7 Signs You Need Water Heater Repair | Myrtle Beach, SC

7/22/2021

Photo By grandriver at istock

If you are like most Myrtle Beach, SC homeowners, you rely greatly on your appliances to make your life easier and more convenient, and this includes the water heater. Most people keep their water heaters tucked away in the basement or a closet, trying to keep it out of sight. While this works for the aesthetics of your home, it is difficult to discover an issue with the water heater. It is a good idea to inspect your water heater once a month to ensure everything is working properly.

If your water heater is experiencing any of the issues below, you should call a plumber specializing in water heater repair.

#1 The Hot Water Is Coming Out Cold

If you turn on the hot water in your Myrtle Beach, SC home and it comes out cold no matter how long you run the water, you should call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. Before you make the call, you should do some troubleshooting on your own.

• If you have an oil-water heater, make sure the pilot is lit, and you have oil in the tank.

 

• If you have a gas water heater, make sure the pilot is lit. In addition, make sure your gas bill is up-to-date and that there isn’t a widespread has outage.

 

• If you have an electric water heater, make sure there is power going to the water heater, and it is getting power.

If everything checks out and you still have no hot water, schedule an appointment for a repair. This could mean that your heating elements have failed, which will make it impossible for the water in the tank to stay hot.

#2 The Water Is Coming Out Lukewarm

If the water coming from your faucets and showerheads isn’t getting hot enough, you should check the thermostat setting. It is recommended that you keep your thermostat set to 120 degrees. This is hot enough to handle household tasks and for your washing machine and dishwasher to function properly, but it isn’t hot enough to scald.

If the thermostat is set properly, you should schedule an appointment for a repair. If one of the heating elements isn’t functioning properly, you will have only one to heat the water in the tank, which isn’t enough to keep the water in the tank hot.

#3 Poor Hot Water Pressure

If you aren’t getting adequate water flow in your Myrtle Beach, SC home, daily tasks will take longer than they should. Also, your water-based appliances won’t function at peak performance.

If the hot and cold water pressure is poor, the issue likely lies within your plumbing system. You could have a leak in the water main or in the waterline that leads to the faucets and showerheads.

If the cold water pressure is fine and the hot water pressure is poor, the issue is with your water heater. Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom of the water tank. When enough builds up, it can clog the waterlines, resulting in poor water pressure.

When you call for water heater repair, the plumber will inspect the unit to determine if it can be repaired or if it is time to replace it.

#4 Discolored Hot Water

If the water from your taps and showerheads has a brown tint, you should be concerned. If the hot and cold water is discolored, your pipes are likely corroded and need to be repaired.

If only the hot water has a brown tint, you should schedule an appointment with a plumber specializing in water heater repair. When sediment builds up inside the water tank, it can loosen up when the water is heated, and it comes out in the hot water.

It is not safe to use rusty water for bathing, cooking, and drinking; therefore, it is essential that you schedule an appointment for a repair immediately. Until you do, you shouldn’t use the water.

#5 You Are Running Out Of Hot Water Quickly

If you can barely make it through a shower without running out of hot water, you may need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. Before you make the call, you should consider any recent changes in your hot water demand. If a new family member moved into the home, your hot water demand will increase. The same is true if you recently installed a washing machine or dishwasher. If this is the case, you will need to call a plumber to install a water heater with a larger tank. You can also go with the tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand.

If your hot water demand hasn’t changed, your water heater is to blame. When large amounts of sediment build up in the tank, there will be less room for water storage. In some cases, this issue cannot be repaired; however, a plumber will inspect the unit to determine if a replacement is necessary.

#6 Banging Sounds Coming From the Water Heater

A properly running water heater should be quiet. It shouldn’t make any more noise than a low-level humming. If you hear banging or clanging sounds coming from the water heater, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair.

When pieces of sediment build up in the tank and break apart, the pieces will bang against the side of the water heater. If you don’t have it fixed right away, the sediment can crack the tank, causing a flood in your home.

#7 Moisture or Water Pooling Around the Unit

There should never be water or moisture around your water heater. This is an emergency and would require immediate water heater repair. The issue could be a loose or broken hose, which is a simple fix. If it goes ignored, the moisture will cause water damage and mold growth in the area.

The issue can also be a crack in the water heater, which will flood the area if you don’t make the call right away.

Why Choose Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Of Myrtle Beach?

If you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach. Our owner has been working in the plumbing industry since 1995, and our plumbers are highly trained and skilled.

We have an excellent reputation in the community and the industry. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 5-star rating on Google.

To schedule an appointment for water heater repair or any other plumbing service, give us a call today.