Water Heater Suddenly Not Working? 4 Reasons Why
While water heaters are now built to last longer, if yours starts acting up, this can cause a massive headache in your day, preventing you from completing important tasks. Fortunately, you can set your worry aside because the team at Central Texas Plumbing is here to help, and our article lists four common reasons why that unit may not be working and a few signs when it might be time for a replacement.
1. You Have a Leak
Leaks are one of the biggest contributors to faulty water heaters, so check around the unit for any signs of moisture or water. If you find any, it could be coming from three different places:
- The tank
- The drain valve
- Pressure relief valve
Leaks can mean a much larger issue is happening, so it's not recommended to DIY; instead, turn the power off to the unit and call a professional for an inspection.
2. The Temperature Pressure Valve Is Broken
As water heats inside the unit, it will expand, and the temperature pressure valve is in place to release it if the pressure is too high. If this valve is not turning off once the unit hits the set temperature, this will cause the water heater to shut down.
Start by checking for dampness under the discharge line and turn the unit temperature down. If these steps don't resolve it, contact an expert.
3. You Hear Strange Noises
Your water heater should make some noise from the normal contraction and expansion of water heating. However, you might be up against scaling inside the tank if you hear popping, banging, and rumbling.
In this case, completely flushing the tank can be helpful, but we recommend calling an expert if this doesn't stop the noise.
4. Smelly or Discolored Water
The last thing you want to deal with is smelly and discolored water, and most commonly, these are caused by corrosion inside the tank or bacteria build-up, particularly if you are on a well. While flushing the tank might work, the discolored water might mean a broken anode rod, which will need to be replaced.
How to Tell When You Need a New Water Heater
While regular maintenance and repair can be helpful, sometimes it's not enough, so here are a few ways to tell if you need to replace your unit.
The Unit Is Past It's Prime
Every part of your home has an expiration date; most commonly, your water heater will last around ten years. If you don't know its age, check the serial number, which is generally found on top of the unit, or check with the manufacturer's website.
The Repair Bills Are Getting More Frequent
A simple repair will usually help resolve the situation, but if your unit needs ongoing repair, consider replacing it instead of continuing to spend money trying to keep it running.
The Water Temperature Isn't Consistent
Hot water is a luxury, and until it's unavailable, people don't think much about it. If you're finding that the hot water doesn't last as long, it's not as hot, or there is no hot water at all, chances are, it's time to call for a replacement.
Expert Water Heater Repair & Replacement in Liberty Hill
Having access to hot water is critical to keeping your household functioning correctly. Dealing with a broken water heater doesn't have to be a frustrating experience because the experts at Central Texas Plumbing are here to help! Our residential and commercial plumbing services have been a trusted source in Liberty Hill for over 30 years, and we offer 24/7 emergency support, so you never have to worry.
If you need to schedule an appointment or have any questions, call our office at 512-948-9052 or reach out to us online, and one of our team members will get back to you shortly.