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5 Signs You Need Water Heater Repair Services

Posted On Wednesday, 04 May 2022 08:04
5 Signs You Need Water Heater Repair Services

A water heater is an essential fixture in every home, no matter where you may be. For instance, water heating is the second-highest energy consumer in Australian households, with power usage rates reaching up to 27% of a home's total energy consumption. (1)    

With a water heating system, you can have a soothing shower after a hard day’s work or a comfortable environment when it’s cold outside. Hence, proper maintenance is imperative to ensure that your heating apparatus is tiptop shape. Moreover, water heater specialists must spot issues before they become significant problems.   

If regular visits aren’t possible, it’s helpful to know when to call professionals for solar hot water system repairs and similar heating device restorations, for instance, boilers. In this blog, you’ll learn the basics of water heaters and the signs that you need to have yours fixed.

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Five types of water heaters 

There are different types of water heaters on the market. Choosing one will depend on your needs, budget, fuel type availability, energy efficiency, size, and capacity. Below are the most common types to provide you with an idea.   

  1. 1. Traditional storage water heaters: This system requires a water tank to keep hot water. Most designs are capable of fulfilling the needs of the average family size.  
  2. 2. Tankless water heaters: This system is also known as demand-type or instantaneous systems because they don’t include water storage options. Instead, water is heated as required.
  3. 3. Heat pump water heaters: Utilizes a system that transfers heat from one place to another, providing better efficiency and cost savings. They only use about 30% of the energy requirements for traditional systems. Heat pumps may either have an integrated or separated tank and compressor.   
  4. 4 Solar water heaters: Another energy-saving mechanism, solar water heaters use solar panels to heat water. During winter or cold months, this system may be boosted by gas or electricity to work.  
  5. 5. Tankless coil and indirect water heaters: This type uses a residential space heating system to function.

(1) (2)

These systems’ life spans vary depending on various factors. Industry estimates reveal storage-type water heaters could last for 10 years, while tankless heaters can be used for up to 20 years. Proper use and diligently following maintenance schedules or annual checks can help preserve a water heater’s proper functioning.

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Five signs your water heater might need repairs 

There are different reasons why water heaters break down after several years. Fortunately, most components can either be replaced or repaired, except for the water tank. Anode rods are integrated into tanks to protect them against corrosion. This rod should ideally be replaced every four years or more frequently. 

Apart from the anode rod, sediment accumulation is also a common problem. Regular flushing must be done regularly to prevent damaging build-ups that cause water heater issues or common boiler problems.  (3)

If you notice the following signs, it’s time to call your trusted water heater specialists. 

  1. 1. Fluctuating temperatures to no hot water 

Of all the reasons to call repair services, this is the most obvious, and for a good reason. Water heaters should be able to provide you with hot water. If it isn’t doing what’s expected, one of the components, likely the burner, might need replacement.  In some cases, your heater could have mineral deposits blocking the heating elements. The same may be true if you’re experiencing fluctuations in water temperatures. (4)    

  1. 2. Water discolorations 

Water can sometimes be cloudy or come in strange colors, such as light brown. When this happens, there could be rust or other mineral building up inside your water heater or pipes. Let the water run for a few minutes and check whether the same problem persists. Besides the color, water coming from the heater might smell strange or metallic. (4) 

In some cases, signs of corrosion may be evident from the exterior part of the tank, too. Watch out for rust on any part of your water heater and have it replaced. Contact a water heater specialist as soon as possible because rust-containing water could lead to health risks. 

  1. 3. Strange noises coming from the tank

Most home appliances, especially those that regulate temperatures, can be noisy. However, there are times when it becomes easy to distinguish whether the device is generating regular noises or if strange sounds are coming out of it. 

The same holds for your water heater. Mild buzzing or humming sounds may be normal. But popping, banging, or cracking noises should alert you. There could be a few reasons why your heater emits odd noises. It may have become overheated, or its heating elements contain too many mineral deposits. Whatever the issue may be, always call a professional to check, flush, and clean the unit thoroughly.

4. Low water pressure

One of the best things about a water heater is having a steady stream of water on your skin. If you notice your shower cannot release regular volumes of water, check whether it’s a problem within your household or for the entire community. There might be an issue linked to your water heater if it's the former.

Problems with any heating parts don’t only lead to temperature problems and odd noises. In some cases, accumulated minerals inside your tank may block pipes, preventing smooth water flow. Other potential causes of low water pressure include problems with the distribution pipelines or installation issues. Your trusted water heater specialist can perform flushing and thorough cleaning to keep your unit working correctly and properly. (4)

  1. 5. Your water heater is leaking 

Water packets may show up on the sides or surface of your water heater because of condensation, and it’s nothing to worry about. While water tanks are made from sturdy metal, this material can break if it expands too much and more frequently than it should.      

Contact a technician immediately if you notice a pool of water collecting near or below the tank or dripping from your unit. A leaking heater could be hazardous, especially if you have children and pets. Depending on your tank’s location, your electrical system or home structure may be affected if the problem persists.  

Safety is, in fact, the main reason for waterproofing your bathroom, and your water heater shouldn’t cause any risk, either.  

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The bottom line 

Temperature problems, discoloration, leaking, and low water pressure are the most common issues with water heaters, and repair services are often enough to restore the unit. This is especially true if the heater has sediment deposits or needs certain parts or any heating elements replaced.  

In case of more severe problems, you might need a new unit if your heating system has been running for ten years or more. Once installed, regular maintenance can help extend your water heater’s life span.       

References:

  1. 1. “Hot Water Systems”, Source: https://www.energy.gov.au/households/hot-water-systems
  2. 2. “Selecting a New Water Heater”, Source: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/selecting-new-water-heater
  3. 3. “A Citizen’s Guide To Water Heaters”, Source: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/ScottsdaleAZ/Building/WaterHeaterhandout.pdf
  4. 4.  “Maintaining your water heater”, Source: https://www.portland.gov/water/report-water-quality-issues/water-heater-maintenance-tips
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