There’s nothing better than a nice, long shower after a hard day, but there’s nothing worse than freezing cold water when you least expect it.
When the hot water stops flowing, it’s a sure sign you need repairs. But do you need a plumber to fix it, or is it something you can handle yourself? Knowing when to call a professional can save you time, money, and frustration.
So, Do You Actually NEED a Plumber to Repair Your Water Heater?
We love the ambition it takes to roll up your sleeves, but water heaters aren’t always DIY-friendly. Both tank and tankless water heaters are complex systems with lots of intricate parts that aren’t always straightforward to troubleshoot.
Water heaters aren’t designed for guesswork. When problems develop with your water heater, we highly recommend tagging in someone who knows their way around these systems—like Morris-Jenkins!
A plumber from our team can get to the root of the problem and repair it without the trial-and-error DIY fixes often involve. Plus, they’ll make sure everything’s running properly before they leave.
The Most Common Water Heater Problems
Now that you know it’s best to leave water heater problems to the pros, what are some problems you should look out for? Some pesky water heater problems we’ve seen pop up time and time again include:
Lack of Warm Water
Can’t count on your water heater to actually heat your water? That’s one of the most obvious signs of a problem (and one of the fastest ways to ruin your day). Most likely, something’s up with the heating element or thermostat—or if it’s gas, maybe the pilot light is out. Either way, a water heater that isn’t creating warm water is a big deal.
Leaks
That drip, drip, drip coming from your water heater is doing more than just wasting water; it’s a clear sign something isn’t quite right. From a loose valve to a corroded tank, there’s no shortage of potential culprits. The good news? A plumber can pinpoint the problem and stop the drip before it turns into a flood.
High Energy Bills
Are your energy bills making you mumble, “There’s no way this is right”? There’s a good chance your water heater is the culprit. A water heater that’s struggling with its performance, usually because of sediment buildup or aging parts, can spike your energy costs fast. A professional tune-up or upgrade might be just what your water heater (and wallet!) needs.
Inconsistent Water Temperatures
Sometimes, your water is the perfect temperature. Other times, it just refuses to warm up at all. Sound familiar? You’re not alone—inconsistent water temps are a common sign something’s up with your water heater. It could be a faulty thermostat, a sediment-filled tank, or even an undersized unit struggling to keep up.
Rusty, Discolored Water
Yuck. Nobody wants to see discolored water come out of the tap. Whether it’s orange, brown, or an ugly combination of the two, it can indicate your water heater’s tank is starting to rust from the inside. Over time, this can lead to leaks or even a full system breakdown. Getting it inspected and repaired now can save you from bigger headaches later.
Preventing Future Trouble With Regular Maintenance
It’s best to go with the professionals for water heater services, and maintenance is no different!
Virtually all appliances run better with regular maintenance. We know it. You know it. But sometimes life gets busy, and it’s easy to overlook things like water heater maintenance.
Simple tasks like flushing the tank and inspecting outer components can make a big difference in how your system performs. Additional, more complicated maintenance from a professional plumber can go even further, making sure every part is working as it should.
Taking these steps can help extend the life of your water heater and prevent unexpected breakdowns. A little attention now can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run—and keep your hot water flowing like it should.
Need Water Heater Repairs in Charlotte? Trust the Pros! Give Morris-Jenkins a Call
Washing dishes, taking a shower, and doing laundry all require warm water. It’s non-negotiable, and being without it for any length of time is a major bummer.
That’s where Morris-Jenkins comes in. Our team of local, experienced plumbers is ready to get your water heater back in action quickly and reliably. Because when life needs hot water, you shouldn’t have to wait. Give us a call or schedule an appointment with us online today.
