Water Heater
Repair Services

Signs You Need Water Heater Repairs

The most obvious indicator that you need water heater repairs is a loss of hot water, but there are other signs—both common and less obvious—that your system may be struggling. Catching these warning signs early can save you from unexpected breakdowns and costly replacements. While inconsistent temperatures and leaks are well-known issues, some lesser-explored indicators may not be as obvious but still warrant immediate attention.

Some signs that you might need water heater repairs include:

• Unusual noises: Popping or rumbling sounds often signal sediment buildup in the tank, which can affect heating efficiency and lead to long-term damage.
• Higher energy bills: An unexplained increase in your energy bills may mean your water heater is working harder than it should, possibly due to worn-out components or sediment reducing efficiency.
• Foul odors: If your hot water smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, bacterial growth in the tank could be the culprit, especially if you use well water.

Do You Need Immediate Water Heater Replacement?

Some water heater repairs don’t require immediate attention; for example, if your heater has a small, manageable leak or minor temperature fluctuation, you might not need to rush to replace it. However, consistent issues like rusty water, strange noises, or persistent leaks require immediate attention.

In the case of rusty water, corrosion can spread, potentially leading to tank failure. If you have persistent leaks, ignoring them could result in water damage to surrounding areas. Noises typically come from sediment buildup—if you don’t address them soon, your tank can overheat and wear out faster.

Here are a few other indications of urgent issues:

• No hot water production: A complete lack of hot water can mean a failing heating element or other critical component.
• Age of the heater: Units over 10 years (though this can vary depending on type) that experience consistent issues are both less efficient and more likely to break down.
• Visible rust on the tank: External rust suggests extensive internal corrosion, increasing the risk of leaks.

Can You Replace Certain Water Heater Parts Rather Than the Whole Thing?

We can often replace specific water heater parts rather than the entire unit, depending on the issue. Common replaceable parts include the heating elements, thermostat, and anode rod, which can be swapped out if they’re worn or malfunctioning.

Diagnosing the problem accurately is key to deciding whether part replacement is enough. During an inspection, we can identify if the issue is isolated to one part or if multiple components are failing, which may suggest the need for a new unit.

Lubbock A-1 Plumbing, LLC: Full-Service Water Heater Solutions

We’re the full-service water heater specialists. We can repair virtually any type of water tank, heater, or boiler. Whether it’s an electric tank, a gas heater, or a tankless water heater, we have the expertise to service it.

We can help with:

We draw from our many years of experience as well as our extensive training to give you excellent work, every time. After the assessment is completed, we’ll return to repair your water tank, checking in with you beforehand to ensure we’re on the same page. We’ll follow our step-by-step process to ensure every detail is fully taken care of. And of course, we’ll clean up afterward. For us, there’s just no other way to get the job done.

Why Is Your Water Heater Leaking?

One common reason for water heater leaks is a failing temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve. This valve releases excess pressure to prevent overheating, but if it’s defective or under too much strain, it may leak. Replacing the T&P valve or addressing the temperature settings can often solve the problem.

Another cause could be loose or corroded connections around the inlet and outlet pipes. Over time, these connections can weaken, causing water to escape. Tightening these fittings or replacing corroded pipes is a typical solution, helping to restore a secure seal and prevent further leakage.

Internal tank corrosion can cause leaks, particularly if the anode rod, which protects the tank from rust, is worn out. Replacing the anode rod may prevent additional corrosion, but if the tank itself is already compromised, a full replacement may be the best long-term solution.

Should You Turn Off Your Water Heater After Discovering a Leak?

You should turn off your water heater immediately after discovering a leak. Continuing to operate a leaking water heater can cause further damage to the unit and surrounding areas, increasing repair costs and creating potential safety hazards. A leak may indicate anything from a minor issue, such as a loose connection, to a significant problem, like a cracked tank or failing pressure relief valve.

How To Turn Off the Water Heater

To turn off your water heater, first shut off the heater’s power supply. For electric water heaters, you will have to switch off the circuit breaker. As for gas models, you’ll have to turn the gas control valve to the "off" position. The valve usually has an arrow pointing towards the “off” direction.

Next, shut off the water supply to the heater by closing the valve located on the cold water inlet pipe. Taking these steps minimizes water damage and prevents overheating while you assess the situation or wait for a professional plumber to address the issue.

Why Is Your Water Heater Drain Valve Clogged?

A common reason for a clogged water heater drain valve is sediment buildup inside the tank. Over time, minerals and debris settle at the bottom, blocking the drain valve and making it hard to flush the tank. This inhibits effective maintenance, and buildup continues to reduce your heater’s efficiency.

Another cause could be faulty or deteriorated valve components. If the valve itself is old or damaged, it may trap sediment around its openings, blocking the flow needed to flush the tank. In these cases, replacing the valve can restore proper drainage.

Why Is Your Hot Water Making Loud Noises?

Loud noises coming from your hot water system, such as popping, banging, or rumbling sounds, are often caused by sediment buildup in the water heater tank. Over time, minerals and debris in your water supply can settle at the bottom of the tank. When the water is heated, the sediment traps water underneath it, causing it to overheat and produce steam bubbles. These bubbles eventually escape, creating the popping or rumbling noises you hear. This issue is particularly common in areas with hard water, where mineral content is higher.

Another common cause of loud noises is a malfunctioning heating element or excessive pressure within the system. If the heating element is damaged or covered in scale, it can create unusual sounds when heating the water. Similarly, high pressure due to a faulty pressure relief valve or incorrect thermostat settings can cause banging noises as the system struggles to regulate itself.

Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank and checking the system components, can prevent these issues and ensure your hot water system operates quietly and efficiently.

Will You Have Access to Water During Hot Water Tank Flushing?

You will still have access to cold water when you flush your hot water tank, but you won’t have access to hot water until the process is complete. Flushing the tank involves draining the hot water heater to remove sediment buildup, which means the tank needs to be emptied. During this time, the system will not heat water, so hot water will be temporarily unavailable. Your cold water supply remains unaffected because the water heater operates separately from the main cold water line.

Once we’ve finished the flushing process and the tank is refilled and reheated, you’ll regain full access to hot water. It’s a good idea to plan the flushing during a time when you don’t need hot water to minimize inconvenience.

What’s Involved in Replacing a Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve?

Replacing a water heater pressure relief valve is sometimes necessary when the valve becomes worn, leaks, or fails to release pressure properly. This valve is a safety feature that prevents excessive pressure from building up in the tank, which could otherwise cause damage or even lead to tank failure.

To replace this component, we first turn off the power and water supply to the heater. We then drain the valve, unscrew it, remove it from the tank, install a new pressure relief valve, and secure the connections to prevent any leaks.

It’s important to note that replacement isn’t always necessary; the issue could be due to other confounding factors, like temperature fluctuations. We can check other possibilities first to avoid any unnecessary replacement.

Why Does Your Water Heater Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

A rotten egg smell in your water heater typically comes from sulfur bacteria reacting with the heater’s anode rod. This rod, usually made of magnesium, protects the tank from corrosion but can create hydrogen gas when it reacts with sulfur in the water, leading to that distinct smell.

This odor is more common in homes with well water or water high in sulfur content, as these conditions encourage bacteria growth. The presence of this smell suggests the bacteria are thriving in the tank, affecting water quality and potentially causing corrosion over time.

Addressing this issue depends on the cause. Switching the anode rod to one made of aluminum or zinc can help reduce the reaction. For persistent odors, flushing the tank and treating the water with hydrogen peroxide or chlorine may be necessary to kill bacteria and neutralize the smell.