Sitting in the corner of your basement or utility closet is your hot water heater tank. You won’t think about it much unless you run out of hot water. At that point, you will probably start to think about how many people have taken a shower before you. However, sometimes when the hot water runs out it is because your hot water heater is not working properly. If you notice that you are racing to the end of the shower every single morning because you don’t want to end with cold water, this is probably a sign that you need water heater repair in Potomac, MD.

While this is a popular sign that you need water heater repair, there are many other signs that can tip you off to a problem long before you end up in a cold shower. In fact, most of the time a water heater does not just quit. There are usually signs in advance, but only if you know how to look for them. Therefore, if you want to keep your hot water running, it is a good idea to know what to look for. Instead of ignoring your water heater, take a minute to think about its performance and whether it has been up to par lately.

If the answer is no, then it may be time to think about water heater repair or at the very least to think about a water heater maintenance visit. It is recommended that you have your water heater serviced at least once a year. Therefore, if you haven’t had this done and you have the feeling that your water heater is not acting right, a service call is a great way to have a plumber check it and see if there are any issues you need to be aware of.

Even if you have a new water heater, you should think about having your water heater serviced because oftentimes it is required to keep your warranty valid. A lot of people don’t realize that their warranty is voided if they don’t have their water heater serviced at least once a year. Given the high price tag associated with a new water heater, it makes sense to schedule a service call just so you don’t have to worry about losing your warranty.

Of course, this isn’t the only benefit of an annual water heater service. The main benefit is that during the service, the plumber will look at how your water heater is performing and inspect it for any parts that might be starting to show signs of wear and tear. If they notice any, then they will recommend proactive water heater repair. This can save you from a breakdown and help you keep hot water flowing within your Potomac, MD home. That is a winning combination and a great reason to take a second look at a service if you haven’t thought about it before.

All of that said, your water heater can have problems any time of the year, and even with regular service there are a few things that might crop up that you are not expecting. That is why it is important to learn the signs that you need water heater repair. Here are just a few of the largest ones. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list, so if you have any reason to be concerned about your water heater you need to contact a professional plumber to get their advice.

Lack of Hot Water

The number one sign that you need water heater repair is if you notice that there is a lack of hot water. A lack of hot water is a clear sign that your hot water heater is no longer working correctly. The one thing you can do is check to see if the pilot light is out. If this is the case then you can relight the pilot light and it should be good to go. However, if the pilot light is not the problem then you will need to call a professional to take a look.

Water Temperature Fluctuates a Lot

Another sign that something is going on with your water heater is if you notice that the water temperature fluctuates while you are in the shower. Your water temperature should more or less stay consistent unless you are at the end of your hot water supply. If you notice that sometimes your shower is hot while other times it is cold, or experiencing both within the same shower, this is a sign you need water heater repair. This is a clear indication that your water heater is no longer heating evenly and needs to be addressed before it quits heating altogether.

Water Pressure Fluctuates

Another reason to be concerned about your water heater is if you notice the water pressure fluctuating as well. There is no good reason why the water pressure in your home should fluctuate. There are actually a lot of reasons you may suddenly have high or low water pressure, but if you notice the change only occurs with your hot water, then this is a sign that something needs to happen. A plumber in Potomac, MD should be able to help you sort out the problem and offer excellent water heater repair.

Strange Noises Coming from Water Heater

Finally, there is no reason why your water heater should ever make any noise larger than a gentle hum while it heats up your water. In fact, noises are very alarming and need to be addressed right away by a licensed plumber. Banging, whistling, or popping noises in particular, are the most concerning and demand your attention. If you are searching for a plumber for water heater repair, contact Clarksburg Plumbing today for an appointment.

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