Unlike other appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, hot water heaters are used on a consistent, daily basis. All of this continual use, especially during the cold months of a Maryland winter, may lead to a number of common problems.
The good news is that most of these issues can be easily identified and corrected by an experienced company like Ace Plumbing. Read on to learn about some of the most common hot water heater problems in Towson.
Temperature Issues
Is your water constantly coming out too hot or too cold? If you notice that your water is coming out much hotter than usual, it’s likely an issue with the thermostat.
On the other hand, if you’re having trouble getting your water to heat up, it could be an issue with your heat source. For electric heaters, this means the heating elements or electrical connection. For gas, it might be a faulty pilot light or a problem with your gas connection.
Water Leaks
Leaks are some of the most common issues that occur with hot water heaters. If the leak appears from the top of your tank, it may just be that one of your connections is loose. If water is leaking from the bottom, it could be an issue with condensation due to thermostat issues.
Over time, water may corrode your tank and create small fractures. If you notice signs of major leakage from your overflow pipe or pressure relief valve, this is a sign of major corrosion, meaning you will likely need to replace your tank as soon as possible.
Strange Noises
A noisy water heater often makes it easier for plumbing professionals to identify a few common problems, depending on the kinds of sounds it’s making. For example, hissing, popping, or banging coming from gas heaters is usually a sign that the heating elements are burning out.
It could also mean that there is an excessive amount of sediment in your tank, causing the water to overheat and boil. When this happens, it’s recommended that you flush your tank to remove the sediment build-up.
Discolored/Bad-Smelling Water
Water that smells bad likely means that your hot water heater tank is contaminated. Appliances full of standing water are often prone to a build-up of bacteria, which causes the water to have a foul smell. To avoid this issue, it’s recommended to flush the tank 1-2 times per year to keep up a healthy water heating system.
Water that’s discolored is most often the result of sediment build-up or mineralization from hard water. Any kind of build-up inside a water heater tank will eventually reduce its effectiveness. Rust-colored water may also be a sign that your anode rod (which keeps the sediment from building up) may need to be replaced.
Keep Your Hot Water Heater Running Smoothly with Ace Plumbing
Since they are used so often, hot water heaters tend to be affected by a few common problems. While keeping up with regular maintenance can help you avoid such issues, there may come a time when your water heater will need to be fixed or even replaced.
With over 25 years of experience, the team at Ace Plumbing has seen their fair share of common hot water heater problems in Towson and has been helping satisfied customers all over the Baltimore area. If you’re experiencing any one of these common issues, give us a call at (410) 256-7900.
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