A properly functioning water heater will provide warm water for various household chores such as showering and dishwashing. Some types of water heaters will also save space and reduce your energy consumption. Over time, issues may arise that require you to contact plumbing companies to replace or repair your water heater. Here are some of those issues:
1. Lifespan of More Than 10 Years
The lifespan of your water heater depends on several factors, including frequency of usage, type of water heater, and the water in your home. Most water heaters will serve your home for about 10 years, but some water heaters can go on for up to two decades. Plumbing companies will tell you the expected lifespan of your water heater during installation.
2. Discolored Water
Most water heater tanks are made of metal that can rust as it interacts with water. The rust can start to accumulate and float inside the tank. Water passing through the tank changes its color and appears reddish or rusty. If you don’t address this issue quickly, the rust can cause health problems. If the problem is minor, a professional can clean the inside of the tank to remove rust. Repeated instances of discolored water due to rust inside the water tank are a sign that the tank is too old and needs to be replaced.
3. Suspicious Sounds
The water heater will often generate noise when running. These sounds are not a sign of malfunctioning, and you don’t have to repair or replace your water heater. The real problem is when the water heater starts to produce banging, hissing, ticking, screeching, and popping sounds. Banging sounds point to the accumulation of sediment inside the tank, and you will have to drain the water tank and clean it. If you have an electric water heater, hissing and crackling sounds indicate an obstruction in the heating element. A technician can diagnose the issue and repair it. Ticking sounds are a sign of problems with the water heater’s pressure level while screeching sounds could be a warning of loose valves that allow air to escape from the tank.
4. Leaks and Cracks
Pooling hot water puddles around the water heater is the clearest sign that the unit is leaking. Be on the lookout for water buildup, moisture, or visible drips on the pipes, valves, or connections that are attached to your water heater. The presence of rust or corrosion on the valves or fittings of the tank can also signify leakages.
Water tank leakages will cause a sudden change in your water bill. As the leakage becomes bigger, the supply of hot water starts to fluctuate. Even fluctuations in the temperature of your hot water during usage can be a result of a leak somewhere in your water tank. Water leakages from a tank can damage items in your home while encouraging mold and bacteria growth.
5. Inadequate Heating
Minor problems with the thermostat may cause the device to set the wrong temperature in your water tank. A broken dip tube will also cause problems with the temperature of the water from your water tank. Another common cause is a broken gas valve that causes insufficient amounts of gas to reach the water heater. Insufficient gas can’t generate enough heat to warm up the water to the required temperature. Changing parts of their gas valve will solve this problem.
Get Help From Plumbing Companies
Repairs are often enough to solve most water heater problems, but some situations call for replacement. Professionals from plumbing companies will examine your water heater and determine the solution. If your water heater is not functioning as expected, contact a professional plumber to get help today.
