3 Reasons You Need Hot Water Heater Repair
The Homeowner’s Guide to Hot Water Heater Repair
Domestic hot water has radically changed life in America. Just consider how many daily activities depend upon hot water.
– Bathing, whether in a tub or a shower
– Cooking
– Washing dishes, and
– Laundry
These routine activities benefit our lives greatly, enough so that doing without hot water seems very foreign. For this reason, homeowners need to maintain and care for water heaters. Here are some indicators that a water heater is having problems and some steps to take to maintain these important components of healthy living.
Hot Water Heater Repair Tip 1: Insufficient Hot Water
Sometimes this indicates your hot water is too small for household needs, but if the amount goes from enough to not enough, it may indicate
– The heating element is failing
– The pilot light or ignition system is dirty or needs to be calibrated, or
– Mineral deposits have covered the elements or bottom of the heater tank, inhibiting heat from moving from the element to the water. The local water supply contains minerals—calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and iron are common. Only trace amounts of these elements are in the water, but over time, they settle to the bottom of the tank. The collection can inhibit heat from getting to the water.
Hot Water Heater Repair 2: Discolored, Malodorous, or Bad Tasting Water
The municipal water supply removes enough of the trace elements from the water to keep it clean, tasteless, and odorless. If the water has changed in appearance, smell, or taste, it may be the result of corrosion within the water tank or plumbing. The residential hot water might become tinted red or yellow, as a result of corrosion within the water tank. The mineral content ionizes the water, causing it to react with the chemicals of the tank lining and pipes. The ionization may leave the water with a distinct metallic reaction in the mouth.
Hot Water Heater Repair 3: Leaking Water
Another result of corrosion from ionized water is a leak from the water tank. The ionization causes either an acid or a base solution to develop. While the tank has a stable lining, time and chemicals weaken the lining. Eventually, bare metal is exposed, and it begins to rust quickly—the heat acts as a catalyst for chemical change.
The average water heater lasts 15 to 20 years. The serial/model number plate can advise the homeowner of the age; consult the manufacturer’s website.
Maintenance tasks for the water heater to avoid hot water heater repair include:
– Find the drain valve for the water heater, located near the base of the tank. Connect a short garden hose and bring the end to a drain or to the outdoors. Open the valve and let the water drain. Notice the fine sand, usually white, yellow, or brownish. Let the water drain until the water is clear of the minerals. Close the valve and remove the hose. (Do not use hot water for a few hours after draining the tank. The draining process stirs the mineral content. These minerals can enter the water pipes, the faucets, and fixtures, clogging and coating the aeration holes.)
– When the HVAC technician inspects and cleans the natural gas furnace, request a cleaning and inspection of the water heater burner as well.
– If the mineral content of the water supply is very high, consider installing a water softener. These appliances add chemicals that exchange electrons and deionize the water. This allows the minerals to settle quickly before the water moves into the residential water supply.
– Do not depend on your water heater to exceed the average useful lifespan. Plan a replacement that is convenient for your schedule and your budget. This is a superior plan to an unscheduled, emergency replacement.
Extend Your Hot Water Heater’s Life and Avoid Hot Water Heater Repair with Doctor Cool Plumbing
Common hot water heater problems include insufficient hot water, discolored or foul-smelling water, and leaks, which often stem from mineral buildup or corrosion. These problems emphasize the importance of regular maintenance, such as draining the tank and inspecting the burner, to extend the unit’s lifespan and prevent costly repairs. Homeowners are advised to plan for replacement before an emergency occurs, rather than relying on an aging unit beyond its expected lifespan.
Let Doctor Cool assist with all of your hot water heater repair questions to prevent costly League City Plumbing Repairs. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-338-8751 or email Doctor Cool and let our professional Residential League City Plumbing Repairs Contractors assist with all of your hot water heater repair needs.
