The water heater is one of those appliances that seem like a creature comfort that nobody wants to be without for very long but is also one of the most important amenities in your home. The water heater, as the name implies, heats all the water you use whether it’s to cook, bathe, clean, or get a drink. Once it quits working, it can feel like weeks before a replacement can be installed, and that's why it makes sense to know the warning signs that can give you a heads-up about the upcoming death of your water heater. Here are four ways to know it's time to get on your plumber's schedule, hopefully before your water heater completely stops working and you’re left taking cold showers until it’s replaced.
Strange Noises
Your water heater should operate silently. You should never hear any squealing, hissing, pinging, or other noises. If you do, these are signs that any of a number of problems could be boiling up--literally! The high temperatures and high pressures inside your water heater can be responsible for these unusual sounds, and they represent a serious risk of damage to your home and injury to your family. If your water heater is making noises at all, call a plumber, someone like My Texas Home Services.
Irregular Water Temperatures
We have all had those days when everyone seems to be showering one after the other, leaving precious little hot water for the last one. That's not an issue, but if you're experiencing highs and lows in the water temperature during your shower, something is wrong. Your water heater, if the tank is full, should supply you with an interrupted supply of hot water at a consistent temperature.
Water Leaks
A water heater, like any plumbing item, should be totally leak-free. Unlike other fixtures, though, water heaters do not have minor leaks. Any sign of water coming from the water heater is a clear indication of a problem. Get in contact with a professional right away so that you can get to the bottom of the problem before the leak becomes larger - or turns into an eruption.
Discolored Water at the Tap
If you open a faucet or shower and see brown coloration in the stream or on the surface where the water lands, you may have a problem with rust in your water heater's tank. Corrosion in the tank suggests that a rupture is possible, which would mean an immediate end to your supply of hot water and a late start on a replacement. Your water should always be clear.
A dying water heater is not just a big inconvenience, but it's also a serious safety hazard. Don't prolong the process of getting back to normal. Call for help as soon as you notice these signs that your water heater is going down the drain.
