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The water heater is an integral component of your home’s plumbing system. It ensures that your house has a constant supply of hot water for washing, cooking, and bathing. Although a water heater is a durable appliance that is designed to serve you for about a decade, it needs regular maintenance. Sometimes, it might even break down and make it necessary for you to fix it. However, no matter how much you enjoy getting your hands dirty, water heater repair is not something you should try doing on your own. To ensure that the job is done right, you need to seek the assistance of a professional plumber in Bloomington, IL. But how can you know that it’s time to call a plumber for repairs? Here are some telltale signs you should watch out for.
You Are Running Out of Hot Water Too Quickly
Your water heater is designed to ensure that your house has a constant supply of hot water. In most cases, water heaters have two heating elements, one at the top and the other at the bottom. Besides, the appliance holds many gallons of hot water at any given time. In a nutshell, as long as your water heater is running properly, your house should always have enough hot water for basic chores. If you notice that the supply of hot water is frequently getting interrupted, then one of the heating elements may have failed, and therefore, you need to seek professional water heater repair services before the other heating element also malfunctions, forcing you to start taking cold showers.
Irregular Water Temperatures
Generally, the temperatures of water coming from your water heater should be fairly constant. Therefore, if the temperatures of the water from the water heater keep fluctuating between hot and cold, you should know that something is wrong with the appliance. However, you need to remember that the best solution to this problem really depends on the age of your water heater. If your water heater is over a decade old, you could save time and money by simply replacing it. But if the water heater is relatively new, seeking professional water heater repairs in Bloomington, IL is the way to go. Professionals have the right tools and equipment to diagnose any water heater issue that may cause irregular water temperatures and provide an appropriate solution for it.
Unusual Noises from Your Water Heater
A water heater is not necessarily a quiet appliance. As it grows older, it is not unusual for it to produce a mild buzz or even a rumbling sound, which is perfectly normal. However, if your water heater is producing loud popping, banging, or cracking sounds, then it has a serious problem. Unusual loud noises from your water heater can be a sign of several problems. For instance, your water heater could become noisy if there is too much accumulation of mineral deposits and other particles in the tank. A water heater can also become noisy in the event of a broken dip tube, causing hot and cold water to mix. Whatever the cause might be, unusual water heater noises could weaken the structure of the water heater and eventually lead to leaks. Therefore, you need to seek professional water heater repair services as soon as you notice a louder-than-usual noise coming from the appliance.
Leaking Water
Apart from loud water heater noises, there are other water heater issues that can lead to leaks. For instance, as your water heater expands with time, it might crack and start leaking. Besides, since your water heater is made of steel, it might get corroded and start leaking. Depending on the extent of the cracks or rusting, the issue could be fixed by a simple repair or by replacing the entire unit. If your water heater is over eight years old, is imperative for you to know that repairing leaks caused by cracks or corrosion is just a temporary solution, and therefore, you should start thinking about replacing it. But whatever the cause of the leak might be, a leaking water heater poses a number of problems, and therefore, it needs to be fixed by a water heater repair expert as soon as possible. For instance, if a water heater is not fixed on time, it might put your pets and even children at the risk of getting hurt by the leaking hot water. Besides, the dampness created by a leaking water heater could encourage the growth of molds, which can bring health problems and even compromise the structural integrity of your house.
Water Discoloration
We all expect the water coming out of our taps to be colorless. Sometimes, it can seem hazy as a result of high pressure, but it should turn colorless as it settles. Therefore, if you realize that the hot water coming out of your faucets is brownish or rusty, your water heater could be the problem. Water in your water heater can turn brownish due to a number of reasons. For instance, the discoloration could be a result of sedimentation, and in this case, it could pose serious health concerns to your family, and therefore, it is imperative for you to seek the assistance of a water heater repair expert to help you fix the issue as soon as possible.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that although a water heater is quite a durable appliance, it is not unusual for it to need the attention of a water heater repair expert from time to time. If you are looking for a dependable plumber offering water heater repair services in Bloomington, IL, Covenant Plumbing is an excellent plumbing contractor to consider. Feel free to contact us today for more information about our company and water heater repair services.
