Signs Your Water Heater is Failing
Six Signs Your Water Heater is Failing
After a long day, a hot shower can be soothing and relaxing. But when you're instead hit with the spray of cold water, it can be an unwelcome shock, and it can also mean your water heater is kaput. To avoid this sudden surprise, you need to maintain your water heater and keep an eye out for signs that something is wrong.
To determine if your water heater is on its last leg, read on. We'll discuss indicators that your water heater is failing and needing to be replaced fairly soon.
1. Age
Most water heaters last about 10 years. So, if your water heater is older than a decade, it may be time to replace it or have it checked out by plumber. But, if you have a large family or your water heater is used rather often, the life expectancy of your water heater can diminish, and you may experience issues earlier than anticipated.
2. Metallic Smell or Taste
When the water heater is at the end of its life, you may notice your hot water has an unusual smell or taste. It'll have a metallic scent or flavor, indicating the water heater is breaking down and in need of replacement.
3. Rust in the Water
Along with the metallic smell and taste, you may also see flakes of rust in your hot water. This rust most likely came off the rusting interior of the water heater. Rust indicates that the water heater is slowly deteriorating and could develop leaks within a matter of time.
Sometimes, rusty galvanized piping can be the cause of your rusty water. Rust from the piping can get into the water heater and then make its way into your hot water. If you notice rust in your water, call a professional to take a look at your water heater and determine what the cause is.
4. Dirty or Muddy Water
Over time, sediment and dirt can collect in the water heater, turning the water muddy or sandy. This can often be an indicator that your water heater needs to be replaced, but in some cases, you can simply have the water heater drained and cleaned. Consult a plumbing specialist to examine the water heater and determine where it stands.
5. Odd Noises
It's not unusual for a water heater to make regular humming noises, but when you start to hear loud pops or cracks, it's time to call a professional. These noises often mean that scale or mineral deposits cover the heating element inside the water heater. The sediment can harden over the heating element, and as the heating element burns the sediment away, the process can produce some strange sounds.
6. Leaks
When water puddles around the bottom of the water heater, replace it immediately. Normally, a puddle means there's an internal problem with the water heater, and if the leaking progresses, you might have troublesome flooding on your hands. Leaks or slow drips usually can't be repaired, and such damage usually indicates the end of a water heater's life.
When you notice any of the above signs, call an experienced plumber, such as Cleary Plumbing & Air. We can take a look at your water heater and determine if it needs replacement or just a little maintenance. And if you have any questions about your water heater, we'll be happy to answer them.
If you do need a new water heater, our helpful team can help you select the right one for your home and install it efficiently and properly. We can also provide maintenance and repair services for your new water heater, should you ever need them.