There are a few telltale signs that it may be time for water heater repair, including lack of hot water, leaking, and unusual smells or discolorations. Professional plumbers are easily capable of diagnosing and fixing these problems.
Rumbling sounds from your tank are likely due to sediment accumulation. To combat this issue, simply drain and flush your tank regularly.
Leaking Water
A plumbing leak can do considerable damage to your home. It encourages mold and mildew growth, impairs water quality and leads to costly repairs – but there are simple strategies for preventing such occurrences from ever happening in the first place. You can read more about health issues associated with mold growth by clicking the link.
Puddles or pools of water around fixtures or appliances are an obvious sign of leakage, signaling that water isn’t being sealed properly and that there’s pressure build-up. A leak could also result from worn-out pipe seals or corrosion.
As soon as a leak is identified, it’s vitally important to quickly shut off the water by finding and shutting off your main valve. Any outlets impacted by water flow must also be turned off immediately, using towels or buckets if possible to collect any runoff and drain any affected pipes.
Unusual Smells or Discoloration
Noticing smelly or discolored water could indicate that something is amiss with your plumbing system. These should serve as warning signals that it would be wise to seek professional assistance from a plumber immediately. Look for reputable local companies like Beastbay Plumbing who can address multiple plumbing issues. Reading online reviews can help you find companies that suit your requirements.
Pace Plumbing Inc
1828 E TRENT AVE Spokane, WA 99202
(509) 489-0824
https://pace-plumbing com/Smelling of rotten egg or sewage may indicate hydrogen sulfide gas in your water source, which could be caused by sulfur bacteria found in drains, wells or plumbing systems; or chemical reactions within tanks or pipes.
Yellow or rust-colored water usually indicates that your plumbing system has become compromised and is dispensing rust particles into your household water supply.
It could also mean that your utility provider is flushing their lines in order to flush away stagnant spots in order to clear them out. You can click the link: https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/Is-food-in-rusted-cans-safe-to-eat to learn more about health risks from rust.
Draining the Tank
Water heater tanks must be drained at least twice annually to eliminate sediment build-up and increase longevity, but many neglect this important maintenance task.
Unless your tank is regularly drained, it could eventually rust out and leak into your plumbing system, potentially contaminating drinking water for you and your family with hazardous contaminants that pose health threats.
To drain your tank, open a hot water tap near you and shut off both top and bottom valves of your water heater. Next, connect a standard garden hose to these valves; place its other end into an indoor floor drain or outdoor space where water drains safely away.
Next, open drain and pressure relief valves on your water heater then open a nearby hot water tap to relieve systemic pressure before closing all these valves when all water has drained out of the tank.
Dip Tube
A dip tube is an integral component of your hot water system. It transports cold water directly from the bottom of the tank to its burner at the base and reduces sediment build-up; but an inoperable or damaged dip tube could leave your home without hot water supply.
As it is composed of plastic, dip tubes are highly susceptible to corrosion from hard water minerals that attack their plastic construction, dramatically shortening their lifespan in as little as two years.
Replacing a dip tube can be accomplished fairly easily; however, before beginning you will need to drain and disconnect your water heater as well as power.
Pressure Valve
A pressure relief valve (PRV) is installed in water heaters to release excess hot water if internal temperatures or pressures surpass safe thresholds, providing an important safety measure that could otherwise result in an explosion. When activated, the PRV releases excess hot water through its discharge tube into an adjacent discharge pipe for safe disposal – thus helping prevent an explosion occurring from within.
The pressure valve is often attached directly to the top of a tank with welding, then secured into place via threaded inlets on its underside – making replacement or removal challenging.
An efficient pressure valve will promote plumbing safety, protect appliances from damage and comply with building codes. Regular inspection, testing and flushing will help the valve continue to function effectively and smoothly.