Your heater or furnace is probably the first thing you think of when considering heating appliances that sometimes need maintenance, repair, or replacement. But unlike your home’s heating system, which gets to take a break during the summer, your water heater is working all year long, supplying plentiful hot water every day. It deserves some appreciation for everything it does, and it definitely deserves your attentiveness when something does go wrong.
So how can you tell when there’s a problem with your water heater that requires professional help? There are several things you can be on the lookout for. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to seek out qualified water heater repair in Orlando.
Leaking
This one might seem obvious, but there’s a little more to it than you might imagine. There is a place where water will escape when necessary, to reduce pressure. It’s called the pressure relief valve, so dripping there shouldn’t be considered cause for concern. But if there’s water coming from anywhere else, this is a very urgent concern. The gas or electricity to the unit should be shut off immediately, and a technician should be called in.
Rumbling
If your water heater makes this ominous noise, it is cause for concern—but don’t worry, it’s not a sign of immediately impending disaster! It may be caused by a pressure problem, or by a buildup of sediment in the bottom of the tank. Another possibility is a break in the dip tube. This is the channel that carries cold water to the bottom of the tank where it will be heated. An experienced service professional will be able to determine which is the cause.
Discolored Water
If you turn on the hot tap and the water that runs out looks dirty, this could be from sediment. However, it could also be rust from inside the tank, in which case the unit may need to be replaced.
Corrosion
While water heaters are made to be corrosion-resistant, nothing can truly be corrosion-proof. Over time, it is possible for corrosion to occur. If you’re noticing it on external parts, you should consult a professional. It may be that only certain parts require replacement.
Not Enough Hot Water
If your usage patterns have stayed about the same but the water heater isn’t keeping up with your use, and you’re running out of hot water sooner than you would expect or finding the water just plain not hot enough, it’s time for repairs. This could have to do with sediment, with the dip tube allowing hot and cold water to mix, or with the thermostat needing recalibration.
Not Enough Water Pressure
If the hot tap only gives you a trickle, the circulator pump could be the culprit. If your system is tankless, a buildup of limescale from hard water can narrow the intakes, allowing less water through. In either case, you should reach out to a professional.
At Modern Plumbing Industries, we’re licensed, insured, and bonded, and our technicians are highly trained and qualified. We’ve been in business since 1975, so you can count on us for your repair needs for the long haul.
Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today with any concerns about your water heater.