Whether you’re washing lasagna residue off your dinner plates or relaxing in the shower, your water heater is a crucial part of your everyday routine. Therefore, when it starts to malfunction, you’ll need to find a solution as soon as possible. If you’re currently experiencing issues with your water heater, use the following list to learn how a plumber might handle it.

3 Signs You Need Water Heater Repairs

1. Leaks

After heating up, the appliance will reserve a certain amount of water in a tank. If this starts to leak, there will be little left for your cleaning needs.

Leaks from the bottom of the tank point to a malfunctioning heating element gasket or overflow pipe, while leaks from the top indicate loose inlet or outlet points. Luckily, most can be fixed with the installation of a new part.

However, if the leak is caused by a hole in the tank, you’ll need to have the entire unit replaced.

2. Temperature Issues

Just like your AC, your heater is controlled by a thermostat, which tells it how warm to keep the water in the tank. If you’re not getting enough hot water or none at all, the thermostat may be malfunctioning.

Your plumber may need to recalibrate or replace this part to get your water heater running properly. If the water is too hot, they can lower the setting on the thermostat to your desired level.

3. Rusting

Over time, your heater is subject to corrosion, due to the constant contact between the metal of the tank and the oxygen in water. To account for this, the heater has an anode ray, which is designed to take on all of the corrosion and leave the rest of the appliance rust-free. 

However, if you notice brown or murky water in your bathtub, your tank may have been overtaken by rust. In this case, your plumber might have to replace the anode rod or upgrade the entire tank.

Typically in Hawaii, water heaters last anywhere 6-12 years (solar lasts longer). Please provide make, model and serial number when you inquire with us!

If you’ve noticed any of these issues with your water heater, reach out to Plumbing Strategies of Kailua-Kona, HI. These trusted plumbers have over 50 years of combined experience and serve residential and commercial clients from Captain Cook to Waimea. To learn more about their services, visit the website. You can also call (808) 325-2502 to arrange for a complimentary consultation.