Hot Water Heater Repair Morris County is something most homeowners take for granted until it starts to fail. Whether you have lukewarm showers or run out of hot water altogether, you need to call for professional help as soon as possible.
A plumber will be able to assess the situation and fix the problem quickly. Some red flags include a leaking tank, faulty heating element or rusty interior.
Leaks from a hot water heater are one of the most obvious signs that it’s time to call for repair. They can result in severe water damage to floors, walls, and valuable possessions in the home if not dealt with quickly enough. In addition, leaking water can cause bacterial growth and create a foul odor in the house. To help prevent a leaky water heater, you should regularly check the temperature pressure relief valve for issues. If you see a puddle or hear the sound of dripping water, turn off the power and gas to your water heater, drain it, and then remove the cover to inspect the tank. Loose connections can be a problem, so tighten them with a wrench when you notice them.
The location of the leak can also tell you a lot about the issue. For instance, if the water is pooling at the top of the unit it could indicate an issue with the cold water inlet valve or the hot water outlet pipe. These are both easy fixes for a professional plumber. However, if the water is coming from the bottom of the tank it’s likely due to cracks in the internal tank. This can be a more serious problem that requires a complete replacement of the water heater.
Other signs of an internal tank issue include rusty or discolored water that can indicate the presence of corrosive materials inside the unit. Another common issue is a caked or eaten anode rod. This is an aluminum or magnesium probe that collects corrosive elements from the water and protects the tank. When it gets eaten away, it can let corrosive materials into the tank and cause leaks.
Scale Build-Up
Scale build-up is more than just a nuisance, it can be very detrimental to your home’s plumbing system. Scale is a hard, powdery substance that forms when water is exposed to heat and other environmental factors. This mineral build-up can coat the surfaces of pipes, inhibiting water flow and decreasing pressure. It can also prohibit equipment from functioning properly, especially when it comes to a hot water heater.
If you notice a chalky, white residue on your showerhead or sink faucets, these are telltale signs of excessive scale build-up. You can also see it in your dishwasher when you notice spots or streaks on dishes and silverware. These stains are caused by the water reacting with high temperatures and detergents, creating scale. Excessive scale can even corrode metal components of your heating system, leading to leaks and expensive repairs.
The best way to prevent scale build-up is by using a physical treatment device that is installed in your piping system. These devices will physically break down the scale in your pipes and inside of your water heater. They can also help to prevent future build-up from occurring as well.
Another good way to reduce the amount of scale in your household is by having a professional install a water softener. These systems will remove minerals like calcium and magnesium that contribute to scale and exacerbate iron-related issues. A salt-based system will replace the calcium and magnesium with sodium from salt pellets, which can be expensive, or they can use an ion exchange technology that does not replace the minerals but does eliminate existing scale. However, there are also chemical-based descaling products available that do not require salt and can be more affordable.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat is one of the hard-working parts that makes your home heating and cooling function properly. It’s also one of the parts that tends to go bad first, which means you need to be able to recognize the signs that it’s time to call for professional help.
If your thermostat isn’t working at all, you should check to make sure it has fresh batteries. This is a simple fix that can save you the cost of a service call. It’s also possible that the circuit breaker or high-temperature cutoff switch has tripped and needs to be reset.
It’s also possible that your thermostat has become contaminated or is simply worn out. Contamination can happen when incompatible coolants are mixed, when old coolant isn’t replaced as recommended or when particulate matter from gaskets or elsewhere breaks off and gets into the system. It’s also common for older units to wear out naturally, with a few of the thermostat’s springs wearing out and causing them to malfunction.
Finally, it’s possible that your thermostat is just dirty and needs a cleaning. This is a fairly easy fix that you can take on yourself, although you’ll need to shut off power and remove the cover. Then, use a soft brush or canned compressed air to clean out the inside of the thermostat. Just be sure to follow all safety instructions on the can!
Most hot water heaters have two thermostats. The lower thermostat handles most of the work, and the upper thermostat kicks in if there’s a big demand for hot water. If either of these thermostats goes bad, you may notice that your water doesn’t heat as well as it used to.
Odd Noises
Noises in your water heater can indicate different problems. Fortunately, most don’t require a major replacement job, so they should not be ignored. It is worth noting that regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these sounds and make the unit run smoothly and efficiently.
Screeching/Whistling
High-pitched screeching is typically caused by loose valves releasing air from the water tank (via Ricks Plumbing Service). You should check your pressure-releasing and temperature valves for any signs of this problem, as well as your system’s inlet and outlet water lines to see if they are blocked or partially closed. If you are unable to adjust the valves yourself, call in a professional.
Crackling and Hissing
If you hear crackling or hissing noises coming from your water heater, it is likely that sediment has accumulated on the heating elements. As the elements heat up, these particles will vaporize and release crackling noises. This isn’t a big deal for electric heaters, but for gas-powered units it may be cause for concern.
Banging/Popping
A banging or popping sound could mean that the pressure valves on your water heater are set too high (via Buyers Ask). This occurs when the water supply is shut off, creating a surge of pressurized water. This rush of water can smash into the valves, causing the noise. This isn’t a huge problem, but should be corrected as soon as possible.
Popping or knocking sounds can also occur when a water heater is running too hot. This issue can be easily solved by adjusting the water temperature setting on your unit. It is also a good idea to have a professional flush your water heater once a year to reduce the risk of sediment buildup.
Lack of Hot Water
If you find yourself running out of hot water during showers or washing machines, this could indicate a major problem with your unit. There are several possible causes. The first thing you should do is shut off the power to your unit, then check to see if there are any signs of damage or corrosion on the exterior. If there is, it’s time to get a professional to repair or replace your unit.
If the exterior of your unit looks fine and there is no sign of damage, but you still don’t have any hot water, the problem may be the result of an undersized tank. Over time, your family’s water needs may change, so you should have the tank inspected to make sure it is sized correctly for your household.
Another reason you might not have any hot water is that one or both of your heating elements are faulty. This could be because they’re worn out or because the thermostat is set too high, which is a scalding safety risk for your family.
If the problem is the result of a faulty heating element, you’ll need to call in a plumber for replacement. If the problem is the result of a thermostat or gas control that isn’t functioning properly, you can try to reset them yourself. However, if you don’t feel comfortable doing this, it’s best to call a plumbing specialist.