Fix Your Water Heater: Signs to Watch For

Until the water heater breaks, most people have no idea how important that part of the plumbing system really is. From heating the dishwasher and the washing machine to allowing you to take hot showers, the water heater is a vital, yet invisible part of the day. When the water heater quits, life becomes very different, so it is important to prevent mishaps by keeping an eye on the machine. It is better to fix any problems before you have to live without hot water for an extended period of time. There are plenty of things that you can do to make sure your water heater keeps successfully heating water.

Unfortunately, houses and their multiple working parts often need repairs. Even in California, the winters can take their toll on water heaters. The metal tanks can subtly expand and contract throughout the subtle changes in weather in the winter. If basements are not heated, the temperature can change and the water heater can be affected by the changes.

Issues with Water Heaters

Another issue with water heaters comes with shifts in the minerals in your water, too. This can clog pipes so the water heater does not have the ability to heat water efficiently. The expansions and contraction of the water heater and the changes in pipes from the minerals in the water can create problems that are difficult to see until it is too late.

There are several issues to look for when you are checking out your water heater. The first thing you should check for is any type of leak or drip. You might not see the leak, but you could see pools of water underneath the water heater. This is a sign that you could have a problem and you should probably hire a plumber to take a look.

You should also look at the flame that is powering your heater. If the flame is burning yellow, it is a sign that something is wrong. The flame should burn blue at all times. It is also important that the flame continues to burn. The pilot light can go out, especially if there is a leak. If the flame continuously goes out, then there is something wrong with the heater.

It is also important to gauge the temperature of your water heater. If your shower never heats up to an acceptable temperature or it gets too hot too quickly, then there is something wrong with your water heater. It is a sign that the water heater is not accurately getting to the temperature you want to get.

Rust on a water heater is an immediate sign of a problem. Rust can be the death of a water heater because a rusted tank can become a tank with a hole in it. It can also lead to a crack or other problem. If you see rust, call your plumber immediately. The same goes for any other type of crack or bend in the heater tank or the pipes. It is better to just have to replace a water heater, than to replace flooring, electrical, or walls if something happens to the water heater.

There are some do-it-yourself repairs that homeowners can do. But in most cases, a plumber is the best choice to repair this sensitive and important part of your home. If you do have any questions, the experts at Scott English Plumbing can give you the answers that you need.

We understand that water heaters are expensive to replace, so we will do what we can to repair rather than replace. It is best that a professional, like the plumbers at Scott English Plumbing, completes the repairs for the most success.