A water heater is a vital part of your home. It keeps you warm and comfortable while providing plenty of hot water when it’s time to wash dishes or shower. If your water heater fails, it’ll be costly and inconvenient.
But how do you know when your water heater is about to fail? And what can you do about it? Here are some signs that indicate your water heater might be on its way out:
- Water Leaks
If you notice leaks around your water heater or hear dripping noises when the tank is not in use, it’s time to call an HVAC contractor at 23hour plumbing.
The first step in determining whether or not your water heater is leaking is to determine the source of the leak. If any drips are coming from under the unit, it may be time for an HVAC technician to come out and check for any possible cracks or leaks in the tank.
If no drips are coming from under the unit, but there are still wet spots around the base of your water heater, this could indicate that your drain valve needs to be replaced. When you turn on your hot water faucet, hot water flows through this valve and into your hot water pipes, where it will eventually get used by someone in your home.
Over time, these valves can become clogged with mineral deposits and other debris that build up inside them over time which causes them to become less efficient at their jobs.
- Strange Odors
If you smell strange odors from your water heater, it may be time to call a plumber. There are many different reasons for these odors, but one more common is a defective water heater.
An overflow condition is the most common cause of strange odors from a water heater. In this situation, too much water in the tank flows over the top and onto the tank’s exterior. This can lead to mildew or mold growth outside the tank, leading to even more problems down the road.
Another common cause of odors from a water heater is a biological growth inside of it. When standing water is inside your water heater for extended periods, bacteria and other organisms can grow inside it. This will cause strange smells from your faucets when you turn them on or off and when you use hot water in general.
This can lead to severe damage if left untreated, so call a professional immediately if you notice any signs or symptoms like this occurring with your hot water system.
- Rumbling Noises
One of the signs of a defective water heater is rumbling noises. If you hear this sound while the water heater is heating up or it’s being used, there’s possibly something wrong with the unit.
A defective water heater can make loud noises when it’s being used. These noises can range from clicking to gurgling to clanking sounds, almost like explosions.
The reason for this noise is because of the build-up of sediment inside your tank. As water flows through your pipes, it picks up minerals and other materials from the pipes and debris from your home and yard. This material builds up inside your tank over time, eventually forming a thick layer at the bottom of your tank where it can easily be heard or felt when you use hot water.
The best way to prevent this problem is by having your tank flushed every few years so that all this material comes out before it builds up too much inside your tank and causes issues with flow rate or temperature control.
- Rusty Water
One of the signs of a defective water heater is rusty water from your faucets. This is one of the most common signs because it happens quickly and easily. If you notice rust in your water supply, it could mean some corrosion in your tank. This can lead to leaks and other plumbing problems.
If you see rust in your water supply, you should first turn off the main valve to your home’s main water line. Once done, start draining the tank so that the remaining water stays inside until you have time to fix the problem immediately. You don’t want any more rust particles getting into your pipes or leaking out onto surfaces where they might cause damage or harm someone else.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to know when your water heater is defective and needs to be repaired. It can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and even help save your life. Talk to a professional today if you think your water heater is defective.