Your water heater is technically an appliance, and it’s also an essential part of your plumbing system. The water entering your house is cold and fills the unit where it’s heated and stored, so there’s always hot water available when you need it.

Water heater issues can affect the water temperature and safety and should be repaired by a plumber. A DIY repair isn’t recommended because, without the necessary knowledge and skill, you could cause further damage. Also, a DIY repair will void the unit’s warranty.

If your water heater experiences any of the following problems, it’s best to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair in Potomac, MD.

#1 You Don’t Have Hot Water

If you turn on the hot water tap and the water comes out cold, you may need to hire a professional in water heater repair., but you should check a few things first. The last thing you want is to pay for an unnecessary service call when the problem is something you could’ve handled yourself.

• Electric water heater: Ensure a circuit hasn’t tripped, and power is going to the unit.
• Natural gas unit: Check your records to ensure your gas bill has been paid, and turn on another gas appliance to ensure there isn’t an outage. Also, make sure the pilot is lit.
• Propane or oil-fueled unit: Ensure the pilot is lit and there’s fuel in the tank.

If everything checks out on your end, it’s time to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair in Potomac, MD.

The most common cause is a broken heating element, preventing the unit from heating the water. If the unit is over ten years old, it may have reached its maximum lifespan and can no longer heat the water.

A plumber can inspect the unit to determine why you don’t have hot water and fix or replace the water heater.

#2 The Water Isn’t Hot Enough

Check the thermostat if the water doesn’t get hot enough after letting it run. The recommended thermostat setting is between 120 and 140 degrees, and if the thermostat is set too low, adjusting it will solve the problem. If the unit’s thermostat is correctly set, it’s time to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair in Potomac, MD.

The problem could be a faulty thermostat, and the water heater won’t get the correct signal. If your unit has two heating elements, one may have failed, and the functional element isn’t powerful enough to heat the water to the desired temperature. Finally, if the unit is over ten years old, it may not be able to function efficiently, and replacing the water heater is the only option.

#3 You Run Out of Hot Water Often

It’s not uncommon to run out of hot water if too much is used too quickly, depleting the stored water. If you often run out of hot water, it’s best to hire a professional in water heater repair.

The plumber will ask if someone new has moved into the home because your hot water demand will increase when someone new moves in, and you’ll need to replace the unit with a model with a larger tank.

If your household circumstances haven’t changed, there’s likely a large amount of sediment buildup in the tank. The sediment will take up space in the tank, and there won’t be as much for water storage, causing you to run out of hot water often.

It’s best to hire a plumber and resolve the problem quickly, preventing you from running out of hot water.

#4 Strange Sounds

Your water heater should be whisper quiet when it runs, and any strange sounds require a call to a plumber specializing in water heater repair.

A clanging sound indicates sediment buildup in the tank that bangs against the sides. It’s best not to ignore the problem because the sediment can crack the tank, and the contents of the tank will flood your home.

A popping sound indicates sediment at the bottom of the tank. When water gets trapped beneath the sediment, it will boil, causing a popping sound.

A plumber specializing in water heater repair can try to flush the sediment to resolve the problem. If they can’t flush the sediment, the only option is to replace the unit.

#5 Water Pooling Around the Unit

If you see water pooling around the unit, call an emergency plumber specializing in water heater repair. The standing water indicates a leak in the tank that could flood your home if not addressed immediately. Unfortunately, a cracked tank can’t be repaired, and you’ll need to replace the unit.

Call Clarksburg Plumbing Today

If your water heater is acting up and you need to hire a plumber specializing in water heater repair, look no further than Clarksburg Plumbing. We’re a full-service residential and commercial plumbing company proudly serving customers in the area.

Our plumbers have undergone years of professional training and apprenticeship to learn their craft and have the knowledge and skill necessary to tackle some of the most challenging jobs in the plumbing industry.

We’ve been in the plumbing industry long enough to know that plumbing issues arise at the most inconvenient times. If you have a plumbing issue that must be addressed immediately, don’t panic. We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and we will get a plumber to your house as quickly as possible to resolve the issue.

We provide a personalized plumbing experience that begins with one of our plumbers inspecting the plumbing system and assessing the problem. Next, we’ll give you an accurate estimate of the cost and the time it will take to fix the problem. Finally, one of our plumbers will arrive at your house on time and will stay until the issue is resolved. The plumber will clean up when they’re done, leaving your home in the same condition as when they arrived.

If you need to schedule an appointment for plumbing service, get in touch with Clarksburg Plumbing today. 

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