Do you run out of hot water too quickly for your liking? Unless you’re an ice bath enthusiast, chances are that you prefer a nice warm shower at the beginning, middle, or end of your day. Your water heater is one of the most important elements to making that happen. So when it breaks down, it’s easy to go into panic mode. Luckily, it’s easy to be proactive—here are 5 water heater warning signs to watch out for.
5 Water Heater Warning Signs
- No hot water
- Age
- Rusty water
- Odd noises
- Leaking
- No Hot Water
No hot water is the most jarring symptom of a water heater gone rogue. But other times, the symptoms can be more subtle. You might notice that your water temperature is inconsistent or that you run out of hot water quickly.
Some of the heating elements, like the burners, might have gone bad—or your thermostat might have been broken. Other times, you might have clogged valves that don’t allow you to flush out any dirt, rocks, or other sediments. Lots of built-up sediment can leave little space for heated water, causing your steamy showers to end abruptly.
So if you’re often met with a sudden blast of freezing water in the middle of your shower, it might be time to check your unit.
- Age
Most water heaters, whether they’re in the traditional or tankless style, tend to last for about 10 to 12 years. Your unit should have a sticker on it with the installation date on it—if you’re past the 10-year mark, keep a close eye on it. At this age, it’s likely cheaper to replace the whole unit altogether than to keep replacing any malfunctioning parts.
- Rusty water
Water heater tanks have metal components susceptible to rusting. When you first buy a unit, it has a solid coating that helps prevent rust on the inside of your tank. Over time, that coating begins to break down. Eventually, you might find smelly, discolored water running out of your faucets. While it doesn’t harm your health, the taste is definitely something to be sour about. Rusty water can damage any appliances you use, however.
- Odd noises
Strange noises can indicate a deeper problem with your water heater. If you hear loud pops, cracks, gurgles, or other weird sounds, you could have a problem with built-up sediment or a broken heating element. If you hear boiling sounds, be sure to call a technician as soon as possible — your water heater could be experiencing intense pressure and overheating.
- Leaking
If you notice water pooling around the bottom of your tank or dripping from the tank itself, you likely have a serious problem on your hands. Some loose connections inside the unit could be causing the leak, which just calls for tightening. But if the tank itself is damaged, you’ll need to replace the whole water unit.
Check Your Water Heater
Now that we’ve covered the 5 water heater warning signs to be aware of, your first action step is to check the age of your water heater. Even if you’re not seeing any obvious signs of damage, you might want to consider replacing the unit if you’re past the 10-year mark.
Need a plumbing expert to take a look at your water heater? Custom Plumbing of Arizona is here to help. Call us at 602-883-2761 for a free estimate.