Water Heater Repair: The Most Common Signs Of A Water Heater Failure | Hinckley, IL
The water heater is not one of the appliances you directly interact with daily. As such, there is a good chance that you rarely think about it. However, this device is always working hard behind the scenes to ensure that you and your family have a reliable source of hot water, which is more effective and comfortable to use compared to the chilly water coming directly from your utility company’s supply lines in Hinckley, IL. However, like any other electromechanical appliance, your water heater is usually at risk of breaking down and failing to work as expected. Unfortunately, even if most homeowners take their water heaters for granted, a water heater breakdown is not something they can afford to ignore. This is because water heater issues can potentially cause serious disruptions in homes and even put people in danger. Therefore, it is important to detect water heater problems in their earliest stages of development and ensure they are fixed by a professional water heater repair service before they can get out of hand. Below is a rundown of some ominous warning signs of a water heater failure that should prompt you to make an emergency call to a professional water heater repair expert in Hinckley, IL.
No Hot Water
Since your water heater is essentially supposed to ensure that you and your family have a constant supply of hot water, the lack of hot water from your water heater is perhaps the most obvious sign of water heater failure. Of course, in some cases, the issue might occur simply because your fuel supply has been interrupted. However, if you have paid your gas bills or your propane tank is full, but your water heater is not heating water, there could be something more serious going on. For instance, your water heater might fail to heat water if the pilot light assembly or the heating elements are damaged. Depending on the age of your water heater and the underlying cause of the problem, your water heater repair expert will fix the water heater or advise you to invest in a replacement water heater.
Unusual Water Heater Noise
Although modern water heaters come with technologies that minimize the amount of noise they make, these appliances do not operate completely silently. However, under normal circumstances, your water heater should not be producing any bothersome noises. In other words, although your water heater does not operate completely silently, it should not produce sounds that disturb your peace and quality of life. Therefore, if you have noticed that your water heater has become too noisy, you have a legitimate reason to be concerned. Different water heater issues may point to different issues. For instance, cracking and popping sounds may be a sign of a water heater tank that has collected too much sediment, while a screeching sound may be a result of a valve that is too restricted. As a homeowner, it can be quite difficult for you to isolate the specific cause of a given water heater noise, but you can trust a professional water heater repair expert to do it for you and come up with an appropriate solution.
Tepid Water
When your water heater is operating optimally, the water coming from it should reach a particular temperature. Therefore, if you have noticed that your water is not getting hot as it used to, you could be staring at a serious water heater failure. The problem could be caused by several issues. For instance, the buildup of sediments in your water heater could cover the heating elements and make them less effective, causing your water heater to produce tepid water. The problem might also occur if the heating elements are damaged or worn out. Whatever the cause might be, you can count on an experienced water heater repair expert for an accurate diagnosis and a lasting solution.
Rusty Water
Your water heater is most likely made of steel. Although this is one of the toughest materials ever made, it is susceptible to rust. Rust is usually caused by exposing steel or iron to oxygen and moisture. To minimize rusting, water heaters come with a component known as the anode rod. This rod essentially alters the chemical status of the water in your water heater, which prevents the water heater from getting attacked by rust. With time, the rod wears out, and if it is not replaced on time, your water heater might start rusting. You will know this because the water coming from a rusting water heater will have a brown or reddish color and a metallic taste. If you do not seek the services of a professional water heater repair expert on time, your water heater might get corroded to the extent of developing leaks. To prevent such an issue, you should call a water heater repair service as soon as you realize the water coming from your water heater is rusty.
You Keep Running Out of Hot Water
If you keep running out of hot water, there is a good chance that its capacity is small compared to the demand for hot water in your house. This could happen if your family has grown over time and you now have more people relying on your old water heater. The issue can also occur if the buildup of sediments in your water heater tank is negatively affecting the quantity of water it can hold at any given time. If your water heater is too small for your house, your water heater repair expert will advise you to buy an additional water heater or get a replacement water heater. If the issue has to do with the build-up of sediment, your plumber will simply drain the water heater.
If you are looking for a plumbing company licensed to offer professional water heater repair services in Hinckley, IL, Just In Time is the answer. Call us for more information about our services.