5 Signs That You Need Water Heater Repair

Leading Plumbing Services • October 31, 2024
A water heater is hanging on a wall in a room.

Your water heater is crucial for providing hot water for everyday tasks like showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry. However, like any appliance, it can run into issues. While some water heater problems may require a complete replacement, many issues can be resolved with repairs. At Leading Plumbing Services, we provide expert water heater repair in the greater West Palm Beach area. Here are five signs that you need water heater repair.


Inconsistent Water Temperature

One of the most common signs of a water heater problem is fluctuating water temperatures. If you notice that your water is hot one minute and cold the next, it’s a sign that something isn’t functioning properly. This could be due to a failing heating element, a malfunctioning thermostat, or sediment buildup inside the tank. 


Reduced Hot Water Supply

If you find that you’re running out of hot water faster than usual, it may be due to a heating element problem. In a gas water heater, this could indicate an issue with the burner. Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank can also reduce your water heater’s efficiency, leading to a decrease in hot water supply. 


Strange Noises Coming from the Water Heater

It’s normal for your water heater to make some noise when it’s in use, but loud, unusual sounds such as banging, popping, or rumbling are cause for concern. These noises are often caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. When the water heats up, the sediment hardens and causes noise as it moves around inside the tank. A repair technician can flush the tank and remove the sediment, resolving the issue and restoring your water heater’s efficiency.


Water Discoloration

If the water from your taps appears rusty or discolored, it could indicate an issue with your water heater. Rusty water can be a sign of corrosion inside the tank. If the problem is caught early, a technician can flush and inspect the tank to determine whether it’s repairable or if more extensive action is needed. 


Water Leaks Around the Heater

Water leaks are a clear sign that your water heater needs immediate attention. While small leaks may come from faulty valves, they can lead to significant water damage if left unresolved. A professional can tighten connections, replace valves, or address other issues that are causing the leak. However, if the tank itself is leaking, it’s often a sign of internal corrosion and may require a replacement rather than repair. 


Water Heater Repair & Replacement in West Palm Beach, FL

When you need a plumber in West Palm Beach and the surrounding area, contact Leading Plumbing Services at 561-506-6159. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment for your home’s plumbing needs!

Hot Water Smells Bad? Here’s What’s Causing the Odor and How to Fix It Safely

By Nathanael Jolteus • December 13, 2025
If your hot water smells bad , whether it’s a rotten egg odor, metallic smell, or musty scent, that’s a clear sign something is happening inside your plumbing system or water heater. In South Florida, this problem is extremely common due to mineral-heavy water, high humidity, and aging water heaters that develop sediment and bacterial growth faster than homeowners expect. Let’s break down the real causes and what you should do next. 1. Rotten Egg Smell = Bacteria in the Water Heater The most common bad smell from hot water is a sulfur or rotten egg odor. This usually comes from: bacteria reacting with the anode rod sediment buildup inside the tank stagnant hot water sitting too long Heating the water releases the odor more strongly than cold water. 2. If Cold Water Smells Fine but Hot Water Smells Bad This detail matters. If only hot water smells , the problem is almost always: inside the water heater not the city water supply not your pipes This points directly to a water heater issue. 3. Metallic or Rusty Smell A metallic smell often means: internal tank corrosion rust forming inside the heater deteriorating anode rod aging tank lining This is common in heaters over 8 years old. 4. Musty or Earthy Smell Musty smells can come from: bacterial growth in the tank sediment holding moisture biofilm forming inside hot water lines In South Florida’s humidity, bacteria multiply quickly. 5. Why This Happens Faster in South Florida Our climate accelerates odor problems because: minerals settle faster tanks stay warm year-round humidity encourages bacterial growth heaters run more frequently Many Florida homeowners experience hot water odor years earlier than expected. 6. Is Smelly Hot Water Dangerous? Usually not immediately, but it shouldn’t be ignored. Bad odors can indicate: bacterial growth decaying metal components deteriorating water heater lining If water looks cloudy, brown, or oily → stop using it and call a professional. 7. DIY Steps That May Help (Short-Term) You can try: ✔ running hot water for several minutes ✔ flushing a small amount from the tank ✔ cleaning faucet aerators ✔ checking water heater age If the smell returns quickly, the issue is deeper. 8. Why Bleach or Chemicals Are a Bad Idea Pouring chemicals into a water heater can: damage internal components void warranties corrode valves create unsafe conditions Odor problems require proper service , not guesswork. 9. When the Anode Rod Is the Culprit The anode rod protects your tank from rust. When it: breaks down reacts with minerals becomes coated in bacteria …it creates strong odors. Replacing the anode rod often eliminates smells entirely. 10. When Replacement Is the Better Option You may need a new heater if: tank is 10+ years old odor persists after flushing water heater leaks rust is visible hot water runs out quickly popping or rumbling noises occur At that point, repairs are often temporary. 11. What We Do (Professional Fix) At Leading Plumbing Services , we: inspect water heater condition flush sediment properly sanitize tank if needed replace failing anode rods test water quality inspect hot water lines recommend repair vs replacement honestly We eliminate the odor at the source. 12. How to Prevent Future Odors ✔ flush water heater annually ✔ replace anode rod every 3–5 years ✔ address popping noises early ✔ monitor water quality ✔ service heaters before failure Preventive maintenance saves money and headaches. Final Thoughts If your hot water smells bad , your water heater is telling you something is wrong , whether it’s bacteria, sediment, or corrosion inside the tank. Addressing it early prevents: worsening odors water quality issues premature heater failure emergency replacements Call/Text us today for hot water odor diagnosis and repair: (561) 506-6159

