Every appliance in your Vancouver, WA home is designed to save you time and make your life more convenient. Although every appliance is essential, some appliances are more essential than others. For example, if your washing machine is broken, you can go to the laundromat. If your dishwasher is broken, you can wash your dishes by hand. You cannot live without your refrigerator because your food will spoil quickly. You also cannot live without your water heater. If your water heater isn’t functioning properly, you won’t be able to shower, cook and perform many daily household tasks.
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 There Is No Hot Water Coming From the Faucets and Showerheads
The most obvious sign that you need to schedule an appointment for a repair is if you have no hot water coming into your home. Before you schedule the appointment, there are a few things you should check first.
- Oil-water heater: Before calling for a repair, make sure that the pilot light is lit and there is oil in your tank.
- Gas water heater: If you have a gas water heater, make sure that the pilot light is lit. Also, make sure that your gas bill has been paid in full and that there isn’t a widespread gas outage.
- Electric water heater: Make sure that the circuit hasn’t tripped and there is electricity going to the water heater.
If everything checks out and you still don’t have hot water, schedule an appointment for water heater repair. If the heating element isn’t functioning properly, the water in the tank won’t stay heated. A plumber specializing in water heaters can determine if the problem can be repaired or if you need to have your water heater replaced.
#2 The Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough
If you turn your hot water on full blast and it isn’t getting hot enough, you may need to schedule an appointment for a repair. Before you make the call, check the thermostat setting. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests you keep your water heater at 120 degrees. This is hot enough for your water-based appliances to function properly and not hot enough for your family to be scalded.
If the thermostat is set properly, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair. If one of the heating elements isn’t functioning properly, the water in the tank won’t reach the desired temperature. You will need a plumber specializing in water heaters to resolve the issue, allowing the water in the tank to reach the desired temperature.
#3 Poor Hot Water Pressure
Inadequate water pressure is a very inconvenient problem. If the water pressure in your Vancouver, WA home is poor, simple tasks like washing your hair and doing the dishes will take longer than they should. Also, your washing machine and dishwasher won’t function properly if the water pressure is inadequate.
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, you should schedule an appointment for a repair.
Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom of your water tank. When this happens, it can block the flow of hot water, resulting in poor water pressure. A plumber specializing in water heater repair can inspect your water heater to determine if the issue can be repaired or if a water heater replacement is necessary.
#4 Rusty Hot Water
If the water coming from the taps in your Vancouver, WA home is coming out brown, there is likely rust in the water. Because it is unsafe to bathe, drink and cook with rusty water, this is a serious issue. If the hot and cold water is coming out rusty, the issue is likely due to corroded pipes, and they will need to be replaced. If just the hot water is rusty, you have a serious issue with your water heater. When sediment builds up inside the water tank, it can break apart and come out in the water. Because you cannot use rusty water, you should schedule an appointment for a repair immediately.
#5 You Run Out Of Hot Water Often
If you often run out of hot water and the end of your showers are usually cold, you may need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. Before making the call, think about your hot water demand. If a new family member moved into your home or you recently installed a dishwasher or washing machine, your hot water demand could be more than your existing water heater can handle. If this is the case, you will need to have a larger water heater installed or go with a tankless water heater that provides hot water on-demand.
If your hot water demand hasn’t changed, you will need the assistance of a plumber specializing in water heaters. When large amounts of sediment build up at the bottom of the tank, the water capacity will be reduced, causing you to run out of hot water quickly.
#6 Banging Sounds
If you hear a banging sound coming from your water heater, schedule an appointment for water heater repair immediately. When the sediment in the tank breaks apart, it can bang against the inside of the water tank. If you don’t call a plumber immediately, the sediment can create a crack in the water tank, resulting in a flood.
#7 Moisture Or Water Pooling Around the Unit
There should never be any moisture or water around your water heater. If there is, schedule an appointment for water heater repair.
The issue could be a broken or disconnected hose, which is a simple fix. The issue could also be a crack in the water tank, which would require a water heater replacement.
Why Choose Pilot Plumbing & Drain?
If you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair, call Pilot Plumbing & Drain. We have been serving customers in the area for 15 years and have earned an excellent reputation in the community and the industry. We are an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau and have a 5-star rating on Google.
To schedule an appointment for water heater repair or any other plumbing issue, give us a call today.
