Hot water heaters have a significant role in your home, yet just like anything else, they can malfunction and die. Picture this, you’ve gotten home after a hard day at work, you’re ready for a nice hot shower when all that’s coming out is freezing cold water. How frustrating! Always address water heater issues when they arise so you can avoid sending your money down the drain. If you want to avoid expenses, here are five ways to tell when a water heater is about to die.
Water Temperature Problems
Is your shower lacking hot water? Well, this is a clear sign that your water heater is actually failing. Sediment is the main culprit in this case. It’s super important to flush your heater regularly to get rid of any buildup that’s inside the tank. If the heating elements become worn or malfunction due to the sediment, problems may arise.
DIRTY OR DISCOLOURED WATER
Have you seen dirty or discoloured water leaking from your tank? This is also a clear indication of a faulty water heater. Best to avoid expensive repairs by calling Pro Plumber. Another major red flag is if the tank is nearing the end of its lifespan. Most water heaters last up to 15 years, so if your water tank is heading towards the 15 mark, we highly suggest replacing it.
If you’ve noticed water that is dirty and discoloured but doesn’t have a red, rusty tint can be the result of scale buildup. This is brought on by heavy minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Don’t stress, in most cases, this can be fixed by flushing the water heater. By doing this, it helps to get rid of scale and sediment buildup.
FOUL ODOUR
You should be concerned about more than just how the water looks. Ask yourself, does your water have a bad, decaying odour? Does the smell appear only once the hot water is turned on? Well, if so, there may be a problem with the water heater!
The odour is usually caused by mould or bacteria growing inside your hot water system. This problem typically arises when warm water is kept in the tank for an excessive amount of time and bacteria begins to grow, not only is it smelly it also poses a health danger. The tip here is to heat it to its highest temperature to get rid of any remaining bacteria in your tank and system. Once you have done this you can wash it out, but we highly suggest calling in the Pro Plumber experts to assist you.
LEAKING TANK
A common issue many households experience is a leaking hot water heater. The signs could be as simple as noticing a puddle developing outside your hot water. If the leak is from the bottom of the tank, this is an indication that the tank has rusted over time and is due to be replaced. And not to mention, this leak will cause you to have less access to hot water! Avoid future expenses by calling Pro Plumber so you can get back to showering in your desired heat in no time.
Another potential issue is a damaged drain valve. Ever heard of a drain valve? Well, it’s located at the bottom of your tank. As its name suggests, this valve is crucial for drainage, yet it can wear down and develop leaks. This means your ability to enjoy hot water may sadly be reduced thanks to this issue. However, identifying the signs and taking action means you can reduce the expensive repairs and get back to enjoying your hot water in no time.
STRANGE NOISES
Water heaters work silently so you should only ever hear the sound of boiling water. If you ever hear strange noises coming from your hot water heater, it’s a sign your heater is failing. To avoid this issue, it’s super important to get regular maintenance to remove any sediment that has built up at the bottom of your heater. So why do I hear a strange noise then? Well, if the sediment is not removed, the heater begins to heat the sediment deposits which creates a popping sound. Similar to when you ate popping candy as a kid (or might still do now!), this is happening inside your hot water heater. To avoid further damage, it’s best to call Pro Plumber immediately.
If you’re experiencing issues with your hot water system, contact Pro Plumber. Regardless of the condition of your hot water system or the symptom you’re dealing with, Pro Plumber is your local Sydney plumber that can solve any plumbing problem.
