A reliable hot water supply is an essential feature of any modern home. Not surprisingly, a broken water heater can be one the most annoying and frustrating plumbing issues you may face at home, and it's not just because of the reduced comfort and convenience.
A failing water heater can also result in wasted energy and cause significant water damage to your residential property, which can be particularly expensive to fix.
Even the smallest water heater issue can exacerbate over time and cause your hot water system to stop working, so it's recommended that you address any issues immediately after they pop up.
Here are a few common water heater trouble signs you shouldn't ignore.
Insufficient Hot Water
If sized correctly during installation, your water heater should provide enough hot water for your household use. If you're running out of hot water faster than usual and yet your daily household hot water consumption pattern hasn't changed, your water heater could be faulty.
Several factors, including leaks and clogged pipes, could be to blame for the problem.
Leaks
Your water heating unit can develop leaks like other water-using appliances and fixtures that are connected to your home's water supply. If you see puddles around your water heater, odds are it has a leak in the tank or hot water pipes.
Noisy Operation
While a totally silent operation may not be possible, your water heating system is designed to run as quietly as possible.
If you hear banging, knocking, whistling, squealing, popping, or other unusual noises coming from your water heater during use, this could be an indicator of issues.
Water Quality Issues
Rusty or discolored hot water is an indication that your hot water tank or pipes are rusty or dirty. You may need to flush out the tank and pipes to check for sediment buildup and rust damage. If the water quality issues are caused by rust, you may need a water heater replacement.
Also, watch out for foul odors. If your hot water smells bad, your hot water may be infested with bacteria.
Old Age
All water heaters have a limited lifespan beyond which they will require replacement. If your water heater has reached or is approaching the end of its expected service life, it's a good idea to replace it, even if it seems to be working fine.
While regular hot water system maintenance can help you prevent these issues, it does not guarantee trouble-free operation. All water heaters, regardless of their age or manufacturer, can encounter problems during their lifetime.
For more info, contact a local company like Mr. Waterheater.
