Your water heater must function optimally to ensure a consistent hot water supply for household use. Although the unit is built to last many years, it needs regular servicing to run efficiently. In addition, the appliance should be fixed by professionals when it fails or malfunctions. But how do you know your water heater is not functioning as it should and needs repair? Keep reading to learn about the indicators to look out for.
1. Water Drips Out of the Unit and Nearby Connections
Whether you have a tankless or tank-type water heater, the unit should not show any signs of leakage. If you have a tank-type model, when you notice water drips coming out of the tank and/or nearby fittings, know your unit has high pressure, a faulty gasket, or a loose connection. If you have a tankless type, it can leak at the joints and pipework. Therefore, it is advisable to call water heater repair specialists to examine the unit and fix the leakage.
2. Inconsistent Water Temperatures
Your water heater should supply hot water based on the temperature set on the thermostat. However, if you find that sometimes the water is warm or too hot, without changing the settings, know it has a serious problem. A worn-out thermostat, corroded anode rod, damaged heating components, or faulty connections can cause fluctuating water temperatures. To prevent further damage, ensure the unit is professionally repaired as soon as possible.
3. Faucets Produce Dirty Hot, Warm, or Cold Water
You should always get clean water from your water heater. If your faucets produce dirty water, know that your water heater needs inspection and repair. This problem can be caused by sediment buildup in the tank, and specialists will flush it to remove all the sediments. Alternatively, the issue can be a result of rusting inside the unit. Plumbers will inspect the level of damage and replace the damaged parts, like the anode rod. If there is severe damage, you might have to replace the unit.
4. Unusual Sounds When It's Running
When your water heater runs, it produces the usual sound. But when a problem develops, you can hear unusual sounds like knocking or humming from the unit. If you hear such sounds, turn off the appliance and call a plumber to repair it.
Your water heater can malfunction due to wear and tear, improper thermostat settings, faulty plumbing, damaged components, or other causes. But when you notice signs of damage, it is advisable to turn off the unit and call a plumbing contractor for the heater and plumbing repair services. This will prevent further damage that might happen to it due to delayed repair.
Contact a local plumber to learn more about plumbing repair.