Your water heater works hard heating and distributing water throughout your home. Unfortunately, water heaters can malfunction or stop working completely over time. If your water heater needs repairs or needs to be replaced entirely, it is important to know the signs. If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to schedule a repair or get a new water heater.
Strange Noises
Some water heaters, especially gas-powered, can make soft buzzing noises as they age. Such noises are normal, but if you’ve noticed cracking, popping, or banging noises emanating from your water heater, you may have a problem. Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of your water heater’s tank and burn if it makes contact with a heating element. If left unchecked, you could end up having to replace your anode rod or purchase a new water heater. Having a professional occasionally flush your tank can prevent this problem from occurring.
Rusty, Discolored Water
If you notice rust in your water, there may be a problem with pipe corrosion, water heater corrosion, bacteria growth, or mineral buildup in your water. It may also be possible your water heater needs a new anode rod installed. In general, you should replace your anode rod every three to five years, depending on how hard your water is. If you fail to replace your anode rod intermittently, the water (especially if it is hard) can corrode the interior of your water heater. Rusty water can also be a sign there is corrosion or rust inside the water heater itself. You can usually tell if there is corrosion or rust present on the outside of your water heater.
Leaks
Over time, even a small leak can cause extensive damage to your belongings and your home’s structural components. A leak in your water heater can be especially damaging since it has a continuous supply of water. If you notice water pooling near the bottom of your water heater, you should contact a professional at once. Water heater leaks can be caused by a number of problems. A damaged drain valve, loose gasket, faulty water connection, or corrosion can be the culprit. Some of these problems can be solved with a relatively simple repair, but more serious leaking can indicate it’s time to purchase a new water heater. Always contact a plumber before your water heater’s leak damages your home.
Inconsistent Water Temperatures
Water that takes forever to heat up can be a major inconvenience. Imagine having to wait five or more minutes for your shower to heat up. Inconsistent water temperature can be caused by a variety of issues related to your water heater. An aging water heater, sediment buildup, or a damaged heating element can all cause inconsistent temperatures. This is especially true with sediment buildup. As water heaters age, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. This will make it more difficult for water to heat up, forcing the water heater to work harder. Heating elements can also stop working over time, causing a reduction in heating efficiency.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of plumbing issues, but if you notice your water pressure is lower when running hot water, the problem may be your water heater. Once again, sediment buildup can be the cause of this. Sediment can cause blockages to form, resulting in a lower flow of water. To remedy this problem, you should contact a plumbing professional to replace the blocked pipe or supply lines. Having a professional flush the sediment from your water heater may also fix this problem.
Strange Smelling Water
If your water smells like eggs, your water heater may not be working correctly. Although bacteria can be present in your water supply, if your water smells when using hot water, there could be a problem inside the tank of your water heater. Sulfur bacteria are attracted to wet, warm environments, such as the bottom of your water heater’s tank. The bacteria can accumulate over time and result in a strange smell. Even though your water heater may not be broken, an egg smell can be a major problem, so you will definitely want to get a professional to check it out.
Higher Utility Bills
Have you recently noticed a spike in your utility bill? If you have, your water heater may be to blame. If you notice a major change in your utility bills even though you are using the same amount of hot water, you may want to contact a professional to examine your water heater. As your water heater gets older, it can have difficulty maintaining your desired water temperature. This can cause it to consume more energy since it has to run more frequently. By replacing your old water heater with a newer, more energy-efficient model, you will start to notice savings in your monthly utility bill.
Visible Corrosion
If your water heater is behaving strangely, you may want to examine its exterior. If you notice visible signs of corrosion, there may be a problem. Corrosion on your water heater’s pipes, tank, and other components can be a sign of slow, but steady deterioration. Corrosion can cause your water heater’s structural integrity to deteriorate, resulting in leaks and other problems. Corrosion on the outside of your water heater can be especially alarming if you have an older water heater. Corrosion can be a sign you need to replace your water heater entirely.
Frequent Repairs
Frequent repairs on a water heater can add up and become expensive over time. If you are finding yourself having to schedule more and more repairs to your water heater, it may be time to install a new one. This is especially true if you have an older water heater. If the costs of your repairs outweigh the cost of a new water heater, you should definitely consider a new water heater. Installing a new water heater that offers better performance and efficiency can save you money as time goes by.
Old Age
Most water heaters have a lifespan of eight to 12 years before they need to be replaced. Some water heaters may last longer, but if your water heater is on the older side, it may be time to consider a replacement. If you keep your older heater around, you could end up having to spend a significant amount of money on repairs. If your water heater is less than five years old, it may be less expensive to repair, especially if the problem is minor. Your water heater will also probably still be under warranty if it’s younger. Some manufacturers will require you to schedule routine maintenance to keep the warranty valid.
Contact Us to Schedule Service
If your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced, Matheson Heating, Air & Plumbing in Commerce is here for you. Our company offers a variety of plumbing services to homeowners, including repair, installation and water filtration solutions. We take great pride in our professionalism and we have been in business since the late 1940s. Contact Matheson Heating, Air & Plumbing to schedule service today.