December 23, 2013


hot water faucet

We all have the expectation – turn the knob with the H and hot water comes out like magic.

You probably do not pay much attention to your water heater until it suddenly stops working. How your home’s water is heated is an integral part of its heating and cooling system. If you are experiencing issues with it you should call your local HVAC company to come to take a look at it.

A Lack of Hot Water

The first and most obvious sign of trouble with your water heater is a lack of hot water. No one in Missouri wants to be subjected to a cold shower in January. It could be something simple, like a blown pilot light, or it could be an indicator of something more serious requiring replacement parts. In either event, an HVAC expert will quickly identify the issue and repair it.

The Color of the Water

If you are suddenly noticing that your water has a slight reddish-brown tint, then rust has begun to collect on the inside walls of the tank. The anode rod inside the tank most likely needs to be replaced. The system may also need to be flushed to help remove any leftover rust particles from the pipes.

The Smell of the Water

Worse than a cold shower is when the water smells like rotting eggs. This happens when bacteria begins to grow inside of the tank. Fixing this problem also requires the system to be flushed as well as treated. This is not an issue that you want recurring frequently, so it is recommended that you have an HVAC technician do the work for you. He may find that in your case replacing the anode rod with a zinc alloy rod is a better option for your water heater.

Sediment and Pressure In the Tank

If you live in an area where the water contains high amounts of sediment it may build up on the bottom of the tank. The water may actually boil causing you to hear unfamiliar sounds like whining or popping coming out of the tank. An HVAC company will check the condition of the water and add softening agents if necessary. Again the tank will have to be emptied and the system cleaned and flushed.

Too much pressure may cause leakage in the hot water system. If it is coming from the relief valve, then most likely the temperature just needs to be adjusted to a lower one. Or you may need to replace the valve. Leaks from under the tank usually indicate a hole, and the entire thing will have to be replaced by an HVAC technician.

The importance of routine maintenance checks and an ongoing relationship with a reliable HVAC company cannot be stressed enough. When you are dealing with such an important part of your home, you want to be sure that your priority is to keep all of its components running properly at all times. Having to replace any part of the heating or cooling system is not only costly, but it is also inconvenient. No family wants to be left without hot water for even a short period of time. Contact Scott-Lee Heating Company at (314) 200-0788 to resolve the issue quickly before it gets out of control.