Like any type of household appliance or fixture, water heaters can experience malfunctions and problems over time due to regular wear and tear. While some of these issues can be fixed with basic maintenance, others can be an indicator that it may be time to have your water heater replaced. As always, it is best to consult with a professional to avoid any home disasters.
The most commonly occurring water heater issues include:
- No hot water: Is your water heater not providing any hot water? This can result from a number of different causes, such as faulty thermostats, a bad electric heating element, or a pilot light that has turned off.
- Not enough hot water: If your heater is simply not producing a large enough supply of hot water, this could be a symptom of a busted thermostat or a clog in the unit’s flue or vent. Clogs can alter the flow of water and cause imbalances in the unit’s heating mechanism. In some cases, this could also be a sign of a loose or detached dip tube.
- Black or rusty colored water: When the anodes in a water heater are exposed to heat for an extended period of time, they can become rusty and dissolve, causing the unit to produce black or rust-colored water. This is usually an indicator that the unit’s tubing needs replacement
- Water is too hot: Does your water heater produce scalding hot water? This is oftentimes a sign of a defective thermostat.
- Popping noises: Water heaters can sometimes make popping or whining noises due to the buildup of sediment in the tank. As water heats, these bits of sediment can move around inside a water heater and produce a clanging noise. This is a sign of an aging water heater and can be fixed by flushing and scrubbing the unit.
- Leaks: Has a puddle of water accumulated under your tank? Leaks are commonly attributed to corrosion or a bad temperature and pressure valve. Water that stays in the tubes can form sediments that can crack, leading to cavities and indentations. Leaks can come from either the top or bottom of a unit, causing floods, mildew, and mold to develop.
- Odd-smelling water: If you smell rotten eggs every time you turn on your faucet, you may have a bacterial or fungal infestation in your heater. If yearly flushes are not conducted, bacteria can feed on the hydrogen gas that is created by the anode rods inside your unit. Fixing this problem often requires flushing a unit with hydrogen peroxide.
Water Heater Services in Columbia
If your water heater is exhibiting any of the above issues, the friendly Columbia water heater technicians at Plumbing Solutions, LLC can correctly diagnose the issue and propose a suitable fix. From installation to repair, we offer a wide range of water heater services and handle your plumbing needs with ease – even at the most inconvenient times. With 24 hour emergency services and continuously running specials, we can provide the fast and quality workmanship you need at a price you’ll love.
To get started, call us at (803) 618-4163 or schedule a service online today!