5 Signs A Water Heater Needs Repair
Water heaters often give off warning clues when something is wrong. There are some obvious signs that a water heater is about to go that all homeowners need to know about! This is important because broken water heaters can create some very serious collateral damage impacting the rest of the house when they do go. Take a look at five signs a water heater needs repairs.
1. The Water Only Reaches Lukewarm Temperatures
If the water exiting a faucet is tepid even though the knob is cranked to maximum heat, there’s a potential malfunction somewhere in the system. With an electric system, this could mean a heating element has gone out. With gas, a burner may have gone wrong.
2. The Hot Water Doesn’t Last
While hot water may still be pouring through the pipes, the hot water runs out very quickly. Like the lukewarm issue, short-lived hot water could be a sign of a malfunctioning burner or element. Many other components could be responsible for producing ice-cold water in the “hot” setting.
3. Strange Noises Coming From the Water Heater
In most cases, some subtle noises coming from a water heater won’t indicate a problem. It’s not uncommon for older heating units to produce mild buzzing or humming sounds. Even rumbling sounds don’t necessarily mean something is wrong.
However, certain noises are telltale signs that something is about to go very wrong. Have a water heater checked out immediately if it’s making the following sounds:
- Popping
- Banging
- Cracking
In most cases, these unsettling sounds are actually caused by sediment deposits that have accumulated on the bottom of the tank. The constant heating and reheating cycle that the unit goes through hardens that sediment over time. Yes, this can ultimately break a water heater.
However, it will cause tons of trouble under the radar long before that happens. Sediment buildup in a water heater reduces a unit’s efficiency. That means higher heating bills while getting a reduced performance.
4. Leaking
The hardest sign to ignore, leaking can also be the most serious red flag that something is wrong with a water heater. The danger with an untreated leak is that it can quickly do serious damage to a home. If there’s moisture or pooling water near a water heater, get the unit looked at by a professional right away.
Homeowners should regularly inspect for these types of leaks as part of routine home maintenance. It’s one of those small things that can save thousands and thousands of dollars by preventing damage and dangerous mold that will require costly time-consuming remediation.
In addition to contributing to long-term remediation costs, a leak is probably already pouring money down the drain. According to the American Water Works Association, homeowners lose $1 per month for every drop per second caused by faulty or improperly maintained water heaters.
That’s why Energy.gov recommends fixing leaks as one of its 15 ways to save on your water heating bill.
5. Rust-Tinged Water
Seeing rusty water coming from pipes can be a very disconcerting experience. Getting to the source often requires some investigation. In some cases, a home may have corroded pipes that are discoloring the water. It’s also very possible that the root of the rust is inside the water heater.
If this is the case, the heater may be on the verge of bursting.
Don’t Ignore Signs of Trouble With a Water Heater.
Any sudden change or fluctuation in performance can be a sign that a water heater is in distress. The good news is that addressing a problem before a water heater bursts or breaks down can prevent severe and costly damage. Homeowners who are proactive about having water heaters routinely inspected and repaired enjoy peace of mind with the added perk of saving money by running efficient units! Please make an appointment for water heater repair Chantilly residents count on to keep their systems in top condition today!