You probably don’t give your water heater much thought. As long as you get hot water when you turn it on, you’re happy. But there are some signs that your water heater is having problems. And if you notice the signs, you should pay attention and address them before they get worse.
Our team of pros is used to making repairs on water heaters in Plano, TX. But we can’t help you if you don’t give us a call. Read on to learn more about the 5 signs that your water heater is failing, and then let us help.
1. Water Leaks
You may think that leaks are normal for your water heater. After all, it’s full of water! Leaks aren’t that big of a deal, right? Wrong. If one of the valves going in and out to transfer water is loose, it can lead to a water leak. This is a problem because it means that your water heater is damaged. But it also costs you more on your water bill each month.
2. Water Heater Age
If you’re not sure how old your water heater is, check the label with the installation date. If your water heater is more than 10 to 15 years old, it’s due for a replacement. If you can’t find the installation date, you can do a quick search online for the brand name and the serial number to find the date that it was manufactured. Getting a new water heater can help you save a lot of money on your energy bills because they heat water with greater efficiency.
3. Not Enough Hot Water or Inconsistent Temperatures
Does it feel like you run out of hot water really fast when you do dishes or take a shower? Or you may have plenty of hot water, but the temperature fluctuates a lot, even though you aren’t changing the water temperature using the knobs. Your water heater should provide a consistent flow of hot water that is all the same temperature.
If you have hard water, this can lead to a sediment buildup in the bottom of your water heater. This buildup can limit the amount of available water in your tank because the sediment is taking up space where hot water would be. It also reduces the unit’s efficiency, resulting in not enough hot water.
4. Water Discoloration
If your hot water has a slightly rusty tinge to it, your water heater could be to blame. If both hot and cold water has an unusual color, the problem may lie elsewhere. But if the inside of your water heater corrodes, rust can form and transfer into your home with the hot water. The hotter the water, the more rust you’re likely to see.
5. Unusual Sounds
Your hot water heater should be fairly silent as it runs. If you hear loud or surprising sounds, that’s a bad sign. The same sediment or mineral buildup that is caused by hard water can move around when the heating elements turn on. If it sounds like something is knocking around inside your water heater, you definitely want to schedule a system flush to get rid of the buildup. Otherwise, you could be left with more problems and more damage.
Get it done right… Right now! Schedule an appointment with Hutchins Plumbing & Air Conditioning today.
