Is Your Home Being Plagued By a Faulty Water Heater?
The water heater is one of the most important components of any home's plumbing system - and it's also one of the more expensive components to replace. So when it starts to go on the fritz, it's in every homeowner's best interest to fix it as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it's not always clear when a water heater is having trouble.
Of course, there are a few obvious symptoms: a water heater is on its way out - it's over 10 years old and isn't working properly anymore, it constantly needs repairing, it never seems to produce enough hot water, etc. But some warning signs are a little more subtle. This article will delve into three key signs that a water heater needs repair or replacement, so homeowners can call their local plumber before it's too late!
Loud and Unusual Sounds
As sediment collects at the bottom of the tank, it interferes with the heat transfer process from the burners below, which can cause the tank lining to overheat and deteriorate. This can eventually cause the tank to leak or rupture, necessitating an all-out water heater replacement. Fortunately, one can avert this scenario by regularly flushing the tank as part of routine water heater maintenance. Even tankless water heaters can develop mineral scale buildup that can clog pipes and damage internal components, so one must flush them periodically.
Discolored and Smelly Water
The solution is to replace the anode rod and flush the tank to eliminate the corrosive materials. Still, if the water is cloudy, rust-colored, or foul-smelling, the tank may already be corroded, the damage might be too severe to fix with maintenance, and the unit may need replacement.
The Unit Is Leaking
The third indicator of trouble with the water heater is evidence of water leaking from the unit. There are several possible causes of a water heater leak, some of which are minor, easy fixes, and some of which are major problems that may necessitate an all-out water heater replacement.
For instance, if water is leaking from a worn drain valve, faulty temperature & pressure relief valve, or a loose inlet/outlet connector, the solution may be as simple as tightening a connection or replacing the failing valve. But repairs typically aren't an option if the tank is leaking due to cracking or corrosion, and the whole unit may need to be replaced.
If homeowners notice a leaky water heater, they should immediately call a reputable plumber to identify the root cause of the leak and proceed accordingly.
About All Clear Plumbing
The family-owned and operated All Clear Plumbing has proudly served the Belleville community since 1952. They offer up-front, flat-rate pricing and a highly rewarding loyalty program. Their trustworthy licensed, and insured technicians are available 24/7 for emergencies and always strive to leave every customer satisfied and every home better than they found it. Call All Clear today for water heater repair and replacement in Belleville, NJ!
