Numerous subtle signs of trouble can mean you need water heater repair. These can go unnoticed or ignored because water heaters are usually hidden out of sight in a closet or basement. They may be even less obvious than the signs you need heating repair. However, waiting too long to call a plumbing contractor like Air Stars can result in a complete loss of hot water and an expensive appliance repair or replacement.
Here are eight signs you should call a local plumber for water heater repair in Keizer, OR, and surrounding areas:
- Water Doesn’t Get Warm Enough
- You Keep Running Out of Hot Water
- The Water Temperature Is Inconsistent
- Unusual Noises from the Water Heater
- Odors from Your Hot Water Supply
- Decreased Water Pressure
- Your Hot Water Has a Rusty Tint
- The Water Heater Is Leaking
1. Water Doesn’t Get Warm Enough
If water is lukewarm even though you’ve turned the handle all the way, your water heater may be malfunctioning. There’s a chance its thermostat may be broken. A gas unit may have a malfunctioning burner. If you have an electric water heater, it may have a faulty heating element. Other potential causes include sediment in the tank or an incorrect temperature setting.
2. You Keep Running Out of Hot Water
Having no hot water is a telltale sign you need water heater repair. However, a water heater on the decline may produce hot water, but just not enough of it. Running out of hot water while doing the dishes or taking a shower is a sign of trouble. The exception is if your household has grown, your schedule has changed, or some other change has increased the demand for your water heater. In this case, it may be time to consider an upgrade.
3. The Water Temperature Is Inconsistent
Inconsistencies in water temperature are less obvious as a water heater problem than if there’s no hot water at all. However, they can point to an issue in the unit’s tank or with a heating element or gas connection. It’s time to call for water heater repair near you if any of the following issues occur:
- The water takes longer to get hot.
- Water won’t stay hot while running.
- Your water fluctuates between hot and cold.
4. Unusual Noises from the Water Heater
Subtle noises from a water heater aren’t always a concern. You may hear a slight hum or rumble, especially if you have an older unit. However, popping, banging, or cracking sounds often mean there’s a big problem brewing or a component is about to fail.
A common cause of noise is sediment inside the tank. Once it settles on the bottom, this material hardens from constant heating and reheating. Flushing tank sediment is a common water heater repair and maintenance task that can help. Neglecting to do so can cause the unit to break down.
5. Odors from Your Hot Water Supply
Foul odors from hot water can mean bacteria are growing in your water heater. These microorganisms can release hydrogen sulfide, which has a sulfur-like or rotten egg smell. The bacteria are usually harmless. However, the smell is unpleasant and can mean something is wrong with your water heater, whether it needs to be flushed, the anode rod must be replaced, or there’s some other issue for a professional to address.
6. Decreased Water Pressure
A drop in water pressure can occur gradually or suddenly. A gradual decrease may be barely noticeable at first, but you might notice the flow from a showerhead isn’t as strong as it once was. It’s one of those signs that may go ignored, especially if you have enough hot water. However, it can indicate something is wrong with your water heater or plumbing system. Changes in water pressure should be investigated by a plumber who provides water heater repair near you.
7. Your Hot Water Has a Rusty Tint
Rusty water can signify various problems. The underlying issue may be corrosion inside your water heater. It can also be that your pipes are corroding. Your water supply may be filled with rust particles, metal flakes, or other materials that are better off not being ingested. Other potential causes of rusty-looking water include:
- Sediment from the tank
- The presence of certain bacteria
- A failing anode rod
A water heater repair professional must examine the system to determine the cause of the problem. They may need to drain and flush the tank. While treating the system to eliminate bacteria or replacing an anode rod can fix the problem, heavily corroded water heater tanks and pipes must be replaced.
8. The Water Heater Is Leaking
A water leak is generally a not-so-subtle problem. However, not all leaks are large. A water heater leak can be small, causing somewhat subtle signs of its existence. These include drops of water on the tank surface, moisture around the unit, or small pools of water under or near the water heater. Any amount of water can cause mold and thousands of dollars in damage, so call for help as soon as you notice signs of a leak.
Call Air Stars for Water Heater Repair in Keizer, OR
If you live in Keizer, Salem, and surrounding areas, Air Stars can address any issue with your water heater. The signs you may need water heater repair are often subtle. Waiting to have them checked can lead to serious and costly problems. Fortunately, our plumbers can quickly and effectively diagnose and repair your water heater to restore its efficiency. For water heater and other plumbing services, call (503) 832-5779 today.
