October 2, 2017
 | 
By Mark Paup

Your Water Heater Is Trying to Tell You It Needs Repairs!

Updated February 5, 2024

We’re approaching the time of year when we start to focus on heating systems in homes. But there is one heating system homes need to have working 365 days out of the year, and that’s the water heater. No matter the outdoor temperatures, you need hot water to bathe in, wash with, and cook with. Hot water cuts through oil and grease in a way that cold water can’t, which is one of the reasons hot water is essential for more than just keeping you from the discomfort of a freezing shower greeting you in the morning.

Because a water heater is used daily around the year, it undergoes immense amounts of strain. But because the water heater is constantly working in the background from day to day, people often take it for granted. They think hot water will always be there when it’s needed.

This isn’t the case, because a water heater works hard enough and often enough that it will need repairs on occasion. Paying close attention to possible signs you need water heater repair in Urbandale, IA is key to both preventing a system breakdown and helping the water heater enjoy a long service life.

How Your Water Heater Tells You It’s Repair Time

The most obvious warning that a water heater needs to be fixed is when you can’t get any hot water at all. But you can usually prevent this by watching for the early signs something is wrong and acting on them:

  • Rumbling from the tank: No, you don’t have to worry that your water heater is about to burst. That’s extremely unlikely. This rumbling sound shouldn’t be ignored, however. It can point to several problems, such as a broken dip tube causing hot and cold water to mix at the top of the tank, an increase in water pressure, or excess sediment along the bottom of the tank.
  • Leaks: The only place you should see water dripping from the tank is at the pressure relief valve. If you notice water pooling around the water heater tank, it means leaks, probably from a connection point. Never hesitate to call for repairs when you see this, as aside from damage to the water heater, it can also cause water damage and mold and mildew growth.
  • Drop in hot water volume: Is the water from your taps either not as hot as usual or the hot water running out sooner than before? This often means trouble with the burners (for a gas-powered water heater) or a burned-out heating element (for an electric water heater).
  • Rise in heating costs: The water heater accounts for the largest part of your monthly heating bills, so when those costs rise, and you can’t explain why you may have a water heater that needs repairs.

Our team is ready to assist you with any water heater repairs the moment you need them. We have emergency service available, so you won’t have to be without hot water for long.

If you want a Service Provider who will treat you and your home like their own, then call Golden Rule today. “We Obey the Rules to Live By!”

Contact Us Today for Plumbing Service!
 


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