Every appliance in your Portland, OR home is designed to make your life more convenient. You rely on your appliances to handle many household tasks. Although every appliance is essential, some are more essential than others. For example, if your washing machine breaks down, you can do your laundry at the laundromat. If your dishwasher breaks down, you can wash the dishes by hand. If your microwave stops working, you can cook on the stove. There are some appliances that you cannot live without, and your water heater is one of them. You rely on your water heater to shower, cook and perform many household tasks. If it breaks down, daily household tasks will be impossible. Also, if your water heater breaks down, it will affect the way your dishwasher and washing machine perform.
The best way to prevent a complete water heater breakdown is to recognize the signs that you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. If you can recognize the signs early, you can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major one.
#1 No Hot Water
The most obvious sign that you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair is if cold water comes from faucets and showerheads. If you have a gas or oil water heater, you should make sure that the pilot is lit before you make the call. If your water heater is electric, make sure the circuit didn’t trip and that there is power going to your water heater. If everything checks out, it is time to call for a repair.
There are a couple of issues that could be causing the problem. The first is a faulty thermostat. If your water heater’s thermostat isn’t functioning properly, it won’t know how to heat the water.
The issue could also be due to faulty heating elements. If the heating elements aren’t working, the water won’t heat up.
#2 Lukewarm Water
If you turn on the hot water at the highest setting and it comes out lukewarm, you may need to schedule an appointment for a repair. Before you make the call, you should check the thermostat setting. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests you set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees. This is hot enough to shower and for your water-based appliances to function properly, and not so hot that you will be scalded. If the setting is off, turning it up to 120 degrees should help. If the setting is correct and the water is still lukewarm, it is time to call for a repair.
If one of the two heating elements is not functioning properly, the water in the tank won’t reach the desired temperature.
#3 You Are Running Out Of Hot Water Quickly
If you find that you are running out of hot water much faster than usual, you may need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. Before you make the call, think about your hot water demand. If a new member of the family moved into your Portland, OR home or if you recently installed a water-based appliance, your water heater demand will increase. If this is the case, you may need to have a larger water heater installed. You can also have a tankless water heater installed that provides hot water on demand.
If your hot water demand hasn’t changed, you should call for a repair. Over time, sediment can build up inside the tank, creating less space for your supply of hot water. If this is the case, you will need to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. They can inspect your water heater to determine if it can be removed or if you will need to have it replaced.
#4 Discolored Hot Water
Discolored water is often a sign that there is rust in the water. If the hot and cold water is rusty, the issue is likely due to corroded pipes. If just the hot water is coming out rusty, you will need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair.
When sediment builds up inside the water tank, it can come out in the water, creating rusty water. It is not safe to use rusty water; therefore, it is best to schedule an appointment for a repair immediately.
#5 Poor Hot Water Pressure
Poor water pressure can be a hassle. If you don’t have adequate water pressure, simple daily tasks like washing your hair or the dishes can take longer than they should. Also, your water-based appliances won’t function properly. If the hot and cold water pressure is poor, you could have a leak in the waterline. If just the hot water pressure is poor, the issue is with the water heater. The sediment that builds up in the water tank over time can clog the water lines, causing poor water pressure.
#5 Banging Sound Coming From the Water Heater
If you hear a banging or clanging sound coming from the water heater, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair immediately. When large pieces of sediment build up inside the water tank, they can bang against the inside of the water tank. If you allow the problem to persist, the sediment can create a crack in the water heater, causing a flood in your home.
#6 Moisture Or Water Pooling Around the Water Tank
There should never be any moisture or water pooling around the water heater. If there is, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair right away.
This issue could be something simple like a broken or disconnected hose. Although this is a relatively simple fix, the moisture can promote mold growth if it isn’t repaired right away. The moisture can also cause water damage in the area.
The issue could be a crack in the water tank, which is very serious. Ignoring the issue can cause a major flood in your home. It is best to schedule an appointment for emergency water heater repair.
Why Choose Pilot Plumbing & Drain?
If you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair and want to work with the best in the business, schedule an appointment with Pilot Plumbing & Drain.
We are a family-owned and operated business that has been serving customers in Portland, OR, and the surrounding areas since 2005. Since we opened our doors, our main goal has been to give our customers the best service possible.
To schedule an appointment for plumbing repair or any other plumbing service, give us a call today.
