Hot water is necessary for many household tasks. Without it, you can’t take a hot shower, you cannot clean your home properly, and your washing machine and dishwasher won’t function at peak performance.
The water heater in your Vancouver, WA home is responsible for storing hot water until you need it. If your water heater isn’t functioning correctly, it can cause a lack of hot water and other issues. Ignoring certain problems can result in a minor problem becoming a major one that will require an expensive repair or a water heater replacement.
If your water heater is experiencing any of the following issues, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair as soon as the problem begins.
#1 Strange Sounds
The water heater in your Vancouver, WA home should be quiet when it is running. The most you will hear is a very quiet humming if you listen carefully. Any strange sounds coming from the unit would require a call to a plumber specializing in water heater repair. The problem with the water heater depends on the sound it is making.
- Banging: A banging sound often means that there are large pieces of sediment in the water tank. When the sediment floats around in the water, it can bang against the sides. If you ignore the issue, the sediment can crack the water tank, which can flood your home.
- Popping: A popping sound also signifies the presence of sediment in the water tank. If there is water below the sediment, it can bubble over the sediment, causing the popping sound.
When you schedule an appointment for water heater repair, a plumber will come to your home to inspect your water heater. They will determine whether the issue can be repaired or if you will need to replace the water heater.
#2 No Hot Water
A lack of hot water is the most obvious sign that you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. Before you make the call, there are a few things you should check first. You don’t want to waste money on a service call that doesn’t require the help of a plumber.
- Gas water heater: First, make sure the pilot is lit. If your water heater runs on natural gas, make sure your bills have been paid, and there isn’t a widespread outage. If it runs on propane, make sure there is gas in the tank.
- Oil water heater: Make sure the pilot is lit and that there is oil in the tank.
- Electric water heater: Make sure a circuit hasn’t tripped, and there is power going to the water heater.
The most common cause of this issue in electric water heaters is a faulty heating element. If you have an oil or gas water heater, the burner could be faulty. Both of these issues will make it impossible for the water in the tank to stay heated. If everything checks out, you should call a plumber specializing in water heater repair.
If your water heater is over 8 years old, it may have reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced.
#3 Lukewarm Water
If you turn the water on full blast and it comes out lukewarm, regardless of how long you let it run, you may need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. First, check the thermostat. It is recommended that you keep the thermostat set to 120 degrees. If it is set too low, turning it up should solve the problem. If the thermostat is set correctly, you will need to call a plumber.
There could be an issue with the water heater’s thermostat. The problem could also be that the burner or heating element isn’t working at full power. If your water heater is old, it can be difficult for the water to heat to the desired temperature, and it is time to start planning to buy a new one.
#4 Moisture Or Leaks Around the Water Heater
The area around the water heater in your home should always be dry. If there is moisture around the unit or water pooling, you should schedule an emergency water heater repair appointment.
If there is moisture on the walls around the unit, there is likely a disconnected hose. If you allow the problem to persist, the moisture can cause water damage and promote mold growth.
Water pooling around the unit often signifies a crack in the water tank, and the water is leaking on the floor. This is a serious issue that should not be ignored. As the crack expands, more water will leak, resulting in a flood.
Any moisture or water outside the water tank is a serious cause for concern and would require the help of a plumber specializing in water heater repair.
#5 Discolored Water
When you turn on the water in your home, it should run clear. If the water has a brown tint, you have a serious problem. When the hot and cold water is discolored, it often means that the pipes have corroded. If only the hot water is discolored, you have a problem with your water heater.
When sediment builds up in the water tank, it can break apart and contaminate the hot water supply. The issue could also be because your water heater is old. When the water heater ages, the tank breaks down, causing metal deposits to contaminate the water.
Because it isn’t safe to use contaminated water, you should immediately schedule an appointment for water heater repair.
Why Choose Pilot Plumbing & Drain?
If you are having issues with the water heater in your Vancouver, WA home, contact Pilot Plumbing & Drain. We are a fully licensed plumbing company that has been serving customers in the area for 15 years. During this time, we have earned an excellent reputation in the community and have a 5-star rating on Google.
We understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at the most convenient times. We also understand how essential your plumbing service is to your daily life. This is why we offer emergency service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To schedule an appointment for water heater repair or any other plumbing service, give us a call today.
