Your water heater is one of those appliances that is easy to take for granted until it stops working one day. There may be some signs that it’ll need attention before your life is filled with cold showers. If you can learn to spot the symptoms and signs, you’ll gain more insight into how to tell if your water heater is working.
If you notice any of the below signs, it’s best to follow up by scheduling a visit with a licensed plumber to inspect your water heater.
Stay on the Lookout for These Water Heater Issues
You’re Getting Hot Water, But Not Enough
Maybe one day your shower is warm and comfortable and the next day it’s much cooler than you like it. These inconsistent or varying temperatures could mean trouble with the device thermostat, or they could be a signal that the device’s heating element is not working, which is a bigger issue. If the water is not staying heated for long enough (think 2-3 members of your family need showers before you leave in the mornings) you may just need a bigger tank.
The Water is Discolored
Murky or rusty water can be a sign of corrosion on the inside of your water heater. The rust inside can start to build up and cause the discoloration. When this happens, it can damage your dishwasher, washing machine, or any appliance that relies on this water. One solution might be to try and replace the anode rod. This is the element in most water heaters designed to prevent corrosion.
Low Pressure
We all know the experience. If your showers feel like a trickle at times, you’re experiencing low water pressure. There can be lots of reasons for this, but if the pressure is lower when the hot water is running, it may have to do with buildup in your hot water heater tank. Sediment can build up and cause the water to back up and flow at a slower rate.
If you’re using a newer water heater, it may be a matter of the plumber cleaning the sediment and flushing the supply lines.
Unusual Noises
Water heaters may naturally make some noise as part of their functioning, but if you start hearing more noises than usual, it may signal a water heater problem. Rumbling, banging, or popping can signal a sediment issue.
Putrid Egg Smell
It’s no fun when the water that is supposed to cleanse smells awful. While other issues can cause this, if the issue only occurs with the warm water supply, it could be your heater. You may want to try temporarily raising the temperature of the tank by running the hottest water possible or replacing the anode rods to kill the bacteria that cause that smell.
Fix Your Broken Water Heaters ASAP
If your water heater is showing any of the above symptoms, it’s best to have it fixed before the water heater is no longer working. Many of these issues can be fixed with common repairs before it becomes necessary to replace the whole unit. If you have any questions or would like to speak with us about your water heater, contact us today!
