Did you know that water heating is one of the biggest expenses that households in the United States face each year? Your water heart is one of the true MVPs when it comes to making your home a warm and comfortable place during all seasons of the year. From doing the dishes and washing your hands to handling laundry and getting a batch, your water heater is a vital piece of equipment.
Nothing is worse as a homeowner than discovering that you’re in need of water heater repairs. The good news is that there are signs of a broken water heater that you can use to identify issues before they get worse and cost more money to fix.
Keep reading this article to learn more about spotting a failing water heater in your home!
Water Leaking
One of the most severe signs that you’re working with a broken water heater is water dripping or collecting beneath your water heater’s tank. It’s also a wise move to check the pipes that are running to and from your water heater on a consistent basis to ensure that everything is working in the proper fashion.
The big concern with leaks from your water heater is the water damage that this could cause in your home. Water damage could weaken the structure of your home, destroy the flooring, and ruin furniture and electronics in that area of the home. Check to see if the valves and connections have come loose over time and are causing water to leak.
Older Water Heater
Another sign that you have a water heater repair on the horizon is when your home has an older model of the water heater. You need to stay on top of the maintenance for your water heater if you’re working with one that is a decade or two old. If you’re not sure how old your water heater is then you can inspect the label from the installation date.
It’s possible that the repairs that are required won’t be costly, in which case it makes sense to hold onto your water heater a while longer. When it comes time to replace your water heater look to get an Energy Star-certified heater to save money on energy costs.
Lack of Hot Water
Another big sign that you need to repair your water heater is the lack of hot water in your home. This might not be the worst thing if you live in a hot climate, but it’s still less than ideal when you want to relax or clean the dishes. It’s common for hot water heaters to collect sediment from years of use.
This sediment continues to add up in the water heater, which limits the amount of water that can enter the heating chamber. A good maintenance tip is to make sure that you empty the tank on a consistent basis. The longer that this issue persists the more likely you are to need water heater repairs for your home.
Changing Water Temperatures
If you’re experiencing inconsistent water temperatures during your showers throughout the day then it could be a sign that you have a broken water heater on your hands. If you’re lucky you’ll discover that you have issues with a faulty thermostat rather than a broken water heater.
The real trouble starts if you discover that the apparatus that produces heat for your water heater is starting to malfunction. This issue is more common with older water heaters than new ones. It’s up to you to determine if it’s worth it to repair or replace your water heater.
Discolored Water
Discolored water is another clear sign that the time is near to schedule water heater repairs with a technician in your area. If the water coming out of your faucet is rust-colored or murky then the culprit is often the water heater rather than the water itself.
Water heater tanks come from the factory with an interior coating that is designed to prevent rusting over the years. At some point, the water wins that battle, and the inside of your water heater starts to corrode. It doesn’t take long for rust to start forming inside your water heater, which will have a big impact on the clarity and quality of your home’s water.
Odd Noises
Keep your ears open for any odd or unwanted noises coming from your water heater when you’re using hot water, as this is a clear sign that your water heater is on the verge of breaking. It’s also possible that the heating tank is clogged by years of sediment and minerals entering the tank.
The best approach to take if you’re hearing odd noises from the water heater is to hire a technician to flush your water heater. You can get a diagnosis of the problem and determine the proper steps to take.
Poor Water Pressure
Low water pressure is a big issue when it comes to water heater repairs. Slower water rates allow sediment to build up in your water heater. It’s a much bigger issue if you have hard water coming through the water heater’s tank rather than soft water.
Checking your water heater is the best way to ensure that the issue is the sediment rather than the heating apparatus itself. It’s an easier repair since the technician will only need to flush your water heater’s system and pipes. Doing this will save you a ton of money while allowing you to get warm water and good water pressure back in your home.
Check Your Home’s Water Heater Today
Having problems with your water heater in the dead of winter is one of the worst nightmares of any homeowner. If you’re worried that you need water heater repairs then it’s best to check your heater for any signs of leaks. Odd noises and poor water pressure are other common signs of a broken water heater to be mindful of.
Check out the rest of our website if you’re looking for more helpful and informative content!
