Do You Need a Plumber for Water Heater Failure?

A malfunctioning hot water heater can significantly disrupt daily activities, underscoring the importance of a reliable hot water supply in our everyday lives.

Beverly Hills Plumbing recognises the urgency in diagnosing and addressing your hot water system issues quickly. With extensive experience in plumbing services for Beverly Hills residents and businesses, our expertise encompasses both hot water heater repair and maintenance.

In this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, we’ll walk you through the common signs of your hot water heater failure, steps you can take yourself to fix minor problems, and when it’s crucial to call in a professional Beverly Hills plumber for assistance.

This guide provides you with the knowledge to comprehend issues with hot water units, gauge their severity, and resolve them for a swift and secure restoration of your hot water supply.

From advice on regular maintenance that keeps your system running optimally, to emergency repairs when you’re without hot water, we’re here to get your water heating working again.

Common Signs Your Water Heater Is Failing

There are several common signs that indicate your water heater may be failing and in need of repair or replacement:

• Decreased hot water supply - A diminishing supply or quickly depleting hot water could indicate a problem with your water heater.
• Low water pressure - Reduced pressure from your hot water taps may point to a malfunctioning heating element.
• Leaking - Look for any puddles or drips around the leaking hot water heater, as leaks often develop from faults in the tank.
• Noisy operation - Clanging, rumbling or popping sounds coming from the unit point to internal problems.
• Rust coloured water - Rusty water when you first turn on the hot tap suggests corroded parts and tank failure.
• Pilot light issues - A frequently extinguishing pilot light on your gas heater suggests necessary repairs are needed.
• Cold water spots - Unexpected temperature drops may indicate depleting hot water due to issues with your water heater.
• Cold spots in water - Varying water temperatures could suggest your heater isn’t heating water consistently.

With regular maintenance, hot water gas units typically last ten years or more. If your unit is nearing that age range and exhibiting any of these signs of hot water problems, it likely needs professional service or replacement.

No Hot Water

If you find there no hot water running from your taps, there are a few quick checks to help determine the cause:

• Firstly, power off your electric hot water system, check functionality and confirm it’s switched on. Inspect for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.
• For your gas hot water heaters, verify the gas supply is turned on and inspect the pilot light. Relight it if needed.
• Figure out if there are leaks or signs of water damage around the unit. A hot water system leaking can cause water pressure loss.
• When troubleshooting your electric water heater, take care not to get shocked when inspecting electrical components.
• Check your temperature setting on your water heater to make sure it is not set too low.
• Sediment build-up in the storage tank can affect its ability to heat water efficiently. Drain and flush the tank annually.
• Should basic checks fail to restore hot water, contact a licensed plumber with electrical expertise. Complex electrical or gas problems demand professional skill.

While a malfunctioning hot water system may often be repairable, persistent issues can signal it’s time for a replacement. Plumbers can assess the need for a new hot water heater for your safety and convenience.

Leaking Water Tank

One of the most common and troublesome signs of water heater failure is a leak from the hot water tank. Catching and addressing a leak early is crucial, like checking the tempering valve, to prevent water damage and more severe issues down the line.

Start by checking out your water heater area for any puddles or drips that could indicate hot water issues. Also inspect beneath your hot water tank for moisture, as small leaks can run down the side before pooling on the floor.

Try to isolate the origin of the leak. Common sources include the temperature and pressure relief valve, drain valve, inlet and outlet pipes, and tank seams or welds that have corroded and begun to split. The location of the leak provides helpful clues for diagnosing problems.

Attempt to tighten fittings and pipe connections to stop leaking hot issues. Turn the water supply on and off and observe if the drips worsen or improve. This can indicate if supply pipes or tank components need repair.

For major leaks or when the source is unclear, switch off power water to the tankless water heater and supply immediately. Then call a professional plumber for service. Significant tank leaks often mean the entire unit needs replacing.

While minor leaks can sometimes be managed with vigilance and upkeep, extensive water heater damage requires expertise. Don’t hesitate to do call our team for assistance assessing and fixing any leaking tank issues.

Strange Noises

If your water heater is making strange noises like rumbling, popping, or banging sounds, A common culprit is mineral buildup in the tank, which professionals can fix by descaling. As the water is heated, mineral deposits like calcium and lime can accumulate. Over time, these deposits expand, which can cause loud noises as the tank operates.

To help reduce mineral buildup in your gas hot water system and prevent associated noises, it’s recommended to flush your water heater tank annually. You can undertake this maintenance yourself by following the steps outlined in your owner’s manual.

This involves draining the tank completely, then refilling it with fresh water. Flushing removes sediment so it can’t continue building up.

For ongoing rumbling or popping noises, consider a comprehensive descaling service by a skilled plumber. We use specialised equipment to dissolve mineral deposits and ensure the interior tank walls are smooth, eliminating surfaces where deposits cling.

Unusual noises coming from your water heater always warrant investigation. Catching small problems early in your house can mean less disruptive repairs down the road. Our team of hot water plumbing experts can inspect the cause and recommend solutions to stop concerning sounds.

Rusty or Discolored Water

If you notice rust-coloured or brownish water coming out of your hot water taps, this is often an indication that the interior of your water heater’s tank is corroding. Rusty water is usually a sign that your water heater’s anode rod needs to be replaced.

