843.582.0670
7 Sure-Fire Ways To Tell If You Need To Call A Water Heater Repair Specialist | Myrtle Beach, SC
Photo By mppix at istock
Your water heater is an essential piece of equipment in your home; it enables you to have warm showers, wash your dishes, and clean your hands. Therefore, when it starts to fail, the impact can be widespread and extremely inconvenient.
Understanding how your heater works and the most common signs that something is going wrong is the best way to prevent future issues and reduce the severity of the problem.
So, if you’re unsure of how to tell when you need to call a water heater repair company to check your tank in Myrtle Beach, SC, take a look at these seven sure-fire ways to find out.
Your Hot Water Runs Out Quickly
Trying to take a relaxing warm bath after a long day only to find the water will only run cold is not only disappointing but also a clear way to tell that your water heater needs repairing.
The reason why some heaters run out of water so quickly is a result of sediment buildup, which occurs when a tank is not flushed or serviced. Over time, that sediment builds up and leaves less and less space in the tank for hot water.
At first, this problem is easily rectifiable, and a plumber can simply flush the sediment out of your tank. However, if the sediment is left too long, the issue can become irreversible and result in corroded valves. So, when you notice your hot water is running out more quickly, do not hesitate to call a water heater repair service like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC.
Your Water Flow Runs Out Quickly
As well as your hot water turning to cold, your water flow running out is another sign that your water heater needs repairing.
A change in your water pressure and flow is another sign that your tank is building up with scale or sediment. In the same way that sediment affects the temperature of your water, once the sediment takes up too much space in your tank, it will reduce the water flow altogether. This will leave you without even cold water to wash your hands.
You’ve Noticed a Leak
Leaks in any part of your plumbing system are never a good sign, and a leaking water heater is no different.
Noticing dripping water or a pool of standing water under your tank is often a sign of a serious internal failure and requires immediate attention from a water heater repair specialist.
Sometimes water heater tanks begin to leak as a result of loose or faulty valves, which is an easily rectifiable problem. However, a leak can also be a sign of something serious such as a crack or fracture in your tank. Without immediate attention, a cracked water tank and flood your home, so it’s imperative that any leak, no matter how small, is quickly investigated by a reliable water heater repair contractor.
Unusual Noises Are Coming from Your Heater
If you start to hear popping or rumbling noises coming from your heater, it could be a sign that your tank is on the verge of cracking, which will eventually lead to a leak and catastrophic damage.
The strange noises coming from your water heater may begin quietly and only occur periodically, but once they start, they will continue to get worse. So, don’t wait for the issue to escalate and cause irreversible damage before calling a water heater repair service in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Discolored Water
Cloudy, murky, or rusty water coming from your water tank is another clear indication that something has gone awry.
Rusty water is a sign that your water heater is beginning to corrode. The anti-rust coating inside your tank is highly effective but doesn’t last forever, and once it begins to corrode, rust forms at a fast rate.
Fortunately, discolored water is unlikely to harm your health. However, if there is rust in your water, it may start to damage other appliances in your home and require a visit from a water heater repair company.
Your Water Takes a Long Time to Heat Up
Your hot water running out quickly is not the only temperature issue that can occur with a faulty water heater. If there is an issue with your tank’s thermostat or one of the heating elements, it might take a long time for your water to go from cold to hot. You might also experience variable and inconsistent temperature problems if your thermostat is broken.
A water heater repair company like Benjamin Franklin of Myrtle Beach can assess what is causing your tank’s temperature issues and may recommend a smart thermostat if you do not already have one.
Your Tank Is Very Old
Finally, an old tank that has not been checked by a reliable water heater repair service in a long time is a sign that you need to call a professional. While it may seem on the surface that your heater is working effectively, old tanks are subject to faults and could be brewing several hidden issues.
Annual professional inspections are recommended for water heaters in order to prevent small issues from developing into large ones. So, even if there are no clear issues with your heater, it’s always a good idea to book an inspection.
If your tank is particularly old, a water heater repair company may recommend installing a new one as this could save you money in the long term.
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach Today
If you suspect that your water heater has developed one of the issues mentioned in the blog, or you’d like to discuss your plumbing options with a reputable company, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a reliable plumbing company like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach today.