Three Signs That Water Heater Repair is Needed
When it comes to the plumbing in a home, one of the common problems that homeowners experience is trouble with the water heater. Water heaters are present in every home, and due to the nature of their job, they tend to develop problems. When water heaters need repairs, the people in the home can be left without hot water or dealing with damaging leaks.
Water heaters always show signs of trouble, but sometimes they can be hard to recognize when owners don’t know what to look for. Recognize the signs earlier instead of being surprised by irritating water heater problems. Here are a few signs that water heater repair will be needed sooner rather than later.
Unusual Loud Sounds
When water heaters start to have trouble, one of the warning signs is loud noises that weren’t apparent before. One of the things that many homeowners don’t realize is that water heaters need maintenance, just like a car. As water flows through water heaters, the velocity changes, allowing solids to sink to the bottom of the tank. These solids interfere with a water heater’s efficiency and promote corrosion.
As solids develop into a scale, thumping noises will become apparent. When water heaters start a heating cycle, tiny bubbles of steam get trapped beneath the scale and rupture outwards, creating this loud noise. Regular water heater maintenance can prevent the scale from forming and allow for lower water heating bills.
Discolored or Smelly Water
Corrosion that results from scale in a water heater or simply the result of normal degradation can be a sign that the water heater is acting up. When water heaters heat water, it changes the chemistry of the water to the point that the corrosion can speed up within the water heater. Under normal circumstances, the anode rod sacrifices itself to prevent damage to the water heater tank and surrounding piping. Still, when anode rods degrade, the next victim is the tank itself.
When tanks are damaged by corrosion, the result can be easily seen in the water quality. Water subject to corrosion and mineral scale will be discolored, cloudy, or rusty. Often there is an odor accompanying the water. Regular water heater maintenance can protect the anode rod and prevent corrosion from ruining water quality.
Leaking Water Heater
The final sign, and maybe the most serious one, that water heater repair is needed is leaks. Corrosion and repeated expansion and contraction cycles common in water heaters cause the water tank and nearby piping to leak. Leaks are fairly obvious through visual inspection, but often homeowners are unaware of them until secondary damage occurs.
Water heater leaks are always serious because they are a sign that the first lines of defense of the water heater are broken. Plumbers can repair water heater leaks like drips around valves or fittings. If the water tank is leaking, then water heater replacement is most likely necessary.
About All Purpose Plumbing
All Purpose Plumbing has clear and simple pricing for water heater replacement and repairs. With fully-stocked trucks, their technicians can make repairs faster. Call today for guaranteed water heater service in Tacoma, WA.
