The water heater is one of the most important features present on residential properties because they allow you to have access to hot water at any time of the day.
Whether you’re washing your hands or doing the dishes, hot water is important to utilize while performing different tasks. It’s important to know the signs that your water heater needs to be repaired to ensure you can maintain it and avoid potential issues that can develop in the future.
Leaking Water
Water heaters are prone to leaking water under their tanks when it is damaged. Not only can this lead to damages and be dangerous if you have electrical outlets nearby, but it can also cause you to lose a lot of water.
Hire a professional to perform the necessary repairs and also determine if the water heater has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced.
Corrosion
Corrosion is prone to developing as the water sits in the tank of the water heater for extended periods of time. You may start to notice rust that begins to develop on the outside of the tank and discolored water that comes out of your faucets.
A professional can determine if some of the parts of the water heater need to be replaced and will also inspect the entire tank to determine if it needs to be replaced. Most water heaters last an average of eight to 12 years before they start to suffer from major issues and are no longer functional.
Unusual Sounds and Noises
You may notice different noises coming from your water tank as it’s in use, which can include rumbling and buzzing noises. Although you may fear that the water heater can burst open at any moment, the issue isn’t as serious and only requires minor repairs.
If you start to notice banging or popping noises, the issue can be more serious and require hiring a professional to determine the cause. There may be a build-up of mineral deposits, which can affect the operation of the different water heater parts. In some cases, the parts can be replaced instead of replacing the entire unit.
Discolored Water
You may notice that the water in your home starts to become discolored and looks brown as you use it. The water heater can affect the water’s clarity and cause brown particles to be present, which can make you hesitant to use it during the day.
This is considered to be a health hazard that requires immediate attention. A professional can visit your property and clean out the water tank. In severe cases, it requires replacing the water heater to ensure you can continue using the water.
A Lack of Hot Water
You may notice that there isn’t a lot of hot water available when you take a shower or wash the dishes. You may have a few minutes of hot water but tend to run out quickly. This is a common sign that your water heater needs attention, and the two heating elements on the bottom of the tank need to be inspected.
There may also be irregular water heater temperatures, which causes the water to come out of the faucet at different temperatures during the day.
Newer water tanks will likely be easy to fix, whereas older water heaters may be at the end of their lifespan if they’re no longer reliable. Unfortunately, too many mineral deposits often lead to irregular temperatures, which can be inconvenient.
Cloudy Water
It’s common for the water to look cloudy when it comes out of the faucets, but it should become clear once it settles. If you notice your water is consistently cloudy and smells, it could mean bacteria and rust are present due to your water tank, according to angi.com. The anode rod may be malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.
As a homeowner, it can be easier to maintain your water heater when you know what to look for when repairs are needed. Working with a professional plumber can also increase the lifespan of the parts.