WATER HEATER ACTING UP? 5 SIGNS YOU NEED REPAIRS

A common problem with water heaters is that they start becoming noisy. The noise is similar to a loud bang, and the noise comes from the tank at what seems like random intervals. The heating element gets the water hot underneath the sediment, which causes the water to boil. The boiling water causes the banging sound as pockets of air escape from under the sediment. The problem can be fixed by draining the tank of all of the sediment. It will involve connecting a hose to the water outlet at the bottom of the tank and flushing all of the debris out of it. Removing the sediment should resolve the noise issue that you are experiencing, but won't prevent the problem from coming back.

Consider having a water filtration system installed on the cold water line going into the water heater. This filter will help keep the tank free of sediment over the years.

Have you noticed an odd odor coming from your faucet when you use the hot water? This problem is caused by bacteria in the tank. While this problem can occur if you use a municipal water source, it is more likely to happen if you use well water.

Thankfully, hydrogen peroxide can be used to eliminate bacteria. You can hire a plumber to flush the tank for you to ensure that the bacteria is gone, as well as ensure that the water is safe for drinking afterwards. The process involves adding 1-2 pints of hydrogen peroxide, letting the chemicals sit in the tank for a while, and then flushing out the water.

Brown water is not an indication that you have sewage in your water. The color is most likely caused by rust that has formed on the inside of the tank. Rust formation indicates that the hot water tank's anode rod has deteriorated and the water is now causing the inside walls of the tank to rust.

The anode rod is a sacrificial object that is designed to rust before other parts of the tank. Once the rod has deteriorated, it will need to be replaced. The cost to replace an anode rod will be small in comparison to buying a whole new tank, so it is worth having the repair done by your plumber.

There are two ways that water could be leaking from your hot water tank. If the leak is caused by rust that has gone through the entire tank, then the tank will need to be replaced. You cannot fix this type of damage, and it is not worth the risk of having the tank empty onto your floor. However, you can repair problems with loose valves that are leaking water. It will be as simple as replacing the old valve with a new one or tightening a connection.

Rust can form on the outside of your hot water tank. This type of rust is not that bad, since you can catch it early and prevent it from getting through the tank. It can form due to leaking valves or even condensation. Make sure that you remove the rust and treat it with a rust removal product to prevent the damage from spreading.

Can't determine if the water heater problem you're experiencing can be repaired? Art Douglas Plumbing Inc. can help tell you what is wrong with your tank.