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Water Heater Repair | Arlington, TX

Water Heater Repair | Arlington, TX

Every appliance in your Arlington, TX home is designed to make your life more convenient. Although your water heater is technically an appliance, it is also an integral part of your plumbing system.

The water heater heats the water and stores it in the tank, so it’s there when you need it. Issues with your water heater can affect your daily life; therefore, it is best that you can detect problems early.

If you have any of the following issues with your hot water or the water heater itself, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair right away.

#1 The Water Is Cold

If the water coming from the hot water taps in your home is cold, you should check the unit’s energy source. For example, if you have an electric water heater, make sure there is power going to the unit. If you have an oil-fueled or propane water heater, make sure there is fuel in the tank. Finally, if your water heater runs on natural gas, make sure you paid the gas bill, and there isn’t a widespread outage. If everything checks out on your end, it is time to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair.

The most common cause of this problem is a faulty heating element. If the heating element isn’t working, the unit won’t heat the water in the tank, and it will come out cold. The issue could also be due to the age of the water heater. If your unit is over ten years old, it will no longer work efficiently, and a water heater replacement will solve the problem.

#2 Lukewarm Water

When you turn on the hot water tap in your Arlington, TX home, you expect the water to be hot. If it doesn’t get hotter than lukewarm, regardless of how long you let it run, check the thermostat setting. If it is set below 120 degrees, adjusting the thermostat will solve the issue. If the thermostat is set correctly, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair.

If your water heater has two heating elements, one may have failed, and the functional heating element cannot heat the water to the desired temperature. The issue could also be an issue with the thermostat, or the unit is reaching the end of its lifespan and is no longer working as efficiently as it should.

A plumber specializing in water heater repair can inspect the unit and make the necessary repair.

#3 Foul-Smelling Hot Water

The water coming from the hot water taps in your home should be clean and odorless. If the hot water smells like rotten eggs, you should call a water heater repair specialist right away.

The rotten egg smell indicates the presence of sulfate bacteria in the water tank. This often happens when the water remains in the tank for too long.

A plumber specializing in water heater repair can drain the water tank, ridding the unit of bacteria, ensuring the hot water is safe for use.

#4 Discolored Hot Water

The hot water coming from the faucets and showerheads in your Arlington, TX home should be clear. If it has a brown tint, it indicates contamination, and you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair right away.

Sediment can build up in the water tank over time, and when it breaks apart, it will contaminate the water. A plumber can flush the water tank to try to remove the sediment; however, if they can’t, you will need to replace the water heater.

If your water heater is over ten years old, the inside of the water tank could be breaking down, causing tiny pieces of metal and mineral sediment to contaminate the water. This issue cannot be repaired, and you will need to replace the water heater.

#5 Poor Hot Water Pressure

Adequate hot water pressure is essential in performing everyday tasks, such as rinsing a dish and washing your hair. Also, your washing machine and dishwasher need sufficient water pressure to do their jobs. If the hot water pressure in your home is suddenly reduced, you should hire a plumber specializing in water heater repair.

When sludge builds up at the bottom of the water tank, it can clog the waterline. A plumber can clear the waterline and flush the unit to remove the sludge. If they cannot clear all the sludge, you will need to replace the water heater to prevent the water lines from clogging again.

#6 Strange Sounds

Your water heater should be whisper quiet. If it makes a banging or popping sound, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair.

A banging sound indicates large pieces of sediment in the water tank. Ignoring the issue can crack the water tank, which can flood your home.

A popping sound usually means there is water trapped under the sediment. When the water boils, it creates a popping sound.

A repair specialist can try to flush the sediment from the tank; however, if there is too much to flush, you will need to replace the water heater.

#7 Moisture or Leaks

There is likely a loose or broken hose if there is moisture on the walls and floor around the water heater. Ignoring the problem can result in water damage and mold growth.

Water pooling around the unit indicates a crack in the water tank. This is an emergency because the crack can cause 50+ gallons of water to flood your home.

The area around the water heater should always be dry. If it isn’t, you should immediately schedule an appointment for a repair.

Why Choose Tioga Plumbing & Electric?

If your water heater isn’t working correctly, call Tioga Plumbing & Electric. We are a full-service plumbing company and specialize in water heater repair. We aren’t just a plumbing company; we also provide electrical, glass, and sub-contracting services and have been serving customers in the area since 1953.

If you have a plumbing issue that can’t wait, we provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We are a member of the Plumbers-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association and are an Accredited Member with the Better Business Bureau. We also have a 5-star rating on Google.

To schedule an appointment, give us a call or schedule online.

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