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With changes in seasons, temperatures in Fernandina, FL, are becoming considerably cooler. While there’s nothing better than escaping the winter cold by enjoying a hot shower or a long warm bath, most water heater problems tend to show up during this season. Usually, water heater problems are due to the neglect of regular maintenance or ignoring warning signs. Eventually, the problem will deteriorate, and sometimes, you may need to dig deeper into your pocket to get a new water heater. To avoid this, contact your local Fernandina, FL, plumber for water heater inspection whenever you notice the following signs before the onset of winter:
Odd Noises
As your water heater is running almost constantly, some parts are likely to develop problems over time. The normal wear and tear of these parts commonly manifest through strange sounds. Although it is normal for a water heater to produce a little noise, contact your plumber immediately for an inspection if you hear unusual noises such as screeching, banging, or popping. Knocking or banging sounds are a typical water heater problem caused by sediment buildup, excess pressure, or a problem with the baffle. Other sounds that may indicate an issue with the water heater include a humming or a sizzling sound caused by leaking water making contact with the burner.
Water Takes a Long Time to Heat Up
If you have lived in your home for a while, you may notice that the water is probably taking longer to heat. Assuming your home’s hot water usage has not increased, there is definitely a problem. The most common cause of this is sediment buildup in the water heater or the pipes. This also comes with efficiency issues since more energy has to be spent due to the mineral scales. Rather than wait for this to become a serious issue, call your plumber and have troubleshooting and repairs or replacements done.
To further prepare your water heater for the oncoming winter, your plumber may recommend that you insulate it if it does not have a built-in insulation system. By adding a tank cover, the heated water remains hot for a longer duration.
Discolored Hot Water
Discolored water in your house, whether cold or hot, is a sign of a severe underlying issue. The most common causes of discolored water are rust or mineral deposits. The severe buildup will not only discolor the water running through your water heater but also block its electric element or gas burner. Discoloration may also mean that the galvanized pipes in your unit are decaying. If you notice the water is colored, it’s time to give your plumber a call to carry out inspections and repairs before the problem spirals out of control.
Strange Hot Water Smell or Taste
Water smells can vary from a rotten egg smell to a metallic odor and can result from varied reasons. First, you need to establish whether the cold water has the same problem too. If both hot and cold water has a pungent smell, the problem lies with either the source of the water supply or the corrosion of the metallic piping in your house. If the water source is the problem, you need to consider installing water filters to remove impurities. If your home’s piping is the problem, this may be a sign that you need to do some re-piping work.
When the problem is the hot water only, then you have a water heater problem. The water heater might be providing suitable conditions for bacteria multiplication, or the anode might be to blame. Get a plumber to inspect, determine the cause and flush your water heater.
Leakage
A water heater leak can be caused by multiple factors, including its age, loose pipe connections, malfunctioning valves, excess air pressure in the tank, and corrosion. Most water heaters are located in rarely visited locations, and a leaking problem can go unnoticed for a long time. If the problem is with the upper part of the heater, it may be due to anode corrosion, issues with the T&P valve, or loose inlets and outlets. If these leaks occur in the bottom part, the drain valve or tank cracks might be the culprits. Check out for puddles collecting near the water heater and leakages on the tank itself once in a while. If you notice a leak, call a plumber. If it poses the risk of flooding, turn off the power and water supplies to the water heater and immediately call a plumber. Avoid fixing the leak yourself to avoid further damage, voiding the warranty, injury, or worse, all three.
Water Is Extremely Hot
First, check the thermostat if it is set too high and adjust to the desired temperature. If this doesn’t work, the issue might be the T&P valve malfunctioning and not releasing water once the temperature and pressure get to the pre-set limits. You should call a plumber to avert potential dangers associated with scalding hot water.
Water Heater Is Old
A water heater should be serviced annually to ensure optimal efficiency. However, even with a disciplined servicing plan, a well-maintained water heater’s lifespan is estimated to be somewhere between 8-12 years for gas water heaters and 10-15 years for an electrical water heater. If yours is around this age and experiencing frequent problems, check the water heater’s warranty because it might be time for a replacement.
Unlike other home systems such as a furnace that are only used seasonally, your water heater runs all year round. Annual professional water heater service will help avert untimely breakdowns and repairs. It will also improve your unit’s efficiency, safety and also make it last longer. The best time to service your water heater is before winter sets in. If you are in Fernandina, FL, get in touch with Bert Norman’s Plumbing experts for professional inspection or repairs. Our experienced team offers a wide range of plumbing services, and we are available round the clock in case of a plumbing emergency.