Signs It’s Time To Call A Professional In Water Heater Repair | Hinckley, IL
Every appliance has a job to make your life convenient. You have appliances that keep your food cold and cook your food, and you also have appliances that wash your clothes and dishes. Your water heater is also an appliance, and it’s responsible for heating and storing hot water, so it’s always there when needed.
Water heater issues can affect the water temperature and your ability to use hot water, and some problems can result in a flood in your home. You may not see your water heater often if it’s tucked away in the corner of the basement or a closet, so it’s best to check the unit once or twice a month to ensure it’s functioning correctly. If you discover any of the following issues during your routine check, it’s best to call a professional in water heater repair in Hinckley, IL, before the problem escalates to a significant problem that can be more challenging and expensive to repair.
#1 Moisture or Water Pooling Around the Unit
The area around the water heater should be dry, and if you notice any moisture on the wall or unit or water pooling, you’ll need help from an emergency water heater repair expert. These problems require an emergency plumber because the water and moisture can result in water damage and mold growth.
Moisture around the unit indicates a loose, cracked, or broken hose, which is a relatively easy fix but should still be repaired immediately.
Water pooling around the unit indicates a crack or leak in the water tank; if left ignored, the contents of the water tank would flood your home. Unfortunately, cracks and leaks cannot be repaired, and you’ll need to replace the unit.
#2 Brown or Rust-Colored Water
Brown or rust-colored water indicates contamination. The issue is with the plumbing system if the hot and cold water is discolored. If just the hot water is discolored, the problem is with the water heater, and you’ll need to hire a professional in water heater repair in Hinckley, IL.
When sediment accumulates in the tank, it can break apart, contaminating the water. A water heater repair professional can try to flush the sediment, but if they can’t, you’ll need to replace the unit to ensure the hot water is safe to use.
If the unit is over ten years old and nearing the end of its lifespan, the inside of the tank could be breaking down, contaminating the water with minerals, sediment, and tiny metal shards. If the age of the tank is the issue, a replacement is the only option.
It’s best to avoid using hot water until the problem is resolved, and if you absolutely must use hot water, boiling it first will make it safe.
#3 No Hot Water
A lack of hot water is the most obvious sign it’s time to hire a plumber specializing in water heater repair in Hinckley, IL; however, the problem may not be due to an issue with the unit. Before making the call, check the fuel supply. If your unit runs on natural gas, check your records to ensure your gas bill was paid. Also, try to use another gas-fueled appliance to ensure there isn’t an outage and your service hasn’t been terminated. If you have a propane or oil-fueled unit, ensure there’s an adequate amount of fuel in the tank. Finally, if you have an electric water heater, make sure there’s power going to the unit and the circuit doesn’t trip. If everything checks out on your end, it’s time to hire a professional in water heater repair.
If the heating element is broken, the water won’t heat up, and you’ll get cold water coming from the hot water tap. If the unit is over ten years old, it may have reached the end of its lifespan and no longer has the power necessary to heat the water supply.
A plumber can inspect the unit to determine if a repair will solve the problem or if a replacement is the better option.
#4 The Unit Sounds Like It’s Possessed
Your water heater should be whisper quiet when it runs, and if it starts making noise, it’s time to hire a plumber specializing in water heater repair.
A clanging sound indicates sediment buildup that bangs against the inside of the tank. Trying to ignore the problem isn’t a good idea because the sediment can crack the tank, resulting in a flood.
A popping sound also indicates sediment buildup in the tank. When water gets trapped beneath the sediment, it will boil, creating a popping sound.
A plumber can try to flush the sediment, but if there’s too much, they will recommend replacing the water heater.
#5 You Frequently Run Out of Hot Water
Using too much hot water in a short amount of time will deplete the supply, and you’ll run out. If you frequently run out of hot water, there’s like a problem that requires the help of a plumber specializing in water heater repair.
When large amounts of sediment build up in the tank, there will be less space for water storage, causing you to run out quickly. You’ll need to replace the unit if the plumber can’t flush the sediment.
The problem could also be due to the size of the tank. If the water tank is too small to meet your family’s hot water demand, you’ll need to replace it with a unit with a larger tank or a tankless model that provides hot water on demand.
Call Just In Time Today
If your water heater isn’t working correctly and you need to hire a plumber, look no further than Just In Time. We’re a full-service plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and remodeling service, serving customers in the area since 2010. Our plumbers are professionally trained, have the knowledge and skill to handle the most challenging jobs in the industry, and are professionals in water heater repair.
If you have a plumbing or HVAC issue after-hours, don’t panic. We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To schedule an appointment with our plumbers or any other service we provide, give us a call or book online at https://www.justintimeheroes.com/?ws-widget=open.