Inadequate Supply
We mentioned inadequate supply above, but it is a key problem that deserves a second look. Over time, a buildup of sediment accumulates in the tank, which can cause a lot of problems. It reduces the amount of liquid the tank is capable of storing and makes it really difficult for the unit to operate. If your system is struggling to heat water, and it’s only giving you cold or lukewarm water, that could be related to a broken heating element and is obviously an issue that must be addressed. If you have a tankless system and your supply is fine in some rooms but not in others, you need tankless water heater repair.
Long Heating Times
If you live in a house with a lot of people—or just a few people who really love their long showers—you know exactly why your tank sometimes runs out of hot liquid. But it should be able to get another full tank heated pretty quickly. A gas-powered unit in good condition should be able to heat a tank in around 30 to 40 minutes, and an electric system will take about twice that amount of time unless it’s even slower because it needs water heater repair. Fort Worth residents who find a system is taking noticeably longer to raise the water temperature can rest assured that it needs attention from a professional plumber.
Smelly or Discolored Liquid
Does your hot water come out of the faucet with a metallic taste, feel slimy or appear discolored? You may also notice particles of dirt or rust floating in the liquid. A brown water issue is usually the result of sediment buildup or corrosion on the inside of the tank. If you have smelly water with a musty or metallic odor, it is an equally bad symptom that must be investigated by a repair expert before you drink the liquid or use it for bathing.
Strange Noises
Can you hear strange sounds coming from your tank? It might sound like a rattling, banging, sucking, grinding, thumping or boiling noise. Different sounds occur for different reasons, but all you should normally hear from a unit that is running smoothly is a quiet humming noise. Any other sounds need to be investigated and resolved with the right strategy for water heater repair. Our plumbers can take care of odd sounds to reduce wear and tear on the unit and a number of other potential problems.
Tank is Leaking
We probably don’t have to tell you that if you see visible water leaks from your tank or there are mysterious puddles forming near your tank, that’s not a good sign. Leaks cause a lot of expensive moisture damage in a very short period of time, so the first thing you should do is shut off the valve on your heater so it can’t get any more intake. Then, call your local plumber for water heater repair. Residents should note that puddles might actually be surprisingly far away from the tank, especially if rugs, furniture, and other items obstruct the flow.
High Charges on Utility Bills
Traditional water heaters use quite a bit of energy by constantly heating gallons of water, so it is available whenever the faucet is turned on. Over time as parts wear out and the unit suffers damage, it loses energy efficiency and needs to use more and more fuel to provide the same amount of thermal energy. That increases your energy costs significantly, and you end up paying a lot more on your monthly utility bill. By repairing your unit or replacing it with an Energy Star-certified, high-efficiency model, you could noticeably reduce your water heating bills.
