8 Signs You Need an Emergency Water Heater Repair in Bismarck, ND
If you’re like most of us, you can’t get enough hot water this time of year. Water heating is the second-largest energy expense in most homes, accounting for 18% of our energy use, and for good reason: there’s nothing like a hot shower in cold weather!
That’s why a failing water heater can rip the comfort from your day. Whether you’re dealing with corrosion, freezing water, loud banging, or other worrying issues, it’s crucial to call for help. Emergency water heater repair can get your system back up and running when you need it most, even preserving its lifespan for years to come.
If you’re not sure when to call an expert right away, here are eight signs it’s time.
1. Cool, Cold, or Fluctuating Temperatures
The most frustrating sign that you need repair services is that you never seem to get a hot shower. If you’ve turned on the faucets in your home to find they only offer lukewarm or cold water, your water heater may be to blame. The same is true if the water temperature fluctuates, allowing you to get some warm water without ever reaching consistency.
If you’re lucky, you’re dealing with an issue somewhere in the settings. Check your water heater to make sure you’ve adjusted it to the right temperature: experts recommend keeping it at around 120 degrees, no matter the time of year.
If the thermostat isn’t the issue, reach out to an experienced repair technician for water heater repair services. In some cases, you may be getting cold water because of a buildup of mineral deposits within the system. If these deposits cover your water heating elements, they can wreak havoc within your unit.
2. Not Enough Hot Water
Maybe you can get hot water from your system, but you can’t get enough of it to do your daily activities. Provided it’s the right size for your household, your water heater should keep gallons and gallons of warm water for you to use throughout your home.
When your water runs cold too fast, there might be a problem with your water heater’s burner or heating element. This is even more likely if you have an old water heater, as these crucial parts are prone to failure after a decade or more.
3. Leaks
Water heater leaks are never a good sign. If you spot water pooling around the bottom of the tank, call an expert right away. Leaks often worsen over time, so the longer you delay your repair, the more damage your water heater may take.
Even worse, leaks can become dangerous in certain settings. If you keep your water heater in the same room as other electrical appliances, you could be risking those malfunctions or putting your health at risk.
4. Strange Noises
Just like your air conditioner, your water heater will likely make a few quiet sounds as it cycles on and off. These are nothing to worry about.
However, if you start noticing anything that strays from the pattern of your usual water heater noises, it should be a red flag.
Loud banging and clanking noises, for example, are more likely if your system is struggling with mineral deposits. If these mineral deposits churn around the tank or jostle around, they may bang against the sides of your unit. This can weaken the structure of your water heater, making it more likely to take damage or start leaking.
The only way to solve this issue is often a flush. While you can do this on your own at home, it’s also a good idea to call an expert who can confirm that the sediment buildup didn’t damage your water heater.
5. Cloudy Water
Water that isn’t colorless should always be a cause for alarm.
If the water looks brown or has small, dark particles, you may be dealing with rust issues within your pipes. This is especially true if you’re getting discolored water from both your hot and cold taps.
However, if you’re only seeing cloudy water from the hot taps, the fault is likely with your water heater. Like many of the issues on this list, discoloration can happen because of sedimentation within the tank. Otherwise, damage or corrosion within the system can cause rust, which seeps into the water.
6. Unpleasant Smell
Like cloudy water, bad smells should also be alarming.
Strange smells can happen alongside discoloration due to mineral deposits in the water, but this isn’t always the case. If you’re dealing with bacterial growth within the tank, the smell may be the result of these microorganisms. This is less likely if you keep your system at the recommended temperature.
The only solution here is to contact a repair expert who can drain, clean, and disinfect the tank. In the meantime, never drink this hot water!
7. Low Water Pressure
Are you struggling with low-pressure showers? Your water heater may be the culprit.
Mineral deposits within the system can make it hard for your system to deliver water at its usual pressure. Blockages, installation errors, or a bent distribution line may also be to blame. Your plumbing technician may have to do some troubleshooting to figure out what’s causing your pressure issues.
8. Corrosion
Rust is never a great sign on your water heater. If you’re seeing visible rust, you might also be dealing with moisture issues or leaks. These issues can cause slow damage to the system, so it’s always a good idea to seek help as soon as you start noticing the change.
In many cases, part replacements can help address corrosion, especially if you still have a newer model. For older water heaters, on the other hand, your best bet may be a full replacement instead of investing in new parts.
Get Emergency Water Heater Repair
Figuring out what’s going on with your water heater can be a headache, and no one should have to troubleshoot alone. If you’re dealing with any of the issues above, seek emergency water heater repair for a quick diagnosis and fix!
Here at Advanced Mechanical, Inc., our team of skilled plumbing specialists offers 24-hour emergency services for homeowners and businesses throughout the Bismarck area. To get the fast, professional service you need, contact us today or call our office at 701-222-0352.