Your home’s water heater is not likely to get much attention unless it is no longer delivering hot water. The unit sits out of the way, and you rarely even think about it as long as the hot water flows when you turn on a faucet or shower. Unfortunately, this oversight can lead to some costly problems due to a lack of proper care. Almost always, a water heater will provide an indication of an issue. And when you know what to watch for, you can get the professional assistance needed to avoid costly damage or the failure of your home’s water heater.
Smelly Hot Water
If you discover that your hot water now has an odd odor, there is a very good possibility that bacteria contaminate the water heater’s holding tank. If you are a DIY fan, this is a simple fix in most cases. The tank needs to be drained and then filled with a hydrogen peroxide and water solution to eliminate the bacteria. After about two hours of soaking, the solution can be drained, and the tank flushed with clean water before being refilled. If this does not eliminate the odor, call a professional to check the tank for damage or other issues. Once the odor is gone, be sure that your water heater is set over 120 degrees to ensure that it kills odor-causing bacteria.
A Noisy Water Heater
The most common reason for a noisy water heater is sediment build-up in the holding tank. The heating element is actually burning the sediment, and you hear the popping and crackling. Draining and flushing the tank will remove all the sediment and should eliminate the sound. If the noises continue, it is time to call in a pro to check the function of your heating element. It can also begin to make odd noises when it is wearing out. Replacing the heating element should end the sounds from your water heater.
A Leak
Unfortunately, there is no way to know your water heater leaks unless you take the time to do regular inspections. But this five or so minute investment could save you a significant amount of money. Leaks can occur in various locations, including the drain valve, pressure relief valve, in any of the piping or fittings, or even in the holding tank wall. Seeing a puddle on the floor or feeling the moisture from your wet sock is often how these leaks are located.
The good news is that a licensed plumber can repair almost all water heater leaks. Valves and fittings are easily replaced, and this repair costs only a fraction of the cost of a new water heater. The one problem that cannot be repaired is a leak in the wall of the water heater’s holding tank. Once the surface is compromised and begins to ooze water, a replacement is the only safe and reliable solution. There is no process to repair damage to the tank. And anyone who offers to try and make such a repair is creating the potential for a severe leak that could flood your home and result in someone getting burned by the leaking hot water.
In most cases, the tank damage is due to another small leak that allowed water to drip down the outside of the tank. If that leak had been located early, it could have been repaired to prevent the tank damage that ruined your home’s water heater.
If you discover an issue with your home’s water heater, call (706) 303-0987. The licensed plumbers at Drain Surgeon are here 24/7 to assist you with any plumbing issue.
