Turning on your water for your morning shower and discovering that there’s no hot water is not the best way to begin a day, but that doesn’t mean that it has to end in tragedy. There are certified professionals ready to put the “heating” back in your water heater repairs.
However, when a disaster occurs, who should you call? While a plumber is usually responsible for hot repairs, an electrician might be more suited depending on the cause of the problem.
We’ll help you understand who to contact when you need help getting your water heater up and running.
When Should You Call a Plumber?
A plumber is responsible for installing and maintaining pipes and fixtures, although they can be a jack of all trades in various situations. When something goes amiss with your water heater, this professional is most likely who you need to call.
Evaluate your water heater for the following symptoms:
- Strange noises coming from the water heater
- Rusty water coming from the heater
- Low water pressure
- Unheated water
- Leaky pipes
If any of these issues are present, a plumber’s advanced knowledge of water heater systems will ensure that your heater works sooner rather than later.
When to Call an Electrician
While plumbers can manage electric wiring and heating elements with their service knowledge, there are some occasions when calling an electrician is a better use of your time, predictably if the situation in some way relates to electricity.
Consider the following water heater issues:
- The water heater trips the circuit breaker
- The water heater is overheating
- There is a blown fuse
- There are visible loose wires
In these circumstances, the water heater may benefit from the more adept eye of an electrician as they indicate that something is wrong with the electrical system in your water heater.
The Necessity for Water Heater Repairs
Water heater repairs can be a significant headache, but it is vital to understand when to call your local serviceperson for help. Recognizing common issues with your water heater can help save you money on your energy bill; moreover, staying on top of your water heater maintenance can extend its lifespan.
Annual Maintenance
Investing in annual maintenance for your water heater is a wise decision to prevent it from breaking down suddenly or malfunctioning. Water heaters are downright dangerous when not properly maintained, so you should have yours flushed at least once a year. This process is essential to help prevent sediment buildup from hard water.
Not only does an unflushed water heater run more slowly, but it can lead to more extensive and expensive repairs down the line—potentially even prompting an earlier replacement. The T&P valve, responsible for regulating pressure in your water heater, can get blocked with the buildup of sediment, creating unsafe conditions in your water heater.
At the very least, you should flush your water heater once a year to prevent incurring higher bill costs, although it’s prudent to do it more frequently if you live in an area that gets a lot of hard water.
Leaks
Leaks in your home can be dangerous, spelling unsafe conditions in your water heater and damaging your floors. To help identify the source of the leak, contact a plumber immediately.
A leak on the tank’s main body is a serious safety concern and may require a replacement of the entire tank. On the other hand, a leak near the top or bottom may result from a damaged valve that a plumber can replace, potentially with a higher-quality material to prevent wear and tear in the future.
Exceptionally Hot Water
Hopefully, you’ll never have to experience the aftermath of a water heater’s thermostat going on the fritz. If the thermostat reads the wrong temperature, it can send incorrect instructions to the element, causing it to work harder and heating the water to absurd temperatures.
This exceptionally hot water can scald someone, causing painful burns. In addition, hot temperatures in your water tank can increase the pressure, making the water heater more dangerous.
A certified plumber can check your thermostat and rectify any issues with your sensors to ensure that the water heater is operating within comfortable parameters and not stressing out the elements to such a degree.
Poor Water Flow
If your water flow has decreased, it may result from a clogged pipe. You can consult the expert services of a plumber to check your piping to verify whether clogging is the issue or not and to clear out any clogs that may be problematic.
Poor Water Quality
If your water appears dirty or has an unpleasant odor, this may be the result of your water supply coming into contact with rust or other corrosion. A plumber can improve water quality by flushing the unit and replacing the anode rod. Doing so will make your water safe to drink again.
Which Professional Should You Call First?
If the problem in your home is vague or you’re having difficulty diagnosing what’s wrong with your water heater to give an accurate report to your repair person, call your local trusted plumber first.
A plumber is often versatile, with enough electrical knowledge that they may be able to solve your problem, even if it’s electrical. As plumbers are generally cheaper than electricians, making this call can save you a little money on repairs.
The Bottom Line
Your water heater is an integral part of your home comfort, and if there’s something wrong, you should contact your local plumber immediately. A malfunctioning water heater can not only reduce the flow of warm water but can also be downright dangerous.
It is also important to have a professional perform routine maintenance on the water heater, which can help maintain the unit for an extended period while identifying any potential issues before they become serious problems down the line. While this maintenance will incur initial costs, the amount it can save you down the line is invaluable, especially if it prevents the necessity of a unit replacement.