Hearing a Water Hammer Noise in Your Pipes? What That Banging Sound Means (South Florida Guide)

By Nathanael Jolteus • December 13, 2025
If you hear a loud banging, knocking, or thudding noise in your pipes when you turn off a faucet or appliance, you’re likely experiencing water hammer . While it might seem harmless at first, water hammer can damage pipes, loosen fittings, and cause leaks if left unaddressed. In South Florida homes, water hammer is especially common due to higher water pressure, older plumbing systems, and mineral buildup inside pipes. Let’s break down what’s actually happening. 1. What Water Hammer Really Is Water hammer occurs when fast-moving water is suddenly forced to stop. When a valve closes quickly: water momentum has nowhere to go pressure spikes inside the pipe shockwaves travel through the plumbing pipes vibrate or bang against framing That impact is the noise you’re hearing. 2. Common Triggers Water hammer often happens when: washing machines shut off dishwashers stop filling toilets finish refilling fast-closing faucets are used solenoid valves snap closed Appliances are the most frequent cause. 3. Why It’s Worse in South Florida South Florida plumbing systems often have: higher incoming water pressure older copper piping mineral scale narrowing pipes loose pipe supports in walls aging valves All of these amplify pressure shock. 4. The Hidden Damage Water Hammer Causes Repeated water hammer can lead to: cracked pipe joints loose fittings damaged valves pipe movement inside walls leaks behind drywall shortened appliance lifespan The noise is a warning , not the problem itself. 5. If the Noise Is Getting Louder That’s a red flag. Increasing noise means: pressure spikes are worsening pipe movement is increasing fittings are loosening damage is accumulating Ignoring it often leads to leaks later. 6. Water Hammer vs Normal Pipe Noise Normal noise: brief ticking soft expansion sounds Water hammer: loud bang thud knocking shaking sensation If it startles you , it’s not normal. 7. DIY Checks You Can Try You can attempt: ✔ slowly closing faucets ✔ checking if noise comes from one appliance ✔ securing visible pipes under sinks ✔ running appliances one at a time If noise persists, pressure control is needed. 8. Why Draining the System Doesn’t Fix It Some homeowners try draining pipes. This may temporarily reduce noise, but: air pockets refill quickly pressure spikes return root cause remains Permanent solutions require proper equipment. 9. Professional Fixes That Actually Work Depending on the cause, fixes may include: installing water hammer arrestors adjusting water pressure replacing fast-closing valves securing pipes inside walls replacing worn shutoff valves inspecting pressure reducing valve (PRV) The solution must match the cause. 10. When You Should Call a Plumber Call a professional if: banging happens daily noise occurs with appliances pipes shake or vibrate water pressure feels high leaks appear after noise home is older noise suddenly started These indicate system-level stress. 11. What We Do (Professional Diagnosis) At Leading Plumbing Services , we: test water pressure locate noise source inspect pipe supports install hammer arrestors adjust PRVs secure loose piping prevent future pipe damage We stop the noise and protect your plumbing. 12. Florida-Specific Reality In South Florida: high pressure is common mineral buildup restricts flow older homes lack arrestors pipes move more in humid conditions That’s why water hammer is so widespread here. Final Thoughts A water hammer noise in your pipes isn’t just annoying , it’s a sign your plumbing system is under stress. Fixing it early prevents: leaks pipe failure wall damage emergency repairs Call/Text us today for water hammer diagnosis and repair: (561) 506-6159