Every appliance in your Portland, OR home is designed to make life in your home more convenient and comfortable. You can live without some appliances, like your washing machine and dishwasher. If the washing machine fails, you can go to the laundromat. If the dishwasher fails, you can wash the dishes by hand. In addition, there are some appliances you cannot live without, such as your water heater.
Your water heater may technically be an appliance; however, it is also essential to your plumbing system. The water heater stores hot water in the tank, so it is available when you need it. If your water heater isn’t working, you won’t have hot water, which is necessary for many daily tasks.
If your water heater is experiencing any of the following issues, it is best to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair right away.
#1 You Frequently Run Out of Hot Water
Running out of hot water in the middle of a shower is a horrible way to start the day. If you are third in line for the shower or your washing machine or dishwasher is running, it is not uncommon to run out of hot water. If this happens frequently, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair. There are a couple of issues that can cause you to often run out of hot water.
- Your hot water demand has increased: If someone new moved into your Portland OR home or if you recently installed your first washing machine or dishwasher, your hot water demand will increase, and your existing water heater may not be large enough to meet the demand. If this is the reason you are running out of hot water frequently, you will need to have a larger water heater or a tankless water heater to meet your family’s hot water demand.
- Sediment in the tank: When large amounts of sediment build up in the tank, there won’t be enough space in the tank for water storage, which can cause you to run out frequently.
A professional in water heaters can determine why you continue running out of hot water so the problem can be resolved.
#2 You Have No Hot Water
A lack of hot water is one of the most common signs you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. If you have an oil-fueled or propane water heater, make sure there is fuel in the tank before making the call. If your water heater relies on natural gas, make sure your bills have been paid, and there isn’t a widespread outage. Finally, if your unit runs on electricity, make sure a circuit hasn’t tripped, and there is power going to the water heater.
If everything checks out on your end, it is time to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. The heating element may have failed, making it impossible for the tank to keep the water heated. There could also be an electrical issue. If the unit is over ten years old, it may have reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced.
Water heater troubleshooting and repair should not be a DIY project; therefore, it is best to call a professional.
#3 The Water Isn’t Hot Enough
If the water coming from the taps in your home isn’t getting hot enough, regardless of how long you let it run, check the thermostat. It is recommended that you keep the water heater’s thermostat set to 120 to 140 degrees to prevent scalding. If the thermostat is set too low, increasing the temperature should solve the problem. If the thermostat is set correctly, consider the temperature outside. When it is freezing, the water coming into your home will be very cold, and it will be difficult for your water heater to heat the cold water to the desired temperature. If it isn’t freezing outside, it is time to schedule an appointment for water heater repair.
Many water heaters have two heating elements. If one fails, the unit won’t have enough power to heat the water to the desired temperature. There could also be an issue with the unit’s thermostat, or the unit may have reached the end of its lifespan. It is best to call a plumber to figure out why the water isn’t getting hot enough to make the necessary repair.
#4 Reduced Hot Water Pressure
If your cold water pressure hasn’t changed, but the hot water pressure is suddenly poor, the issue is with the water heater, and you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair. When sludge builds up in the bottom of the tank, it can clog the waterline, resulting in poor hot water pressure.
A plumber specializing in water heater repair can inspect the unit to determine if the waterlines can be cleared or if you will need to replace the water heater.
#5 Moisture or Leaks
Moisture around the water heater in your Portland, OR home often signifies a broken or loose hose. Although this is a relatively easy fix, ignoring the issue can result in water damage and mold growth.
Water pooling around the unit signifies a leak and would require a call for emergency water heater repair. Ignoring the problem could result in 50+ gallons of water flooding your home.
#6 Strange Sounds
The water heater in your Portland, OR home should be whisper quiet. If you hear a banging or clanging sound, large sediment pieces in the water tank are likely banging against the sides. If the problem persists, the sediment can crack the tank, resulting in a flood.
A popping sound also signifies water in the tank. When water gets trapped below the sediment, it can start to boil, causing a popping sound.
Strange sounds suggest serious issues and should not be ignored. It is best to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair right away.
Why Choose Pilot Plumbing & Drain?
If you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair, call Pilot Plumbing & Drain. We are a full-service plumbing company with over 15 years experience. Our plumbers are professionally trained, highly skilled, licensed, and insured. They can handle any plumbing issue, whether it is something simple or a more complex issue.
If you have a plumbing issue and we aren’t in the office, don’t panic. We provide emergency service and are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To schedule an appointment, give us at Pilot Plumbing & Drain a call today.
