When you step into the shower in the morning, you expect hot, steamy water to wake you up for the day. Cold water can be an unpleasant shock during the early hours of the morning.
A broken water heater is a major disruption for Portland homes. If this problem occurs, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling for emergency water heater repairs. We’ll also look at some of the most important red flags that mean you need professional help.
For help with a water heater repair in Portland, reach out to Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing right away.
2-Minute Water Heater Repair Safety Checklist
Before you call our plumbers in your area about no hot water in Portland, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot.
Electric Water Heaters
For electric water heaters, start by checking the circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker was tripped, you may be able to get your water heater working again by simply flipping the breaker switch.
Gas Water Heaters
If you have a gas heater, there are a couple of things you can do to troubleshoot and find out if the problem is related to the gas supply. However, you should never attempt to repair gas-related issues yourself. If you notice the smell of gas, you should turn off the gas supply and evacuate your home. Then, call your gas provider to turn off the supply to your house.
As long as you don’t smell gas, you can check whether the pilot light is lit. To do so safely, use the following steps.
- Turn off other lights as needed so that you can see the flame.
- Double-check to make sure the gas valve is on. If it is turned on, the lever will be parallel to the line.
- Find the pilot light. On older units, it is normally located behind a viewing window at the bottom of the unit.
- Look at the flame. It should be a consistent blue color. If the flame is yellow or flickers, call our plumbers for emergency water heater repair right away.
- When you have a water heater pilot light out, you should use the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. If it isn’t accessible or you don’t want to do this alone, our team can help.
Water Heater Thermostat
Before calling for water heater repair in Portland, check out your thermostat. Sometimes, family members will turn the water heater’s thermostat down without telling anyone. This can result in colder water temperatures, giving the impression that the unit is malfunctioning.
4 Signs You Need Emergency Water Heater Repair in Portland
Our team of plumbing experts has years of experience working on water heater repairs in Portland, Beaverton, and the surrounding areas. We’ve advised homeowners on all types of water heater repairs and replacements. In general, we recommend immediately calling for professional help if you experience any of the following red flags.
Sign #1: You See Water Pooling Around the Tank
If you notice water pooling around the tank or a damp basement, you need to call a plumber for water heater repairs right away. In addition to increasing your Portland Water Bureau bill, a leaking water heater tank can fail completely and flood your basement or crawlspace. To avoid major water damage, you need to find your shut-off valve and turn it off. You may also need to drain the tank to prevent the water from leaking into your home.
To turn off the gas to your gas water heater, look at the gas line leading to the tank. If your gas valve uses a lever handle, turn it so it’s perpendicular to the pipe to shut off the flow. For electric water heaters, turn the circuit breaker to the off position. Once the gas or electricity is off, find the cold water supply line. This is normally on the top of the tank. Turn it off.
Then, you can open up any of your home’s hot water faucets to relieve the pressure. Be careful because the water may still be hot or pressurized. Afterward, call our team for a professional water heater replacement.
Sign #2: Loud Popping, Banging, or Rumbling Noises
If you notice a water heater making noise, it is likely due to heavy sediment buildup. Over time, water leaves sediment behind in the tank. Normally, this sediment is removed when you flush your tank every 6 to 12 months.
When the sediment buildup is too much, it stresses the metal and can potentially cause a leak. It also makes the other water heater components work harder to achieve the same temperature because of its insulating effect around the heating element. As a result, high sediment levels can also increase your energy costs.
Sign #3: No Hot Water at All (After Checking Power/Gas)
If you don’t have any hot water at all, call our certified plumbers right away for emergency water heater services. This problem is likely related to a failed heating element, a faulty thermocouple, or a similar internal problem that should be repaired by a professional.
Sign #4: Rusty or Brown-Tinged Hot Water
Finally, you should call for professional repairs if you notice rusty or brown-colored hot water. This indicates that the inside of your water heater tank is starting to corrode. If it isn’t replaced soon, it could burst.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait To Call a Professional Plumber Near You
When you’re dealing with water heater repair issues, don’t delay getting help. A small leak can quickly turn into a major flood, resulting in thousands of dollars of water-related damage.
Additionally, there are significant safety concerns associated with water heater installations and repairs. Gas and electrical components can be incredibly dangerous to deal with on your own.
At the very least, a malfunctioning water heater should be repaired to maintain your energy efficiency. When water heaters start to fail, they end up working harder to reach the same temperature. As a result, you have to spend more on your utility bills until the repairs are completed.
Get 24/7 Water Heater Repair in Portland Today
Although resetting your breaker and checking the pilot light can be done on your own, serious issues should be dealt with by a professional. If you notice loud noises, total failure, or leaks, you need to schedule a professional water heater repair in Portland and nearby areas. Our team of experienced plumbers offers 24/7 emergency water heater repairs, so you can get help as soon as you notice a problem.
Call 971-435-7303 today for fast, same-day professional water heater repairs and replacements in Portland and the surrounding areas.
