Top Signs You Need Water Heater Repair | Irving, TX
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Most people don’t give their water heater a second thought until they are faced with taking an ice-cold shower. Indeed the water heater in most homes goes unnoticed until it breaks down. During the summer months, it’s easy to shrug off a lukewarm shower but in the winter months, you want no part of a cold shower if you’re like most people. If you’re facing lukewarm or cold water showers, chances are something is wrong with your water heater. Water heater repair is important for any homeowner to take into account. Again this is more true in the winter months than in the summer months.
Did you know that water heaters are only designed to last 8 to 12 years? If you want your water heater to last longer you’re going to need to do regular maintenance on it. You can always opt for a water heater tune-up. What goes into a water heater tune-up? Your water heater repair expert will check for water leaks, drain and flush your tank, test the temperature-pressure relief valve, clean your burner, and test your gas valve. They will also check for the proper venting of combustion gasses.
Recognizing the early warning signs that your water heater is failing or needs repairs is crucial to avoid more costly repairs, as almost every water heater that needs replacing could have been repaired if caught sooner. Considering the amount of wear and tear it has to endure, it’s no surprise that it is bound to fail at some point. The key is knowing when to call in a professional for water heater repair. Most homeowners don’t know anything is wrong with their water heater until it breaks down completely. Is your water heater not working as you would expect it to? Here are some of the top signs that you need water heater repair.
1. Fluctuating Water Heat
While having no hot water at all is clearly a sign that your water heater has broken down, so is fluctuating water heat. If you notice sometimes hot water comes out as needed, but other times the water comes out lukewarm or even cold, and you have not drained your hot water tank with use, something is wrong. Often it is mineral deposits built up around your water heater’s heating element. Mineral deposits build up over time over your heating element causing your water to not heat up to its full potential. It is easy to clean these deposits or simply replace the heating element if too many minerals have developed over time to clean.
If your water is lukewarm or cold, it could also mean that your heating parts need to be repaired or at worst case scenario replaced. Is your water heater very old? If so you might want to have it replaced versus repairing it. This can save you time, money, and stress from having to make multiple repairs to your water heater. If your water heater is relatively new you might want to consider water heater repair from Tioga Plumbing & Electric, your local trusted plumbers.
2. Low Hot Water Pressure
The mineral deposits we mentioned above can do more than affect the heat of your water. Mineral deposits can also build up to block pipes, including the pipes leading to and from your water heater. This will of course reduce your water pressure as the full force of the water can’t get past the mineral deposits. The water pressure from your water heater can suffer from mineral deposits. While there are a few other issues besides mineral deposits that can cause reduced water pressure, namely kinked distribution lines and poor design, chances are if you’re having this issue it’s mineral deposits. Luckily for homeowners, this is an easy fix for any water heater repair professional. At Tioga Plumbing & Electric of Irving, TX, we can diagnose the exact cause of your low water pressure and easily fix the issue, giving you a comfortable shower once again.
3. It Leaks
This one should seem like a no brainer, but most homeowners we find who have this problem never inspect their water heater until there’s a problem. We recommend homeowners do a visual inspection of their water heater once a month as part of regular home maintenance. Leaking water is dangerous for your home. Water damage to your home can occur. Mold growth is also a real possibility. Mold is toxic and not meant to be in your home and can cause illness. The water can be corrosive as well which is dangerous to small pets and children. If you have a leaking water heater, it is time to call the professionals for water heater repair. You should repair this issue before it causes even more issues.
4. Signs of Corrosion
Most often any signs of corrosion to your water heater mean it is time to get a new water heater installed. How can you tell if your water heater has corroded? If your water heater has rust or corrosion on the outside, it is corroded on the inside and likely shot or close to being a shot water heater. If your hot water is discolored and brown chances are you’re dealing with corrosion as well. If the issue is only partial corrosion, and only a professional water heater repair expert can tell for sure, you may be able to simply replace the rusty parts. This is only a temporary fix, however, giving you time to save for a new water heater.
If you’re having any of these issues call the experts at Tioga Plumbing & Electric today! We can fix your water heater and even perform a tune-up on your water heater. We are Irving, TX trusted water heater repair experts. Do not delay in having any of these issues repaired as it could lead to further damage. We follow all covid 19 guidelines to keep you safe during these unprecedented hard times. Call us today for all of your water heater and plumbing needs!