What’s Wrong with My Water? You Need Water Heater Repair

When you turn on the hot water tap and something seems off—whether it’s the smell, the color, or the temperature—it could mean you need professional water heater repair in Blythewood, SC. A reliable hot water supply is essential for everyday comfort, and your water heater should be working quietly in the background without calling attention to itself. But when it starts making noise or sending out rusty or smelly water, it’s time to take action.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair

• 1. Discolored Water: If your hot water is coming out brown, rusty, or cloudy, this could point to sediment buildup inside the tank or corrosion of the internal lining or anode rod. While discolored water might occasionally be due to plumbing or municipal issues, consistently rusty or murky water from the hot side is a clear signal that your water heater may be deteriorating internally.
• 2. Foul Odors: A strong, rotten egg smell coming from your hot water often indicates bacterial growth inside the tank. This commonly occurs when the anode rod inside the heater becomes ineffective. While flushing the tank may help, this issue typically requires a professional plumber to inspect and replace components as needed.
• 3. Low Hot Water Pressure: When your hot water pressure drops noticeably, sediment buildup may be to blame. Over time, minerals in the water can collect inside the tank or clog pipes, restricting water flow. A plumber can flush out the sediment or repair pipe issues to restore proper pressure.
• 4. Inconsistent or Insufficient Heat: Is your hot water lukewarm at best—or gone altogether? Heating element failure, thermostat issues, or sediment layering over the elements can all reduce your water heater’s ability to deliver hot water. This problem is especially common in older units or ones that haven’t been regularly maintained.
• 5. Strange Noises: Popping, banging, or rumbling sounds coming from your water heater aren’t normal. These noises typically occur when sediment at the bottom of the tank hardens and interacts with the heating element, causing overheating and inefficiency. If left unchecked, it can lead to more serious tank damage.

Prevention: Routine Maintenance Matters

Many of these repair needs could have been prevented with regular water heater maintenance. Annual professional inspections and flushes help remove sediment buildup, test the pressure relief valve, check the anode rod, and ensure all components are operating safely and efficiently. Regular maintenance not only keeps your water cleaner and safer but also extends the lifespan of your unit and reduces the chances of expensive emergency repairs.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you’re noticing strange smells, discolored water, or hot water that runs cold far too quickly, don’t wait. Call us and have a licensed plumber come to evaluate your system. Prompt repairs can prevent small issues from becoming major headaches—and restore your comfort faster.

Keep your hot water running clean, efficient, and reliable. Schedule water heater repair or maintenance today and enjoy peace of mind with every shower, dish, and laundry cycle.

Contact Fulmer Heating & Cooling today for an HVAC expert in Columbia, SC!