Jun 29, 2020
10 Signs Your Water Heater is Failing
- Plumbing
Water Heater Failure
America’s Plumbing Co.
Can you imagine a life without hot water? Having access to it on demand is a luxury that we often take for granted. If your hot water heater is showing signs of failure, you should seek replacement before it fails completely and causes a major disruption in your home. If you notice any of the following warning signs in your home, call America’s Plumbing Co. We’re ready to help you today.
Signs Your Water Heater is Failing
- You can’t remember when it was replaced last. If you have no idea when your hot water heater was last replaced, there’s a good chance that it’s overdue! Most water heaters can last up to 10 or 15 years. If yours is nearing that age, it may be time for a replacement.
- Rust colored water. Your water, hot or cold, should never be brown. Discolored water is a tell-tale sign that your water heater is rusting away from the inside out and may leak soon. To see if your tank is delivering rusty water, drain a portion of it into a five-gallon bucket and look for discoloration. If it’s discolored, it’s likely you will need replacement.
- No hot water. Your hot water should be able to heat with ease and deliver you hot water on demand. If you find that you don’t have any hot water at all, there’s clearly an issue. This can be a result of a few different things: either your pilot light has gone out or your circuit breaker has tripped. It’s also possible that your water heater has reached the end of its life, and that you need replacement.
- Sediment. If your water looks muddy or it looks like there’s pieces of dirt or sand in it, you probably have a buildup of sediment in your tank. Sediment is any solid materials that settle at the bottom of your tank and accumulate over time. If you suspect that you have buildup, you can drain a portion of water from the tank into a five-gallon bucket. If there are debris floating around, try flushing out the whole tank. Sometimes sediment can be removed, but if it’s too severe, it may be beyond repair.
- Warm water. Does it seem like your water never manages to get hot enough? If your water seems to peak at lukewarm temperatures, it’s a sign that your systems heating element may be failing. Check your thermostat to make sure that it’s set to the right temperature – typically between 120 and 140 degrees. If it’s set lower, it won’t be able to produce hot water.
- Cold Showers. Do you have a large family? The more people that are using hot water, the faster it’s likely to run out. Imagine a family of six needing to take showers each morning – that’s significantly more than a household of two or three. Different models are available to accommodate different needs, so if you’re running out of hot water too soon, check to see if your current system is compatible with your needs.
- Strange noises. The older your tank gets, the more likely buildup becomes. Noise is always an indicator that something isn’t quite right, so if you can hear any banging sounds or you find that you run out of hot water faster, it’s highly likely that you have buildup in your water tank. This can put stress on your water heater and cause it to be even less energy efficient.
- Frequent repairs. At some point, repairs simply aren’t worth it anymore. Why would you want to dump money into a water heater that’s going to fail eventually anyway? You could be putting repair funds towards a more worthwhile investment – a new model. A brand-new hot water heater will be much more up to date and efficient, saving you money in the long run.
- Metallic water. If you turn on your hot water to find that it has a metallic smell or taste to it, it’s a sign that your tank is breaking down and rusting away from the inside out. Metal flakes may be making their way into your water supply, so it’s important to find a replacement as soon as possible.
- Leaks. Hot water temperatures can cause wear and tear over time. When metal heats and cools, it expands and retracts. Over the course of several years, it can damage your tank. Leaks are a major plumbing issue so if you ever notice any water dripping or pooling you should call America’s Plumbing as soon as possible.
