There aren’t many things more shocking to the system than expecting hot water when you step into the shower and receiving a cold blast of water instead! You may be wide awake, but you are probably also really grumpy. When your water heater goes awry, it can really throw a kink in your day. No hot water for showers, the dishwasher, the washing machine, or handwashing dishes makes you feel like you are camping in your own house. It’s one thing to “rough” it for a weekend. It’s another thing when you can’t enjoy a hot shower at home! So, does your water heater need to be repaired, or is it time to replace it?
Some common water heater issues are no hot water, banging or crackling sounds, slow water flow, and water leaking from the water heater. Some of these issues are fixed with a simple repair like tightening a loose connection. Others may require a complete replacement of your water heater. A professional plumber will let you know if your water heater needs to be repaired or if it is time to replace it.
At Sun Plumbing, we understand how frustrating it is when your water heater stops working. Somehow it seems to happen at the most inconvenient time. Does it go out on your day off when you have time to wait for a plumber? No, it goes kaput when you are trying to get ready for work, have errands to run after work, and guests coming for dinner, right? This article will discuss water heater issues and whether it is time for a repair or a replacement.
What Can Go Wrong With a Water Heater?
There are a few things that can go wrong with your water heater. They lead to different problems. Some issues require a simple repair while others indicate it is time for a new water heater.
#1 No Hot Water
We put this at the #1 spot because this is probably the most annoying result of a water heater issue. Cold showers feel good after a workout or on a hot summer day, but they aren’t as welcome first thing in the morning on a rainy, January day. When you turn on the hot water spigot, you should have hot water. When your water heater stops providing hot water, it can mean that the heating element has gone bad.
#2 Banging or Crackling Sounds
If your water heater has started making a ruckus, then something is wrong. This can be the result of limescale buildup on the internal parts of your water heater. Limescale buildup is caused by hard water.
#3 Slow Water Flow
If the water from your showerhead or faucets is flowing slower than before, this could also be a result of limescale buildup.
#4 Water Leaking from Water Heater
If there is water leaking from your water heater, that is a sure sign of a problem! “Walking to our car to leave for church and seeing water flowing into the driveway from under the garage door was a bit alarming! It turns out, our water heater was leaking and needed to be replaced.” A water heater leak can be caused by a faulty pressure valve or drain valve. There may also be cracks in the tank’s wall or floor. Sometimes water heaters get old and worn out. It can also be something as simple as a loose connection.
Does Your Water Heater Need To Be Repaired or Replaced?
- No Hot Water – The heating element may need to be repaired or replaced. It does not mean that your entire water heater needs to be replaced. This could be a fairly simple fix by a plumber.
- Banging or Crackling Sound – Your internal water heater parts may need to have limescale cleaned off of them. If they are too corroded, some parts may need to be replaced. A plumber may recommend getting a water softener for your house or a filter for your water heater to prevent limescale buildup in the future.
- Slow Water Flow – Again, this may be a result of limescale buildup or sediment buildup in the water heater. Fixing this may be as simple as having a plumber clean and flush your water heater.
- Water Leaking from Water Heater – There are multiple issues that can cause a water heater leak. It may be as basic as a loose connection, or your water heater may be worn out. Like all appliances, they do not last forever. A plumber will need to detect the source of the leak and determine if it can be repaired or if it is time to replace your water heater.
Having the source of your issue determined by a professional plumber is key to knowing whether your water heater needs a repair or if it is time for a replacement. A water heater lasts approximately 10 years. If your water heater is having any of the above issues, you should call a plumber for diagnosis and resolution of the problem.
Sun Plumbing to the Rescue!
“Our hot water heater went, was leaking all over the laundry room…Chris came by 9 a.m. [and] had everything installed by 11 a.m. Not only the quick response but Chris worked very “clean,” was friendly and pleasant. He left the laundry area cleaner than he found it!”
This review is a testament to how we operate at Sun Plumbing. We are prompt, efficient, friendly, and considerate of your time and home. Whether you need a water heater repair or replacement, Sun Plumbing in Melbourne FL is your local plumbing company that is “as dependable as the sun!”
