Plano, TX, November 29, 2022 – GO Heating, Air & Plumbing, a leading water heater repair company in Plano, offers homeowners some tips on how to tell if their water heater needs servicing or repairs.
You may be wondering: “Is my water heating system working?” Or maybe you’ve noticed that your water is taking a long time to heat up or that it’s not getting hot enough. Either way, we’re here to help! We’re going to walk you through the most common signs that your system isn’t working as well as it should.
1. You have to wait a long time for hot water
This is perhaps the most clear-cut sign that something is wrong with your water heater. If you find yourself having to wait several minutes for hot water after turning on the shower or faucet, it’s a good indication that your system isn’t working as efficiently as it used to.
2. Your water isn’t as hot as it used to be
If you’ve noticed that the water coming out of your taps isn’t as hot as it used to be, it’s another sign that your water heater may need servicing. This could be due to a variety of factors, including sediment buildup in the tank or a failing heating element.
3. You see water around your water heater
If you notice any water pooling around your water heater, it’s important to take action right away. This could be a sign of a serious problem, such as a leak in the tank or a faulty pressure relief valve.
4. The exterior of the water heater looks rusty
Speaking of rust, you don’t need to wait to detect it in the water to know that your heater could have problems. You can also take a look at the exterior of the heater and see if rust has started to accumulate on it.
Rust showing up on the tank is a pretty good sign that there is a leak somewhere. Take the time to look at the burner units, too; they are similarly prone to rust.
How to Fix a Broken Water Heater
You now recognize the signs and know that your water heater is leaking. Here’s how to deal with it:
Detect Precisely Where the Leak Is
When a water heater is leaking, it can be due to faulty connections, valves, or even the tank itself. Even if you know that yours is leaking, it’s important to remember these differences, so as not to treat all leaks in the same way.
Before you implement any repairs, focus first on detecting the leak.
See where the water accumulates, clean it up, then check again the following day to see if more water is there. That should tell you where a potential tank leak is.
As for the valves, nothing beats a close inspection to see if they are all sealed or causing water to drip out.
Turn Off the Power and Drain the Tank
Once you’ve determined that your water heater is leaking and located the source of the leak, turn off the valve.
To ensure that your water heater is off, you need to shut down the breaker box. Find the circuit responsible for supplying power to your hot water tank and flip its switch.
Gas heaters are easy to turn off because flicking the switch will do.
Once you’ve managed to completely shut down the water heater, you can proceed to drain the tank. Use either a hose or container to catch the water to keep your basement floor from turning into a riverbed.
Close Off the Water Supply
With the tank now empty, you can get to work on closing the water supply.
One way to deal with the excess water is to shut off the cold-water supply so that no more can enter your tank.
If the cold-water shutoff for your heater is hard to reach, turn off the main water valve instead.
Address the Problem Areas
The repairs can be simple or complicated, depending on the problem. If your cold and hot water inlets are not working properly, you may be able to fix them yourself.
Check the connections, making sure that none are loose. If they are, use a wrench to tighten them back into place and your leak should be resolved.
Things won’t be quite as easy if the issues plaguing your water heater are related to the valves. There may be something off with the water pressure, but the issue could also be a broken valve.
In that case, you will need to replace the valve.
If you lack experience, trying to do this yourself could end up making things worse. So it’s a good idea to contact the skilled professionals who handle these repairs all the time.
Keep in mind that If the tank has a significant leak, you may need to replace it entirely.
How to Maintain Your Water Heater
Regardless of whether you decide to repair your water heater or replace it, taking better care of the appliance going forward will save you money. Performing proper water heater maintenance is not a demanding task.
Keep an eye on the tank’s sacrificial rod, or anode. This component gathers any debris that may be inside it and protects other parts of the water heater from corrosion. You will probably need to replace it after two to three years. Flush the water tank of your heater once per year to prolong its life.
The Benefits of Maintaining Your Water Heater
Besides prolonging the life of your water heater, maintenance also makes it work more efficiently—you’ll get more for your money.
Taking steps to maintain your water heater, such as keeping it clean and well-insulated, can help save your home from flooding. The thing about water damage is that it can occur without any visible signs for a long time before you realize what’s happening.
Invest your time in maintenance to avoid making that unnecessary and costly payment.
GO Heating, Air & Plumbing is a locally-owned and operated HVAC company providing high-quality services throughout Plano, TX, and the surrounding areas. With over 20 years of combined experience, we have become a trusted partner to many home and business owners in the region when it comes to their heating and cooling needs.
GO Heating, Air & Plumbing also offers air conditioning repair, drain cleaning, heat pump installation, furnace repair, heater repair, and more. Contact us now for all your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs!
2901 Technology Dr Suite 167, Plano, TX 75074, USA
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, we recommend calling a professional water heater repair company like GO Heating, Air & Plumbing. We have the experience and expertise to quickly diagnose and fix the problem, so you can get back to enjoying hot water in your home.
For more information about our water heater repair services, give us a call at GO Heating, Air & Plumbing today.