The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod inside the tank that attracts corrosion instead of letting it damage the tank itself. However, the rod progressively corrodes over time and eventually needs replacement, typically after more than 4-5 years.

It’s strongly advised to replace the water heater’s anode rod, a repair that helps prevent rust and prolongs tank life. Our experienced plumbers can inspect your unit and confirm if the anode rod needs heater service.

In some cases, rusty water may also be caused by incoming water with high iron content if you are on well water supply. A water softener can help reduce this type of staining and discoloration.

If you observe rust or discoloured water from your taps, promptly reach out to a plumber. Our team can troubleshoot the cause and recommend the right solutions, giving you peace mind.

Inconsistent Water Temperature

Variable water temperatures in your home can often be traced back to malfunctioning thermostats or thermocouples within the water heater.

The thermostat governs water temperature within the tank by managing the heating element’s power.

A miscalibrated or excessively high thermostat setting can lead to overheating, while the thermocouple checks the pilot light on gas water heaters. Problems here can also lead to temperature inconsistencies.

DIY approaches for resolving thermostat issues include verifying temperature settings, assessing wiring continuity, and replacing the thermostat when necessary. Addressing thermocouple problems might involve cleaning or replacing the pilot assembly.

Pipe insulation can aid in maintaining stable temperatures and reducing heat loss as hot water is delivered to fixtures. Our plumbers are also happy to provide hot water service to inspect your system and identify any causes of temperature fluctuations.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While you can resolve some water heater problems through DIY methods, some situations call for professional plumbing expertise:

• Consult a professional if your gas water heater has a defective valve, inconsistent pilot light, or suspected gas leak, as these issues pose significant safety risks and require an expert’s attention.
• The water heater requires significant repairs like pipe replacements or tank welding - advanced technical skills are needed to properly service complex mechanical issues.
• Electrical issues with the thermostat, heating elements or wiring necessitate specialised knowledge to safely manage the risk of shock or fire.
• A substantial leak from the water tank usually signifies a requirement for a full replacement and immediate area containment.
• You flushed the tank or performed basic troubleshooting but the problems persist - when DIY efforts aren’t working, bringing in an expert often solves the tricky issue.
• Your unit is over 10 years old - once water heaters pass their typical lifespan, underlying issues begin compounding and full replacement is usually warranted.

The skilled plumbing team at Beverly Hills Plumbing is always at the ready to assist with persistent water heater issues. Don’t hesitate to call 1300 349 338 or email [email protected] - we’re here to get your hot water running smoothly again.

DIY Troubleshooting Tips

When your hot water system issues arise, there are a few DIY troubleshooting steps you can try before calling a professional:

• Inspect the thermostat and reset if necessary to confirm proper operation. Power cycling may resolve issues with stuck parts.
• Release trapped air by opening the pressure relief valve, facilitating correct water flow, and continue until all air is expelled.
• Inspect electrical connections on electric hot water systems, taking safety precautions. Tighten any loose wiring.
• Drain and flush the water your tank annually to remove sediment buildup.
• Make sure all gas and water valves are fully open.
• Adjusting temperature settings higher may resolve tepid water issues.
• If issues remain after initial troubleshooting, consider seeking professional support, likely from a licensed plumber.

Regular Maintenance To Prevent Failures

Regular maintenance of your water heater can prevent breakdowns and extend its lifespan. Annual water heater upkeep should include straightforward tasks like tank flushing and anode rod inspection.

Routine flushing of a heat pump tank removes sediment and mineral accumulation, which reduces the risk of overheating and operational failure. To remove debris, fully drain the tank and then refill it with clean water. Replacing the anode rod every 3-5 years helps protect the inner tank from corrosion that causes leaks.

Also check pipe and hose connections for signs of wear that could lead to leaks. Keep the outside of your water heater clear of dust and debris that may affect operation. Following this straightforward annual maintenance will enhance performance and reduce the need for repairs down the line.

Is it Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

Considering water heaters typically last 8-12 years, monitoring their condition is important. Consider the age, maintenance history, and overall performance of your existing unit. Upgrading your water heater before major faults prevent unplanned hot water outages.

If your unit is nearing or past this age range, replacement may be the best option even if issues aren’t apparent yet. An old, inefficient heater can increase utility bills and repair costs compared to the investment in a new, high-efficiency model. Our team can inform you more about your solar hot water options and advise whether replacement makes sense based on factors like energy efficiency, costs, and your household’s hot water needs.

Conclusion

Having access to ample hot water is a modern essential we often take for granted, until suddenly it’s not there. While some water heater issues can potentially be DIY fixes, it’s important to involve a professional plumber when problems persist or safety is a concern.

At Beverly Hills Plumbing, our qualified technicians have the expertise to troubleshoot any issue with your water system. We use advanced diagnostics to identify problems your water heater may have, repairing or replacing parts as needed to restore full hot water supply. If your heater requires hot water installation, we provide reliable recommendations on energy-efficient models.

Don’t tolerate the disruption of an unreliable water heating system. For prompt repairs, maintenance, or upgrades, give us a ring and trust the knowledgeable Beverly Hills plumbing team. Call 1300 349 338 or email [email protected] - we’re available 24 hours day 7 days a week to evaluate your situation and ensure your household enjoys endless hot water once again.