Signs That You Need Your Hot Water Heater Repaired or Replaced

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

Clean Well Maintained Water Heater.

Water heaters are essential appliances for everyone's homes. We use water heaters to function throughout our everyday lives such as taking a bath, washing dishes and cleaning laundry. They can certainly be taken for granted and forgotten, leading them to not be regularly maintained. Failing to maintain them can result in malfunctions and larger problems requiring the replacement of your water heater sooner rather then later. Taking notice of the first signs of a problem can help you repair your water heater before it becomes unusable. 

You don’t have to be an expert to spot the first signs of trouble. All you need to do is be observant so that your water heater can be repaired before it’s to late. 

1. Hot water has an off smell or off-color

The first instance that you notice your hot water has an off smell or has a rusty color, that’s something that you need to have checked out. The smell could be the result of a rusty anode rod in the water heater. There is no need to worry since the anode rod can typically be replaced which will then eliminate the bad odor. Bacteria growth can also cause unpleasant smells. This happens when the hot water has not been used or has been turned off for quite some time or when the thermostat is set at a very low level. 

2. Corroded pipes can also cause an off-color in your water

This can be solved by installing a water softener or by replacing the plumbing. If you also see a lot of sediments in the water, it’s typically time to have the water heater repaired. 

3. Water is not hot enough, too hot, not strong enough or you have no water at all

When there is no water, check first that your water heater has power and is working fine. If it is, have it inspected by a licensed plumber. If there is not enough water, this could be due to an undersized water heater and can be much more common when more people are using the water heater. This could also be caused by the presence of mineral deposits inside the water heater tank. When water is too hot or not hot enough, you may have to adjust the temperature dial of the water heater. If there is no change in temperature, have the water heater checked and repaired. 

4. Strange noises and leaks

Leaks coming from your water heater could lead to flooding of your home. In the same way, strange noises like pops, bangs, gurgles, and the like are clear indicators that something is wrong with your water heater. This is usually caused by a buildup of sediments inside the tank. A boiling sound, however, could mean the water heater is overheating or that pressure is building up inside the tank. All these have to be addressed immediately to prevent further problems. If it does cause flooding or water damage it is important to get a reputable mitigation company such as SERVPRO out quickly to avoid mold and further damage to the property. 

It’s also important to have your water heater repaired as soon as you see these signs. This will help you save on costs, prevent further damage, and avoid ultimately having to replace your unit.