Signs You Should Contact a Plumber for Your Water Heater

When cared for properly, a water heater can last a decade or more. One of the most important ways to prolong the lifespan of your water heater is to schedule periodic maintenance checks with a seasoned plumber. In some cases though, symptoms indicate a sudden and potentially severe problem, so it’s not wise to wait until your next maintenance appointment to get advice.

If you’ve noticed the water in your home has taken on a brown hue, that’s not just a health concern and an unappealing problem. It could mean your water heater has corroded.

If the corrosion is not handled promptly, it could cause permanent problems. Only a plumber can determine if corrosion has occurred, and how extensive the damage is inside the water heater.

Wet surfaces near your water heater suggest there’s a leak that needs to be fixed. Some people make the costly mistake of just assuming if the leak is small enough, they can take a “wait and see” approach and only contact a plumber if the problem gets worse.

However, a leak of any size is cause for concern, and necessitates getting a professional evaluation. Usually, a leak is a visible sign an internal part of the water heater has failed.

When your water starts to have a strange smell or taste, contact a plumber immediately. Usually, a strange smell is a symptom of a corrosion problem. Similarly, if the water tastes weird, it could be due to the buildup of rust inside the water heater, which causes a metallic aftertaste. That buildup may mean it’s time for a repair, and you may have to get the whole water heater replaced.

Although all water heaters make some noises, you should get in touch with a plumber right away if your unit starts making uncharacteristic sounds. One of the most potentially dangerous situations happens if your water heater makes a gurgling noise.

That normally means the water inside the appliance is boiling, and that the heater needs to be turned off at once. If it continues to operate, the water heater may explode.

Perhaps the most obvious sign your water heater needs attention from a plumber is if you no longer have any hot water, or the water supply seems very limited. This issue not only makes it uncomfortable to bathe, but can complicate cooking too.

Although these are not the only reasons to call a plumber about your water heater, they are some of the most common scenarios. For more information about repairs and water heater replacement in Encinitas, click here.