If you notice that your shower is suddenly cold or you find a puddle of water around your water heater, it’s time to call for professional repair services. These signs are often indicators that your unit needs to be flushed and drained, or replaced altogether.
Other symptoms include reduced water pressure and rust-colored water. These issues signal that your system is reaching the end of its lifespan.
Cost
Most homeowners don’t give much thought to their water heater until it stops working. When this happens, it can create big problems in the home. Hot showers become unusable, dishes are left dirty and laundry becomes dingy and smelly. Fortunately, there are ways to save money on repairs. The first step is to understand how much a professional will charge for a repair job. The plumber’s hourly rate is the main factor in determining how much the job will cost.
The most common problem with a water heater repair Beaverton is that it is not producing enough hot water. This can be caused by several things, such as a malfunctioning dip tube (which can cause cold and hot water to mix), or a faulty thermostat or element. In addition, a heavy buildup of rust in the tank can lead to a bad anode rod, which is expensive to replace. It’s recommended that you drain the tank once a year to avoid this problem.
Lifespan
Keeping your water heater in good shape can help you avoid costly repairs and prevent it from breaking down unexpectedly. It also helps you save energy and money. It is therefore important to understand what factors determine your water heater’s lifespan and the signs that indicate its end is near.
If your water heater starts making rumbling noises, it means there is sediment buildup inside the tank. This can cause the heating elements to overwork themselves, causing them to wear out faster than they should. In some cases, the water heater can even fail completely.
Another sign that your water heater is getting old is if it has a leak from the sidewall seam. This is a serious problem and needs to be fixed immediately by a professional. It could be a sign that the pressure and temperature relief valve has failed, or that rust is forming on the inside of the tank. You should also call a plumber if you see significant leaking around the bottom of the tank.
Safety
Small plumbing problems can wait for a day or two, but major issues that result in property damage require the fast response of an emergency plumber. Among these are leaks from the tank or a leaking pressure relief valve, sediment build-up that causes hot water to take longer to heat, rusty water, and strange noises.
A few simple steps can help keep your water heater running smoothly and safely. Start by checking the water temperature. If it’s lukewarm or rusty, your water heater may need to be replaced. Moreover, it’s important to remove any combustible objects near your water heater. Also, make sure your water heater is properly placed and has proper ventilation. This will prevent fire hazards and other safety issues. Additionally, you should clean the aerator screens on your faucets every year. This will help your water taste better and reduce rusting. It’s also a good idea to replace your gas water heater with an electric one.
Efficiency
For most homeowners, their water heater is out of sight and out of mind – until it stops working. A sudden lack of hot water can throw a wrench in your household plans, while strange noises and puddles of water around the unit suggest problems that need to be addressed immediately.
A professional technician can evaluate your water heater and make recommendations on maintenance, repair, or replacement. In many cases, a new water heater is more energy-efficient than your old one, generating cost savings on utility bills.
If your water heater is over 10 years old, it’s a good idea to consider replacing it with a new model. Regular maintenance is critical to extending the lifespan and improving the efficiency of your water heater. Flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup and checking the pressure relief valve and sacrificial anode rod are important for safety and longevity. A tripped breaker or bad heating element can prevent your water heater from producing hot water.