4 Signs You Need Water Heater Repair in Richmond, VA

4 Signs You Need Water Heater Repair in Richmond, VA

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Everyone knows that they have a water heater in their home, but most people don’t think about it until they wake up one morning to a cold shower. The truth is your hot water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, so you need to pay attention to it so you can call for proactive water heater repair in Richmond, VA before you find yourself shrieking in the morning.

While your water heater may seem innocuous tucked away in a utility closet or basement, there are many signs that it is experiencing trouble before it quits working altogether. Knowing what a few of those signs are and taking the time to inspect your water heater from time to time can help you discern the right time to get water heater repair.

In addition, it is recommended that most water heaters are serviced every few years to ensure they are functioning correctly and efficiently. Regular water heater maintenance is also a great way to lengthen the lifespan of your unit which your budget will appreciate. Paying for a service call is always a better alternative than paying for an entirely new water heater. With that in mind, here are a few signs that you need water heater repair now. If you notice any of these signs, give a local Richmond, VA plumbing a call before you end up with a flooded basement or icy cold shower.

Unusual Noises

It’s not unusual for a water heater to make a quiet humming sound while it’s cycling or every so often to make an odd noise. However, if you hear clanking, knocking or banging coming from your water heater it is time to call for water heater repair. This signifies that something is wrong inside of your water heater, and if you don’t get to the bottom of it quickly then you will likely end up with a mess on your hands.

Knocking and banging sounds usually indicate a build-up of water pressure which can be the result of mineral deposits covering the heating element. Over time the heat will have nowhere to go creating the pressure that will press on the pipes and the heating tank itself until a leak is created to allow it out. At the very least, odd sounds indicate that your water heater is not running as efficiently as it should be resulting in high energy bills so it’s important you seek out water heater repair.

Rusty Water Is Coming Out of Your Faucets

No one wants to turn on their faucet and see rusty orange-colored water coming out of their faucets. However, if you do notice that your water is slowly turning colors it is important that you call your local plumber because you may need water heater repair or you may need a more serious plumbing repair.

Many times your water heater will be to blame for rusty water because as it breaks down y9ou can’t see the rust forming within the tank. Like any other appliance in your home, a water heater will only run for so long before it starts to deteriorate. On average, a hot water heater lasts for about 12 years. After this point, it can start to rust which will seep into your water flow. At this point, water heater repair is probably not possible, and you will need to start shopping for a new tank.

However, there are many different reasons why your water may be discolored and not all of them have to do with the water heater. An old well tank, rusting piping, and even your local water plant may be responsible. You need a trained plumber to help you sort out the reason and ensure that your water is safe to use once again.

Your Hot Water Tank Is Leaking

Everyone notices when their hot water tank explodes or starts gushing water, but most people miss the smaller signs leading up to that event. Knocking noises are one thing that usually precedes a water tank bursting, another is a small leak. It is a good idea to get in the habit of inspecting your water tank so that you can catch any small leaks before they become a huge headache.

When inspecting your hot water tank look for signs of moisture such as mold, dampness, or discoloration around the unit and/or on the floor or wall near your water heater. If you notice anything suspicious, call your local plumber to set up an appointment for water heater repair so you can head off any issues quickly. What starts as a slow leak will turn into a much larger problem if you don’t act quickly, and one water heater repair bill is a lot cheaper than dealing with flood damage and the costs of an entirely new unit.

Fluctuating Water Temperatures

Do you notice that some days you have plenty of hot water and other days it seems like your hot water runs out after only a few minutes of being in the shower? This can be a sign that your water heater is not sized properly for your home or is in need of repair. Either way, you don’t want to ignore the issue. Most of the time if your water temperatures are fluctuating this is a sign that mineral deposits are covering your heating elements. You need to have your tanked clean before it impacts the functioning of your hot water tank permanently.

Have you noticed one of the above signs or do you think it’s time to schedule a water heater repair maintenance visit? bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Richmond, VA is happy to help. Give our trained technicians a call today and we will quickly get to the bottom of the issue so you can enjoy hot water again.

 

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