A malfunctioning water heater will tremendously disrupt your household. While some issues can be easily fixed by yourself, others require the expertise of a licensed professional. Here are some of the most common water heater problems that homeowners tend to face.
Leaks
A leaking water heater needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Even a seemingly minor leak can cause structural damage to your home and foster the growth of mold. If you happen to spot a leak from the top of your water heater, this could be a quick fix. A loose pipe connection may simply need to be tightened.
Meanwhile, water leaking from the base of the unit is often a bit more concerning. The leak likely stems from a corroded tank. In this case, it may be more cost-effective to install a new water heater as opposed to replacing the tank. Most systems are rated to last around 8 to 12 years.
Rust-Colored Water
Discolored water should immediately raise a red flag. There’s a good chance your tank has started to rust away from the inside out. This is especially true if you neglect to replace the unit’s anode rod, which extends the life of the tank by limiting corrosion.
Upon inspecting your water heater, a technician may recommend getting a new tank. Furthermore, you may want to consider installing a tankless water heater. Aside from requiring less overall maintenance, a tankless system also rewards you with energy savings.
Slow Heating
It should not take several minutes for your water to warm up. If you are dealing with slow heating, this could point to a lack of routine maintenance. When a water heater isn’t routinely flushed out, an excessive amount of sediment collects inside the tank. This mineral buildup insulates the heating element from the water, which ultimately translates to slower heating times.
Electric water heaters are also prone to experiencing a faulty heating element. Simply replacing this critical part can give an old water heater a new lease on life. Keep in mind there are also other issues that can cause slow water heating, including a faulty thermostat.
Smelly Water
Your nose can help you to expose water heater problems. When units are not properly serviced at the suggested intervals, bacteria can begin to grow inside the tank. It’s then only a matter of time before a strange odor develops.
In some instances, flushing the tank with a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide will get rid of the sulfur or rotten egg smell. However, the solution needs to sit for at least two hours or so in order to be effective. Don’t wait to contact us if you need any help.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is by far one of the most prevalent water heater problems we encounter. It can impact your ability to perform quite a few everyday tasks, including showering and washing dishes. While limescale buildup in the pipes could be the issue, don’t rule out a failing water heater.
Flushing the unit may improve water flow. On the other hand, your unit could be in need of repair. A faulty pressure regulator can certainly contribute to diminished water pressure.
Increase in Energy Bills
For good reason, increased energy bills usually trigger a great deal of frustration for homeowners. Like a malfunctioning refrigerator or HVAC system, faulty water heaters can consume an excessive amount of energy throughout the day.
A heavy buildup of sediment can cover the unit’s heating element, thus forcing it to work harder and consume more electricity. This yet again points to the importance of regular maintenance.
Gas water heaters are prone to experiencing a bad pilot light or burner. The unit will begin to run longer than normal between cycles. By catching issues early that hinder efficiency, a licensed plumber may save you extra money in the long run.
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Today
Don’t allow water heater problems to defeat you. When in need of water heater repair services, don’t hesitate to contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. We proudly serve Fort Myers and the surrounding areas in Florida.
Our punctual plumbers recognize the importance of professionalism, so you can always trust them to be there on time. Most importantly, we get the job done right.