Water Heater Repair Aurora CO can be costly. While simple maintenance may be affordable, frequent repair expenses can mean it’s time to invest in a new unit.

If your hot water smells strange or has a flavor reminiscent of rotten eggs, it could be caused by a broken anode rod. Anode rods, made of magnesium or aluminum, help protect the tank from rust and corrosion.

Water heaters are designed to provide your home with a steady hot water supply. If yours isn’t doing so, it’s time to call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. Often, the reason for the lack of hot water is obvious: a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse can keep your unit from turning on. However, if this doesn’t explain why your water isn’t hot, there may be another problem with your water heater.

If your water smells strange or looks discolored, it is usually a sign of rust in your home’s plumbing pipes. It can also indicate that your water heater tank is corroded or leaking. In either case, this smelly and discolored water can cause health problems, so you’ll need to contact a professional to solve the problem.

Leaks from the top of your tank typically stem from loose pipe connections. The good news is that these can be easily fixed by a plumber, who will either tighten the loose connections or replace them altogether. Leaks from the bottom of your tank are more serious and should be addressed immediately. They can lead to a water damage disaster if not handled quickly. A plumber will need to drain the tank, clean out sediment and replace the dip tube to fix this issue.

It’s important to have your water heater professionally cleaned annually to prevent buildup of rust and sediment that can increase energy bills, reduce efficiency and shorten the lifespan of your unit. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have your anode rod — sometimes called a sacrificial rod — replaced every three years, or sooner if the aluminum or magnesium is caked or eaten away.

If your water heater is making loud noises, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Loud noises from your water heater can be caused by rusted or worn-out components, or it could mean that the unit is overheating. If yours is old or rusty, it may need to be completely replaced, which requires the services of an expert plumber. Licensed plumbers and HVAC technicians are trained to safely perform more complex repairs on water heater units, such as replacing the heating element or gas burners, and installing new tanks.

Leaking Water

Leaking water is a significant household issue that can lead to water waste, rotting in the home, mold growth, wall and ceiling discoloration, sagging floors and roofs, high water bills, and other damages. Thankfully, the majority of leaks are minor and can be easily fixed. Detecting the problem early on is essential to minimize damage, save money and preserve our limited water supplies.

The easiest way to identify a leaking water heater is to check your water meter. If it shows a higher usage than usual, this is an indicator that your unit is in need of repair. Additionally, if you notice that your home’s water pressure is lower than usual, this could also indicate that your water heater is not functioning properly.

Another indication that your water heater is in need of repair is if you notice a hissing sound coming from the unit. This hissing noise is usually caused by rust or other sediment buildup, which can then be pushed out of the tank and into your home. Additionally, if you see random puddles of water around your home, this is a sign that there is a major problem with your unit that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Minimal damage leaks are typically more difficult to identify, but they can still cause a lot of harm if left unattended. These leaks are usually caused by a loose fitting or corrosion on the valves and other connections in your plumbing system. It is important to check your water meter frequently, especially in between visits from plumbers, to spot these problems early on.

A quick and easy test you can perform to determine whether or not your water heater has a leak is to place dye tablets or food coloring in the water. If the water turns color within 15 minutes, it is likely that the flapper valve is leaking. A worn flapper is the most common culprit, and can be quickly replaced. A broken gasket or other problem with your water tank can also lead to a leak.

Sediment Buildup

Sediment buildup can make it difficult for your water heater to function properly. It can also increase energy consumption and shorten your unit’s lifespan. Fortunately, it’s easy to prevent excess sediment accumulation with preventive measures. These include regular flushing, installing a water softener, and scheduling regular water heater repair and maintenance services.

A sediment layer blocks heat from reaching the bottom of your tank, reducing the amount of hot water you have available. It can also prevent gas burners from heating the water as efficiently. Sediment can also block valves and cause rust or other damage to the unit. This is why it’s so important to keep sediment levels under control.

Signs of excessive sediment include a lack of hot water or unusual sounds coming from the unit. If you hear rumbling or popping noises, it means that pockets of air trapped in the sediment are burning as it heats. It’s a clear indication that your water heater needs to be flushed.

The color of your water can also provide a warning sign that there’s sediment present in the system. If the water has a cloudy or murky appearance, or a metallic taste, you’ll want to call for a water heater repair.

When sediment builds up, it reduces the efficiency of your water heater, causing it to overheat and burn out. It can also corrode components like the pressure relief valve, inlet/outlet connections, and seals. This can lead to leaking and serious damage to your home’s property.

It’s easy to avoid this problem by performing a drain and flush on your unit at least once a year. Be sure to shut off the power and water supply before you begin. Connect a hose to the drainage valve and drain the water into a safe location, such as a bucket. This will help prevent the water from escaping the tank during the flushing process and possibly flooding your home. A water softener can also help prevent excessive sediment accumulation, especially if you live in an area with hard water.

Thermostat Issues

If you’re hearing popping or rumbling sounds during heating cycles, your water heater may have built up mineral deposits. These can cause the water to boil, creating the noise. To prevent this from happening, you should flush your tank regularly to remove these deposits. You should also clean the heating elements to avoid any cracking or popping that can occur as a result of these minerals.

If the temperature control settings are too high, your water heater can overheat and lead to a leaking valve. It’s possible that you simply need to lower the temperature, but if this doesn’t work, it’s likely that your thermostat is faulty. You can try replacing it, but this is a job for a professional.

When your water heater emits a rotten egg smell or is discolored, you’ll likely need to replace the anode rod. It’s a small part that’s fairly inexpensive, but it plays a major role in protecting your water quality. If you’re able to identify this problem yourself, you can try flushing the water heater or draining it to see if these steps solve your issue.

In gas water heaters, a leaking pressure relief valve can be a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately. You can try relighting the pilot light, but only do this if you’ve read and understand the safety manual that comes with your unit. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the thermocouple or gas control valve.

If your water heater can’t produce hot water, check that it is the right size for your home. If not, you’ll need to get it replaced with a larger model. If you don’t notice any problems with the electrical connections, check your breaker box to see if the breaker that is dedicated to your water heater has been flipped to the off position. If this is the case, flip it back to the on position. This will help you rule out a power outage as the source of your problems.