7 Signs That It Is Time To Schedule An Appointment For Water Heater Repair | Earlville, IL
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You rely on hot water every day. You need hot water to shower, wash your hands, cook, and clean your house. The washing machine and dishwasher in your Earlville, IL home rely on hot water to function properly. Your water heater is responsible for providing the hot water that goes to your faucets and showerheads. Water is stored in the tank, and the water heater keeps it hot. If there is an issue with your water heater, life in your home will be challenging, and you won’t be able to perform simple daily tasks. In addition, your dishwasher and washing machine won’t function at peak performance.
The best way to avoid a complete water heater breakdown is to recognize the early signs that you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. If you wait too long to make the call, you risk permanent damage that would require a water heater replacement.
If your water heater is experiencing any of the following issues, call a plumber specializing in water heater repair as quickly as possible.
#1 You Have No Hot Water
A lack of hot water is a sign that you need to schedule an appointment for a repair; however, it could also signify other issues. Before you call a plumber, there are a few things you should check.
If you have a gas or oil water heater, make sure the pilot is lit. In addition, make sure there is oil or propane in the tank. If your water heater uses the city gas supply, make sure your bills have been paid, and there isn’t a widespread outage. If you have an electric water heater, make sure a circuit hasn’t tripped, and there is power going to the water heater. If everything checks out, it is time to schedule an appointment with a plumber specializing in water heaters.
The most common cause of this problem is a broken heating element. If the heating element isn’t working, the water in the tank won’t heat up. There could also be an issue with the thermostat.
It is best to schedule an appointment for water heater repair as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the longer your family will go without hot water.
#2 The Water Isn’t Hot Enough
If you turn the hot water on full blast and it doesn’t get hotter than lukewarm, your water heater is likely the reason. Before you call a plumber, check the setting on the thermostat. It is recommended that you keep your water heater set to 120 degrees. This is hot enough to perform daily tasks and to keep your water-based appliances functioning properly and not too hot that the water can cause a burn.
If the thermostat is set correctly, it is time to call a plumber specializing in water heaters. If the thermostat isn’t working properly, it won’t heat the water properly, regardless of the thermostat setting. The issue could also be due to a failing heating element. If the heating element isn’t functioning at full capacity, the water in the tank won’t get as hot as you would like.
#3 You Are Frequently Running Out Of Hot Water
If you frequently cannot get through a shower without running out of hot water, you should call a plumber specializing in water heater repair.
One common cause of this issue is an increase in your family’s hot water demand. If someone new has moved into your home, or if you recently installed a dishwasher or washing machine, your family will use more hot water. If this is the case, a plumber can install a larger water heater or a tankless model that provides hot water on-demand.
If nothing has changed in your household, there is an issue with the water heater. Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the water tank, leaving less space for water storage.
When you schedule an appointment for a repair, a plumber will inspect the unit to figure out why you are running out of hot water so frequently and do what is necessary to resolve the problem.
#4 Discolored Hot Water
If the water coming from the taps in your Earlville, IL home has a brown tint, you should call a plumber specializing in water heater repair immediately.
When sediment builds up in the tank, it can break apart and contaminate the hot water. The issue could also be with the water tank. If the inside of the water tank starts to break down, small pieces of metal can contaminate the water. Unfortunately, this issue would require a water heater replacement.
If the hot water is coming out discolored, it is not safe to use; therefore, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair immediately.
#5 Foul Smelling Hot Water
If the hot water coming from the faucets and showerheads smells like rotten eggs, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair as soon as you discover the smell.
Over time, sulfate bacteria can build up inside the water tank, causing a foul smell. This is a serious issue and will require the assistance of a plumber. Until the problem is resolved, it is best to avoid using hot water.
#6 Strange Sounds Coming From the Water Heater
If the water heater in your Earlville, IL home is functioning properly, it should be silent. If you hear any strange sounds coming from the water heater, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair.
If you hear a banging sound, there is a good chance that large pieces of sediment have built up in the water tank and are banging against the sides. If you ignore the problem, the sediment can crack the water tank and flood your home.
A crackling or popping sound occurs when gunk gets trapped beneath the sediment.
It is best to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. They will examine the water heater to determine if the issue can be repaired or if you need to have your water heater replaced.
#7 Moisture Or Water Pooling Around the Water Heater
The area around your water heater should be dry. If there is moisture or water pooling around the unit, a water heater repair will be necessary.
If a hose is loose, disconnected, or cracked, the water will leak around the unit. Fortunately, it is a relatively simple repair.
If there is water pooling around the unit, there could be a leak in the water tank. This is a very serious issue that will get worse and eventually flood your home. The sooner you call a plumber, the better.
Why Choose Just In Time?
If your water heater isn’t functioning properly and you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair, contact Just In Time. We are a plumbing, heating, air conditioning, carpentry, and home remodeling service that has been serving customers in the area since 2010.
If your water heater starts acting up and we aren’t in the office, we offer emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call outside of our regular business hours, we don’t use voicemail which many companies do. Our phones are answered by a live person regardless of the time of day you call.
To schedule an appointment for water heater repair or any other service we provide, give us at Just in Time a call today.