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Water Heater Repair: Common Signs Your Water Heater Is Failing | Potomac, MD

Whether a morning shower or a hot cup of tea, having a reliable water heater can make a huge difference in your life. But when your water heater is not working correctly, it can be a major inconvenience and disrupt your daily routine. You might be wondering what the signs are that you need a water heater repair company. From strange noises coming from your water heater to water that is either too hot or too cold, there are several signs that you need to call in a professional. This article will discuss the signs that you need a water heater repair company in Potomac, MD, and how they can help get your water heater back in working order.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair

Discolored Water

Your water heater should provide clear, odorless water. So, if it’s discolored, it could be a sign of trouble with the water heater. Corrosion is likely to blame when your water heater begins producing discolored water. Even though your water heater is fabricated from steel, one of the most durable materials known to man, it is nevertheless susceptible to corrosion due to its constant exposure to moisture and oxygen.

However, the anode rod in a water heater protects the unit from rust and corrosion. The anode rod prevents the tank from rusting by altering the chemical composition of the water inside the heater. It degrades over time and may need to be replaced once every five years. Rust will damage your water heater tank if you don’t replace the anode rod regularly, giving the hot water a brown or reddish tint. If you notice discolored water flowing from your water heater, you should call a water heater repair service to evaluate if the issue can be fixed by replacing the anode rod or if you need to replace the water heater.

Don’t Ignore Those Puddles Around Your Heater

Are there puddles forming around your water heater? When your water heater leaks, it’s time to call a plumber for repairs or a replacement. When the metal in the tank gets hot, it expands. Metal tanks can develop cracks from thermal expansion and contraction over time. The opening of the temperature and pressure valve can also cause a leak. When the water in the tank gets too hot, the valve opens to allow the pressure to escape and prevent the tank from exploding. If your water heater’s temperature and pressure valve is leaking, it may indicate a more serious issue. If water accumulates around your tank or the temperature and pressure valve is open, you should immediately call a water heater repair company in Potomac, MD.

You Keep Running Out Of Hot Water

If hot water runs out faster than usual, it is a sign that something is wrong with your water heater’s element or burner. As a result, you should not disregard this sign of hot water running out and quickly turning ice cold.

Water Not Getting Hot Enough

Having hot water is a sign that your water heater is doing its job correctly. Thus, there may be a significant issue if your water heater only produces lukewarm water. If there’s a lot of sediment in your water heater tank, the heating components could get covered, and the water might take longer to heat up than usual. Furthermore, if your water heater’s thermostat is faulty or adjusted incorrectly, it may only provide lukewarm water. A water heater repair expert can identify the root cause of the problem and implement a solution.

Low Water Pressure

Decreased water pressure is a sign of a broken water heater. Mineral deposits can cause damage to water heaters by reducing hot water pressure. As a result of their accumulation in the heating elements, water heater pipes might become clogged. This will result in lower water pressure coming from the water heater. A plumber can fix your water heater and return the water pressure to normal.

Fluctuations in Water Temperature

If the water temperature keeps fluctuating, it could be a sign that the heater needs to be repaired. If the temperature of the water in your home fluctuates wildly, from hot one minute to cold or lukewarm the next, then it may be time to call a plumber.

Mineral deposits are by far the most common cause of temperature fluctuations. As mineral deposits accumulate around the heating elements, their efficiency decreases. However, a professional plumber can replace these components, allowing the heater to be returned to full functionality.

Odd Sounds

Water heaters were not designed to operate in total silence. Under normal conditions, your water heater will still make some noise. However, you shouldn’t find yourself getting annoyed by the water heater’s normal operating noise. So, if you’ve observed that your water heater is making noises that keep you up at night or interfere with your daily activities, it’s time to call in a pro to figure out what’s wrong and make the necessary repairs.

The water heater may be making noise because of several potential problems. For instance, an accumulation of sediment and mineral deposits in the water heater tank can cause the appliance to make snapping and cracking noises. While the noise may be innocuous, the sediment causing it might reduce your water heater’s efficiency by covering the heating elements. You should call in a water heater repair expert to drain your water heater in this scenario.

Hazy Water with a Bad Smell

Occasionally, you may get cloudy, foul-smelling water from your faucets. Mineral deposits in the water heater are responsible for the change in water texture and odor; therefore, you should get your water heater repaired to prevent further damage. Additionally, water with an unusual smell may indicate the presence of a bacterial infection in the tank. As the water is potentially hazardous, you should call a water heater repair expert to fix it.

Hire a Repair Professional

A broken water heater can cause significant disruptions in your home life. The good news is that if you catch a water heater problem early on, it’s usually easy to fix. However, if you disregard the signs, you may have a more severe water heater repair problem on your hands than you initially thought. That could cause more trouble and cost more to fix. Clarksburg Plumbing is the go-to plumbing company in Potomac, MD for fixing any water heater issue. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our services.

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