The water heater is one of the most important appliances in your house. Regular maintenance of a water heater is essential for cooking with hot water as well as bathing and cleaning. If the water heater fails to work, living in comfort becomes increasingly difficult. Most of us don’t recognize the inefficiency of a water heater until the cold water comes from the showerhead.
To avoid costly bills, you need to be aware of the warning signs which will help you identify if your water heater needs repair.
Water Leaks
Water leak is one of the most common causes of an inefficient water heater. If you can see the water leaks near your equipment then it’s due to leaks, this can result in major water damage to your residence. Even a small leak can cause a huge problem if left unnoticed, it leads to water damage or mold growth in your home. Repair the system even if there are minor leaks. Inspect the area around your water heater frequently to check the leaks. If you find any water, watch the pipelines closer to see if you can detect where the water is coming from.
Rust
This is another indication of a failing water heater. If there’s corrosion in or around your water heater, it’s a clear sign that the unit is not working properly. If the rust gets in contact with the water, it may lead to serious issues. This problem may be caused by the pipes instead of the heater itself so make a call to the professional and improve the efficiency.
Unusual Noise
Home appliances like water heaters tend to produce little noise when it’s on.But if you hear strange sounds such as popping, banging, hissing, or cracking, call a pro to inspec in around. The sounds may be due to the mineral build-up that caused the unit to overheat as it works hard to heat the water.
The residue built up inside will make your water heater less energy efficient. This may cause bigger energy bills and potential harm to your system.
Discolored Water
If the water looks cloudy, in brown or yellow color then there’s a problem with the water heater. This can be due to rust or other minerals building up inside your water heater or pipes. Let the water run for a few minutes and check whether the color is strange. Immediately shut it off and contact a professional if the problem is too serious. If there’s corrosion in your water, it can cause problems.
Fluctuation in Water Temperature
Is your water heater suffering to maintain steady temperatures? Temperature fluctuations and inaccurate thermostats are the indicators that it may be time to replace the water heater, if your water heater is more than 8 to 10 years old consider replacement. Due to the mineral deposits around the water heating components this issue may rise.
Water Heater Age
The normal lifespan of a domestic water heater is 10–12 years. Even if you haven’t crossed any failure in the water heater, it could be at an increased concern of a harmful leak.
