It is important for all homeowners to know when they should start calling around for water heater repair work. The last thing you want is to find yourself stuck with ice-cold showers for any longer than necessary. To help prevent such issues, you will want to call for a plumber if you experience the following problems with your water heater: 

The Water Is Brown  

You want to avoid bathing in or drinking brown water that comes through the house. Before calling a plumber, you will want to call to see if there was a water main break nearby, as that would explain the brown water. That issue will resolve itself. However, if that's not the problem, it could be that there's rust getting inside the water heater. The plumber can figure out why that is happening and how the issue needs to be addressed.

The Water Heater Is Leaking

When it comes to water leaking from a water heater, the location of the leak will determine whether the unit can be repaired or if it has to be replaced. For example, if there is a hole opening up along the bottom of the tank, the entire tank needs to be replaced. If the leak is coming from the top where the water lines connect to the water heater, there's a good chance that a skilled plumber can make the needed repairs.  

The Heat Level Is Never Hot Enough

If you are one of many people that love a nice hot shower or bath, you will surely notice when the heat level is no longer what it used to be. You might discover that you have to turn the hot water all of the way on with minimal cold water mixed in and that still isn't hot enough anymore. Call a reputable plumber and have them check out the thermostat on the water heater. That might need to be replaced.

You can always call a plumber to arrange for an inspection of your residential water heater if you find yourself experiencing any of the previously mentioned issues. Call for an inspection if you simply want to double-check the water heater's condition as a routine maintenance task. Just make sure that the plumber is licensed and insured and that they can give you a written quote for the parts, labor, and taxes. Don't forget to have the plumber write the estimated timeframe of the repair work on the quoted paper.

To learn more, contact a company like Rooter Man Plumbers of San Diego.