Signs Your Water Heater May Be Failing

A water heater is an important part of a home. It humbly provides gallons upon gallons of hot water whenever you need it without much fuss. In fact, for the most part, your water heater remains “out of sight, out of mind.”

Would you know if your water heater was going bad? Sure, a lack of hot water is a tell-tale sign, but it’s more complicated than that. Water heater failure can present itself in a number of ways, some of which are less obvious than cold water coming out of the faucet.

Pay attention to these warning signs that your water heater may need repair or replacement.

1. Strange Noises

Strange noises (like popping, rumbling, or banging) coming from your water heater could be a sign that the unit is beginning to fail. These noises are usually caused by sediment build-up on the bottom of the tank. If not addressed, it can cause the unit to overheat and eventually fail.

2. Temperature Irregularities

If you notice that the water temperature is noticeably lower than it used to be, or varies with no adjustments to the thermostat, it’s a sign that the unit needs attention. It could be a faulty thermostat or indicative of a much larger problem.

3. Discolored Water

If your hot water is discolored, it’s likely a sign that the anode rod is beginning to fail. The anode rod is responsible for protecting the interior of the tank from corrosion by attracting minerals and sediment. Once the anode rod fails, that sediment will start attacking the interior of the tank. To prevent internal tank corrosion, contact a licensed plumber to inspect and replace the anode rod at the first sign of discolored water.

4. Odd Smelling or Tasting Hot Water

Bacteria love the warm, moist environment a water heater provides, especially if the temperature is kept below 120 degrees F. If your hot water smells or tastes strange, you may need to drain the water heater to remove sediment and bacteria. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the unit.

5. Low Water Pressure

Is the water pressure from your cold-water faucets fine but low from your hot-water faucets? It could be a sign that there is sediment build-up in the water heater tank. Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the tank and lead to a number of problems if not addressed.

6. Not Enough Hot Water

Unless you’ve drastically changed your hot water using habits, your water heater should not consistently deliver adequate amounts of hot water. When a water heater starts to go bad, it often lose its ability to heat water properly, resulting in less hot water overall.

7. Water Heater Leaks

If you notice your water heater leaking, turn it off immediately and contact a plumber asap. Water heaters are designed to be airtight so any leaking is a clear indication that something is wrong.

8. More Frequent Repairs

If you’re experiencing more frequent issues with your water heater, replacement might be a more cost-effective solution. Especially if the water heater is approaching the end of its useful life.

9. Age

The average lifespan of a tank-style water heater is about 8 to 12 years. If yours is approaching (or has exceeded) this age, it may be time to consider replacement. As a water heater ages, it is more prone to sediment build-up and frequent repair issues. What’s more, it loses its efficiency over time, leading to higher utility bills.

If you have any concerns that your water heater may be going bad, call Best Choice Plumbers today.  We’ll inspect your water heater, discuss your household’s hot water needs, and recommend the best course of action.