There are obvious problems that indicate your water heater is struggling. But some water heater problems are less obvious, and you won’t know something is wrong until it’s too late. But when you understand four uncommon water heater repairs, then you know exactly what to look for.
Keep in mind that you should never try to fix your water heater without the help of a certified professional. And if you need water heater repair in Las Vegas, our team is here to help. If you have any doubts about your water heater you can give us a call and we can talk you through it and schedule an appointment if necessary.
Rust-Colored Water
When you turn on the faucet, the water should run crisp and clear. If your water has a rusty tinge to it, something may be wrong with your pipes. If the water only looks rusty when it’s hot, your water heater could be to blame. Even with a liner and anode rod to help protect it from breakdown, your tank can still get rusty.
In some cases, we can simply flush out your water tank and replace the anode rod. But if the has lining deteriorated and your tank is rusting, then it’s time for a replacement. Rust cannot be repaired and once it starts, it can spread quickly.
Low Water Pressure
Your home should have even water pressure no matter what the temperature of the water is. If the cold water has strong pressure and the hot water doesn’t, your water heater may be to blame. Sometimes hard water leads to mineral buildup inside the water tank. Those minerals can block water flow in and out of your water heater.
It’s also possible that a valve is partially closed and blocking the water supply from being able to flow fully. Keep in mind that if water pressure is low for both cold and hot water, then your water tank may not be to blame. There may be a larger problem somewhere else in your home.
Water Isn’t Hot
You may think it’s normal to not have water that is as hot over time. Isn’t that just a cost of your aging water heater? Well, yes and no. There is a point that your water heater is beyond repair due to age and will need to be replaced. But the same minerals that block water flow can also block your heating elements from effectively heating water for your home. Flushing out your water tank can solve the problem quickly, but you may have to invest in annual maintenance to stay ahead of mineral buildup.
Smelly Water
If your hot water has an unusual smell, that’s a problem. Your anode rod could be faulty. Instead of attracting chemicals to keep them out of your water, it could be allowing contaminants to stay in your hot water. You can stay ahead of this problem by replacing your anode rod at least once every five years – sometimes sooner. Bacteria can also grow inside your tank and lead to smelly water. Either way, you need a professional to check it out.
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