4 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair 

Many homeowners won't notice that their water heaters need repair until the situation worsens. The worst scenario is a non-functional water heater. You will find out that the water is no longer as hot as usual. Therefore, you should know when to repair your water heater to prevent your home from running out of hot water for daily use.

Read below for four signs that will inform you that you need to fix your faulty water heater.

1. Low Pressure

The supply of cold water and hot water must be at equal pressure into and out of the water heater. Yet, you might find that hot water gets out at a lower pressure than normal. That is a critical faulty water heater sign, and you should pay close attention. A broken or non-operational shut-off valve causes such an issue.
In addition, an accumulation of dirt particles could cause pipe blockages, which in the end will affect your water heater. You can seek plumbing professionals to help you out if such problems occur. The professionals will drain your water tank and assess its components. If the damage to the heater is immense, you will need a replacement.

2. Fluctuating Water Temperature

This phenomenon happens when your water temperature fluctuates, yet you haven't changed the temperature. As water flows, minerals get deposited in the pipes and around the water heater parts. This mineral build-up alters the water temperature.
Lukewarm water instead of hot water is another sign you should note. Cold weather is one factor that can make your faucets pour lukewarm water. In addition, increased hot water usage can cause the same because the water will heat up at a slower rate. However, if none of these factors are present, your water heater may be faulty.
Electric water heaters consist of intricate components that rely on each other. If one fails, then the water temperature becomes lower than normal. On the other hand, gas water heaters use burners. If you experience temperature fluctuations, it implies a problem with your burner. Be keen to note the temperature changes so that you can have your heater repaired before you incur extra replacement costs.

3. Rusty or Cloudy Water 

Water may contain debris that will build up in water tanks or pipe walls when left undrained over a long period. You will then find that rusty water gets out of both cold and hot water taps as a result. However, the rusty water may only be in hot water taps in some instances. This development indicates an issue with the hot water system. You should consult a certified plumber to fix the issue.

4. Leakages

Formation of scale in heater tanks can result in leakages. This issue is common if you use hard water in your household. Hard water has minerals such as calcium carbonate that get deposited at the bottom of the tanks. The scale that forms prevents heat transfer. In such a case, deformation of metals at the base of the burner might occur, which may develop leakages. These leakages should give you signals that something is wrong with your water heater.
Water heaters constitute home plumbing fixtures that need regular check-ups and proper maintenance. Ensure your tank gets periodically flushed to prevent the accumulation of dirt that might damage your water heater.
If you have a water heater that has gone too long without inspection, have it checked now. You can contact us at Express Plumbing & Drain if you need a water heater assessment. You can also reach out for pipe replacement services if you have old and rusty pipes. In short, we offer any home plumbing service.