Having hot water is necessary for most homeowners in Portland, OR, whether for showering, dishwashing, cooking, or laundry. Most homeowners may not realize how much they rely on their water heaters in their daily activities. At times, they may fail to notice the worsening condition of their heater until it stops functioning.
If you identify problems with your water heater, you should find a water heater repair expert to check it promptly. With proper maintenance, water heaters can serve homeowners for up to 13 years. While maintenance can prolong its life, you may need to repair the units to prevent future problems, such as replacing the whole unit. As a homeowner, you should watch out for the signs below to know if you need a repair.
Shortage of Hot Water
The water heater is designed to ensure the flow of hot water for homeowners to comfortably carry out their daily activities, such as cooking, bathing, or cleaning dishes. If you notice the water is not as hot as it used to be, it could sign that the water heater could have failed. Sometimes the problem could result from a poor electrical connection, misadjusted thermostat, tank size, or the tank’s location. Whichever the case, you should contact water heater repair professionals in Portland, OR, to inspect and repair it.
Rust Formation On or Inside The Unit
Rust could be a possible sign of corrosion of your unit, resulting from a leak. If you notice rust on the outside of your water heater, it can mean the inside has rusted as well. If this is the case, you may have to get a water heater expert to have the problem before it becomes bigger.
If you notice rusty water coming out of your taps, it could indicate a water heater problem. If this happens when you run both hot and cold taps, the problem could be your water pipes. Sometimes sediments may accumulate in your unit, causing water discoloration. If this is the case, you should have it inspected since the resulting residues can be hazardous to your health.
If the rusty water is observed when you run hot water in your sink or bathtub, chances are you may be having a rusty water heater. It’s essential to consult a water heater repair technician because it’s difficult to know whether the rusty water is due to rusty pipes or water heaters.
Leaking Water Units
If you notice pools of water around the tank, your water heater could be leaking. The most common sign of a corroded tank that’s leaking is when you spot rust on your unit’s top and bottom. Other causes of leaking could be an expansion or loose connection in the tank.
Therefore if you see unusual pools of water around your unit, reach out to a water heater repair expert immediately to prevent the leakage. If left unresolved, your water heater might burst, damaging your property. You may also have to deal with wet furniture and household belongings along with the resulting mold growth. Water leaks can also be risky if you have pets, electrical appliances, and small kids around the area. It’s essential to call a water repair professional to avoid further damages.
Fluctuating Water Temperature
Sometimes you may notice water coming from your tap is hot, but other times it could be cold or warm. Also, you may note the temperatures are changing, yet you’ve made no changes to your water heater settings. Fluctuating temperatures may also result from the accumulation of mineral deposits around your water heater’s heating components. If you note frequent fluctuation in the water temperature, it could sign a damaged water heater. It’s important to call a water heater repair expert immediately.
Foul Smelling Water
Does water from your sinks and showers smell? If so, it could mean the presence of bacteria in the water heater unit. The smell may be of rotten eggs or food, and you can try resolving it by flushing the water heater tank with a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. If the smell persists, it could mean there’s bacterial growth in your tank. It’s crucial to act immediately by contacting a water heater repair technician to protect your family from water diseases.
Strange Noises From the Water Heater
A little sound coming from the heater may be ignored. However, if it gets persistent and becomes louder with time, it’s a sign your unit could be having some issues that need to be addressed immediately. The problem may be due to mineral deposits building up around the water heater’s heating elements, making it harder to warm the water.
Since hot water is an essential component, you’ll be heating new water daily, which results in the accumulation of mineral particles at the bottom of the unit. If ignored, these mineral deposits strain the heater unit and may end up leaking. Therefore, you should contact a water heater repair company to have your tank flushed as soon as you experience such odd sounds.
Low Hot Water Pressure
Changes in water flow could be due to the build-up of mineral deposits or scales around your water heater. As a result, the deposits block drain pipes resulting in reduced water flow from your water heater.
Additionally, the water pressure could also be reduced by aged units or poor heater design. Whichever the case, calling a water heater repair specialist is the wise thing to do to prevent severe damages and lack of hot water, especially during winter.
Pilot Plumbing Is a Water Heater Repair Company in Portland, OR You Can Trust
At Pilot Plumbing, we offer plumbing solutions to residential and commercial customers. Our technicians come prepared and pay attention to details to deliver exceptional plumbing needs. Whether you have leaking units or experiencing low hot water pressure, we’re here to help. Call us today.
