A water heater enables you to bathe in comfortable, warm water, so it’s vital to your home. On average, a water heater lasts about eight to 10 years, but before it breaks down, there are signs that indicate your water heater is failing. If the water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, a replacement might be a better option than getting extensive repairs. In this guide, we are going to explore some symptoms that your water heater requires repair to help prevent you from experiencing an unexpected cold shower.
1. Strange Noises Are Coming From Your Water Heater
One of the first signs that your water heater needs repairs is an audio cue, including banging and popping coming from the unit. This is often caused by sediment building up at the base of the tank. As the sediment accumulates, overheating can become an issue. As water finds its way under the sediment, heating the water causes a bubble to pop through the sediment, creating a noise in the process. Once you hear these noises, running the hot water can cause more damage.
A rumbling sound indicates that the tank itself is under stress. This means you should contact a professional because a crack may be forming in the tank. If you hear a hissing sound, the leak has likely already formed.
2. Water Temperature Is Not Consistent
If you notice that your water temperature is not consistent, the water heater could be the issue. If the water is set to hot but remains lukewarm, either the heating element or the thermostat may be malfunctioning. As a water heater ages, these issues can become more noticeable.
If your water heater is coming to the end of its lifespan, think about installing a tankless water heater in your home. It will take up less space and supply hot water whenever you need it. A tankless model also ensures that you can use hot water in multiple locations without running out of available hot water.
3. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is not always an issue resulting from a water heater, but if the water pressure is only different when you are using hot water, this is likely the reason. In fact, the reduction in water pressure is probably due to sediment buildup in the tank. Our team of professionals can easily resolve this problem by flushing the tank and eliminating the sediment.
4. High Energy Bills
If you notice that it is costing you more energy to heat the water that your household needs on a daily basis, then the water heater is not as effective as it should be. This could be because the technology and the water heater are aging, or it could be a simple repair or maintenance need. Remember that a water heater keeps water in the tank hot until you use it, so if it’s less efficient, energy bills are likely to increase. If your water heater overworks to provide the same amount of hot water, purchase a more efficient model.
5. Discolored Water
If your hot water looks rusty and corroded, then this is a sign that the inside of your tank is nearing the end of its lifespan. Corrosion in the tank will cause this effect, and if the tank is not maintained properly, leaks can form. If the rust is visible on the exterior of the tank, repairs are not going to reverse the damage that is already there. Once corrosion occurs, a replacement water heater will prevent escalating damage.
If the tank has no damage, mineral deposits at the bottom of a traditional water heater can also cause water discoloration. These deposits may produce an odor when hot water is in use. Some deposits can irritate your skin and be harmful to your health, so it’s important to prevent sediment and mineral buildup in your water heater.
Turn to a Reliable Professional for Repairs
If you find that your water heater needs frequent repairs, our team at Marr's Heating and Air Conditioning can help. We can take a look at your existing water heater to see if repairs are going to improve its efficiency overall. If the unit is past its life expectancy or is just too damaged, then upgrading to a tankless model may be worth considering. We have been providing plumbing services in Bellingham since 1965. Contact us at Marr's Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment.
