Water Heater Repair Tips
Water heaters are amongst the most important systems of any home considering that we all need running hot water no matter the season or outside temperature. Sadly, many people take water heaters for granted. Considering that these systems work 365-days a year, it goes without saying that they undergo a lot of stress. It is, therefore, expected that a water heater, will at some point, malfunction or break down. When that happens, seeking water heater repair services is advisable for continued hot water supply.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair
When your water heater isn’t performing as it should or is not working at all, it is time to call a specialist. But what are some of the signs that your water heater requires repair? Here are some tell-tale signs to look out for.
A Decrease in Hot Water Volume
If water from your shower and taps suddenly becomes lukewarm, despite having cranked up the heater, it could be a sign that your water heater is not working as it should and is probably losing its heating power. This should tell you that it either requires repair or replacement.
Rumbling Sounds
If you notice any rumbling sounds from your water tank, it’s probably time to call a water heater repair specialist. These sounds could be a sign that the dip tube is broken, or there’s a lot of pressure within the tank, or there’s sediment along the tank’s bottom, or the expansion tank is broken. Signs that will require someone with the expertise to look into.
Corrosion
Water heating systems are designed to be virtually corrosion-resistant – as long as they receive maintenance regularly. If you see any signs of corrosion on your water heater, it could help to have the corroded part replaced. At the same time, it is important that you have it checked to know the cause of corrosion. However, corrosion is one of the main signs that it is time to replace the heater.
Other signs that your water heater needs repair include:
- Water discoloration
- Water Leaks
- Water gets too hot
- Your water has an off or bad smell
- The drain valve can no longer drain water
Hiring A Water Heater Repair Specialist
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable that you do not try to resolve the issue on your own. The best thing to do would be to call in a specialist to check your system as soon as possible.
However, with so many service providers in the market, finding and hiring the right people for the job can be a bit tricky. To help ease things for you, here is a look at some of the factors to consider when looking for a water heater repair specialist.
Experience
When having a water heater problem, the most important thing is that it gets resolved as soon as possible. For the quality, lasting and professional solutions, it is advisable that you hire an experienced water heater repair specialist. The more experience the heater specialist has, the better suited for the job he is.
Take the time to consider the amount of time the company has been in the business. A company that’s served for more than several years will definitely have a proven track record of offering quality solutions.
References
If the water heater specialist you are considering has a proven track record and years of experience, he or she should not have a problem providing you a list of reliable references. If the so-called professional will not or cannot provide you some references, look elsewhere. Through referrals, you get to know what past customers have to say about the provider’s services – allowing you to gauge his or her work.
Cost of Service
Though heater repair services are a top priority in time of need, it’s still important that you take the time to consider the cost of having the repairs done. Therefore, before hiring anyone, it is advisable that you take the time to request service estimates from the top two service providers you are considering for comparison purposes. Through estimates, you can identify a heater repair specialist that’s not only dependable but also affordable.
However, it is crucial that you do not let specialists quote a price without first taking a look at the repair since such estimates tend to be inaccurate. Also, find out if the estimate the water heater repair specialist gives you includes the cost of materials, labor, and other things.