater. If it's relatively new, it's probably worth having a water heater repair. However, it may be better all round to replace the heater if it is very old.

2. Discolored Water

Although hazy water isn't usually a sign of an issue as long as it returns to normal once the pressure has stabilized, your tap water should only every be clear. Brown or reddish water or dark flecks are a sign that you have sedimentation problems in your water heater. As this can be hazardous to your health, you should book a water heater repair right away.

A qualified water heater repair technician can clean your unit to see if this solves the issue. If not, it could indicate that you have a rusty water tank.

3. Strange Noises

As your water heater gets older, it can start to make rumbling, banging or clanking noises. While it's normal for a water heater to make a soft whirring sound, anything more than this needs to be assessed by a water heater repair professional.

Noisy water heaters can be caused by a range of issues such as mineral deposits or a broken dip tube. Ignoring the issue could cause significant damage to your unit, and you may need to replace it if it's not dealt with quickly.

A repair technician will be able to flush your unit and give it a thorough clean, repairing any broken or loose components to fix your noisy water heater.

4. Leaking

If you see water accumulating around your water heater, this could be dangerous if you have electrical appliances nearby. If you have a water heater with a large tank, this also poses a serious flooding risk. It could also cause rust and corrosion inside your water heater, so it's important to book a water heater repair technician right away. While you wait for your plumber to arrive, turn off the water heater's water and electric supply to make sure it's safe.

5. Corrosion or Rust

The main telltale sign of corrosion or rust is discolored water. If your water heater is corroded or rusty, this is a sign that it needs to be replaced. However, if you can't afford a new unit right away you may be able to have the damaged parts replaced as an interim measure. However, this is only a temporary solution until you can raise the money you need for a replacement.

6. Not Enough Hot Water

Your water heater should be able to provide enough hot water for your household needs. If you have a water heater with a tank, it should be able to keep around 40 gallons of water hot at a time.

If you run out of hot water, this can be a sign that the heating elements are malfunctioning, and they may need to be replaced.

7. Reduced Water Flow

If the rate that the water flows out of your faucet is uneven or you notice variations in water pressure, this could be a sign that there is sediment buildup inside your system or a problem with your piping. You shouldn't ignore this sign, as the mineral buildup will gradually get worse and lead to the water heater ceasing to work altogether.

A water heater repair technician will often be able to fix the problem by flushing and descaling your water heater and cleaning the pipes that supply it.

How to Avoid a Water Heater Repair

Many homeowners never think about their water heater until it breaks down. However, there are a few maintenance steps you can take to keep your system running smoothly for as long as possible.

Draining and flushing the system a couple of times a year stops sediment from settling inside your unit and causing damage. It's also important to check your water heater's pressure relief valve every year. As the water heats up, it expands and creates pressure, which must be released by the valve. As a faulty valve is a common cause of issues with water heaters, it's a good idea to make sure it's in good condition. You can ask a local plumber in Tomball, TX to carry out your water heater maintenance for you.

The Bottom Line

A broken or faulty water heater can cause big problems, especially if it happens in the winter when you need your heating system more than ever. If your heater stops working properly, call bluefrog Plumbing & Drain of Northwest Houston to help get you up and running again. We provide water heater repair, maintenance and replacement services in Tomball, TX to make sure you're not left without hot water.