A water heater that works one day but suddenly fails the next day is the kind of plumbing nightmare every homeowner wants to avoid. If it happens in winter or during the holidays, this issue can cause major problems in your home.
But usually, before a water heater gets to the extreme point of breaking down, it has been giving warning signs that were either missed or misunderstood. Water heaters are sturdy appliances that will take a beating and still keep working, even if not at full capacity.
If a water heater fails suddenly, Specialized Property Management Oklahoma City notes that you are sure that the problems which caused the failure did not happen overnight. They would have been going on for a long time, but the signs were most likely overlooked because the seriousness of the issue was not fully understood.
What are the typical signs that a water heater is about to fail? Knowing the answer to this question will help you avoid water heater emergencies that can put your family in a potentially dangerous situation. This post will answer the question.
10 warning signs that your water heater is on its last leg
Irregular water temperature
If the water temperature fluctuates – sufficiently hot on one day but lukewarm the next day – you may want to check your water heater. Variations in hot water temperature signify that the unit is becoming inefficient. Depending on the root cause, you may only need to fix the unit or replace your water heater.
The water heater makes strange noises
A water heater on the verge of failing will make strange noises: popping, banging and rumbling sounds. These sounds are usually caused by sediments built up at the bottom of the tank. Strange sounds can also signify that the water heater is dangerously overheating. This sign should not be ignored.
Shortage of hot water
Sometimes, a malfunctioning water heater will stop producing enough hot water; you run out of hot water quicker than expected. When this happens, you will find that you can no longer use multiple hot-water-utilizing appliances or plumbing fixtures in the home at once. This problem can cost you several hours each day.
Discolored water
Water discoloration is one of the clearest signs that your water heater is on its last leg. That is a common problem when a water heater has a lot of rust inside it. It happens when the anode rod inside the water heater is used up, and the tank no longer has the protection of an anode rod.
Bad odors from your hot water
If the water coming from your water heater smells bad, you have large growths of bacteria inside the tank. While it is fairly easy to kill the bacteria inside the tank, the underlying causes of the problem are not easily resolved. Two factors that encourage bacteria growth inside your water heater are rust and corrosion.
The water heater leaks
Your water heater can leak in three main places: the connecting pipes, the TPR valve or the tank. If one of the connecting pipes of the water heater or the TPR valve is leaking, you can solve the problem easily. A leaky water heater tank often means you have to replace the unit.
Higher energy bills
This is not a problem if your home’s water usage pattern has changed recently; maybe you are using more hot water. But if there is no significant change to how you use water but your home’s energy bill is increasing, your water heater has become inefficient. Water heater inefficiency is often caused by sediment buildup inside the unit.
Low water pressure
Low water pressure in your entire home does not mean there is a problem with your water heater. However, if the water pressure in your cold water faucets is high, but your hot water taps have a low pressure, it could be due to problems in the water heater. Sediment buildup inside the water heater will cause low hot water pressure.
Frequent breakdowns and repairs
If you frequently have to fix your water heater, it is only natural that you should expect it to fail soon. To avoid the stress that a sudden water heater malfunction can cause your family, it is better to replace the unit immediately. Moreover, it is not cost-effective to keep fixing a bad water heater.
The water heater is old
A water heater that has passed its tenth year of service will become increasingly unstable because the average lifespan of a water heater is 8 to 12 years. If your water heater is old, chances are high that it will have many of the above problems.
Finally, if you have concluded that your water heater is due for replacement, do not rush out to buy a new one. It is better to talk with a nearby plumber so they can do a proper assessment of your family’s hot water needs and recommend the best water heater for your home.