In 2019, some of the most common home repairs were to the plumbing systems, with 27.94% of people reporting a repair. While some of these home repairs are inevitable, many of them can be prevented with regular home maintenance.
For example, regularly servicing your propane hot water heater can provide you with many benefits and can help you avoid unnecessary repairs.
Do you want to learn more about the most common repairs that require you to get your hot water heater serviced? Keep reading this guide for the top seven reasons you need water heater repairs.
1. Lack of Hot Water
One of the most common reasons you need to get your hot water heater repaired is if there is a lack of hot water. If you turn on the tap and there is no hot water at all, there may be a few different causes.
First, your pilot light may have gone out. This will keep the burner from igniting in your hot water heater, so re-lighting the pilot light will ensure that you always have enough hot water.
This issue may also be caused by a thermocouple malfunction. This issue will prevent gas from getting to the burner in your hot water heater. Getting your thermocouple replaced or repaired can fix this issue!
2. Water Discoloration
Many homeowners also need to get their hot water heaters repaired if the water coming from the heater is discolored. Instead of clear water, you may have black or rust-colored water coming out of your tap.
This can indicate an issue with the inner lining of your tank. Your tank may start to corrode if an anode rod starts to dissolve and fail.
A professional plumbing company can replace these old rods to keep your water clear.
3. Leaks
Leaks in your hot water heater are something that cannot be ignored. Whether this is due to a loose plumbing connection, overheating, or a faulty temperature and pressure relief valve, a leak in your hot water heater can lead to flooding and other serious issues.
Professional maintenance will make it easy to inspect for leaks and identify the cause of a leak in your water heater.
You can also replace your hot water heater with a tankless system to prevent leaks in the future.
4. Odd Noises
Another sign that your hot water heater needs to be maintained or repaired is if you hear odd noises coming from your water heater.
These noises are usually caused by sediment build-up in your hot water heater. Because water naturally contains minerals, these will often settle to the bottom of your hot water heater as the water is heated.
A plumbing company can fix this problem by flushing your hot water heater to remove the sediment.
5. Water That Is Too Hot
Not only can a faulty water heater cause a lack of hot water, but it can also lead to water that is too hot. This may be serious enough to burn you when you wash your hands or take a shower!
If your hot water heater heats up your water too much, it can be due to an issue with your thermostat, pressure relief valve, or your heating element.
While this could be an issue with your hot water heater, it could also simply require a temperature adjustment as the seasons change.
However, if your thermostat is set to the right temperature but still has water that is too hot, you may need to repair or replace the thermostat of your hot water heater.
6. The Water Takes Too Long to Heat
You may need to repair your hot water heater if it takes too long to heat the water in your home. If your hot water heater is completely out of hot water, it should only take about 30 or 40 minutes for the new water to be heated.
An electric hot water heater that takes a long time to heat the water may have a problem with the heating elements.
If you have a gas hot water heater, you may need to clean the burner or reset the gas pressure. If you do not have an efficient hot water heater, you may need to work with a professional plumbing company to get it serviced. Getting your system maintained regularly can ensure that you always have hot water in your water heater.
7. Pilot Light and Burner Issues
Finally, you may need to repair your hot water heater if there are issues with your pilot light or burner in your heater.
As was mentioned before, you may find that your hot water heater doesn’t heat the water if the pilot light goes out. While this can usually be fixed by re-lighting the pilot light, you may have issues with your pilot light going out consistently or a pilot light that won’t light.
You may also find that your burner goes out. This could be an issue with your thermocouple, vents, and more. A professional plumber can help you understand the root cause of your pilot light and burner issues.
Need Help Servicing Your Propane Hot Water Heater in Chester County, PA, and Northern, DE?
As a homeowner, regular propane hot water heater servicing is a necessary part of your annual home maintenance! It can help you with each of these common repairs and can help you save money.
If you are looking for the best propane hot water heater servicing in Pennsylvania and Northern Delaware, Kauffman Gas can help! We offer everything from propane delivery to installation, maintenance, and more.
Contact us today to learn about the importance of propane service for your hot water heater and to schedule a service.
