Having a perfectly functioning and a reliable water heater at home is, without a doubt, one of the most important things you will have to ensure for yourself and your household. The thing is, though, if you are like most people, then you are bound to, well, rarely think about this appliance until something goes wrong and until you start experiencing certain problems. Yet, problems with this appliance can be rather serious and unpleasant, because the heater allows for not only some amazingly relaxing hot showers, but also for washing the dishes, doing the laundry, and completing some other daily tasks.
Here are some signs that it may be failing: https://www.angi.com/articles/4-signs-your-water-heater-about-fail.htm
As mentioned, thus, most people take this specific appliance for granted and notice it only when something goes wrong. And, even if you try hard to maintain this device, there is no doubt that something will go wrong at a certain point in time. After all, like any other appliance, this one won’t last forever either. Of course, noticing some warning signs on time, before you start experiencing some costly water damage, complex system failures or similar serious problems, is, clearly, important here.
So, what we are going to do right now is talk in a bit more details about those particular warning signs. This way, you will get familiar with them and you will know better than to ignore them when you notice them. Instead, you will know that acting right away is a must, and that you absolutely have to do your best to fix the issue with the heater. Sometimes, you may resolve the problem by getting repair services, but other times, a replacement may be in order.
In any case, the professionals will be the judges of whether you need repairs or replacements. The important thing is for you to understand those signs and, well, do your best to notice them and act right away after noticing them. What we are going to do, therefore, is talk a bit more about some warning signs that could be indicating that your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced. So, without any more ado, let us get started.
No Hot Water or Inconsistent Temperature
As you may have guessed it already, one of the most obvious signs that there is a problem is, of course, the fact that there may be no hot water at all. Or, perhaps it tends to be inconsistent, running out faster than usual, fluctuating between hot and cold. Whether you are noticing some inconsistencies, or the device is not heating at all, it should be clear that, well, the device is struggling. Read more about some common heater problems and solutions.
Okay, but what is it that could be causing such inconsistencies when it comes to the water temperature and heating? Well, there could be several causes, from a failing heating element, or a malfunctioning thermostat to sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank or a damaged dip tube. Whatever the case is, though, you will want to call the professionals to fix this problem for you, with them deciding whether a repair is enough or a replacement is in order. In any case, ignoring the issue is never a good idea.
Rusty or Discolored Water
Moving on, if you are noticing brown, cloudy or reddish water when you turn the hot water tap on, that should be a clear sign of corrosion. Of course, you have to determine the source, which you can do by running only the hot and then only the cold water respectively and watching what happens. Clearly, if discoloration appears only with the hot water, that should be an indication that there is a problem with your particular appliance. The tank’s internal lining may, for example, be deteriorating, or the anode rod may have failed, or something else may be going on. In any case, you will need to have the device either repaired or replaced.
Water Leaks Around the Heater
Now, water pooling around the heater is, as you may have guessed it, never really a good sign. Even a small leak shouldn’t be taken for granted, because, if left unattended, it can quickly turn into major water damage problems, which I am sure you would much rather avoid. The possible causes of this issue are loose or damaged connections, a faulty pressure relief valve, a cracked internal tank and similar things. In any case, some of those causes may call for repairs, while others may call for a complete replacement, because, for example, a cracked tank cannot be safely repaired, which is why replacing is a must. In any case, don’t delay action, because you want the issues resolved right away.
Strange Noises Coming from the Heater
These devices should, as you probably get, operate quietly. Thus, if you begin hearing some popping, banging, rumbling or cracking noises, you should undeniably take that as a sign that you need water heater repair or replacement services. After all, such noises could indicate sediment buildup inside the tank, and the buildup can reduce the efficiency and the overall performance of the device.
Increased Energy Bills
If your energy bills have increased all of a sudden, but without any changes in your hot water usage, then your appliance may be losing efficiency. This can be caused by the sediment build ups or some other problems. In any case, it leads to the heater having to work harder in order to warm the same amount of water as before, and this wastes more energy and increases your bills, so it is a sign that repairs or replacements are in order.
The Age of the Appliance
Finally, you should also think about the age of the appliance. And your heater being quite old is a sure sign that repairs or replacements are in order. So, check the serial number label on the tank and look for the manufacturer date to determine the age. And then , if you find that you have a rather old device, take your time to hire the right pros to replace it.
Tommy Hardy, an alumnus of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, has been a go-to figure in residential upkeep and innovation for over 18 years. His career commenced in a leading home appliance manufacturing company, where he mastered the intricacies of household systems. Joining our platform in 2020, Tommy quickly became a reader favorite for his practical and easy-to-follow guides. He took the helm of our DIY section in 2019, consistently delivering content that empowers homeowners. Beyond his professional pursuits, Tommy is a passionate gardener and enjoys woodworking, skills enhancing his hands-on approach to home care.
