Water heaters can go bad for a number of reasons: sediment, burst pipes, corrosion, excess water pressure, and more.
And you don’t want to be left without hot water when you need it most. That’s why it’s important to know the signs a water heater is going bad.
If you know what to watch for, you can get an expert specializing in heating in Atlanta to solve the problem fast. So in this article, you’re going to learn the top warning signs that mean a repair or replacement might be necessary.
The 6 Signs Your Water Heater is Going Out
Here’s how to tell if hot water heater is bad, or at least starting to go bad:
1. Weird Noises
Strange noises coming from your water heater can be a sign that something is breaking. From mineral deposits to bad water flow, to loose connections or even the water pressure in your house, something is off.
Contact a professional who can check on your heater and clean the system, informing you if further work is needed.
2. Inconsistent Water Temperature
Inconsistent water temperature is another sign that your water heater is going bad. Hopefully it's a small problem like the thermostat.
However, it could always be something bigger like a heating element. In this case, it might be worth replacing with a newer, cost-saving unit.
3. Water Discoloration
No one wants to see murky water coming out of a faucet or shower. This means there is corrosion, due to rust forming in a broken unit.
The solution might range from an anode rod replacement to getting a new unit, to simply flushing the heater. Only a professional can tell you for sure.
4. Weak Water Pressure
When a home’s water pressure is weak, sediments can collect quicker. In addition, harder water will back up systems faster.
Therefore, weak water pressure is sometimes a sign that your heater is going to go bad soon. At a minimum, you should have a professional service it to know for certain. You could lengthen the life of the heater if you catch the issue in time.
5. Leaks Coming from the Water Heater
A valve might not be tightened correctly, or may have become loose. This is an easy fix. But a leak, if left unchecked, could be a sign that something more serious is happening.
If the tank has a leak, you’ll need to get the heater replaced or you might not have any hot water soon.
6. Hot Water Doesn’t Last Long
If you notice that every time you want to wash your hands or take a shower, the hot water turns cold quickly, then take note. Sediment can take up space in the system, meaning that less hot water is available.
Sometimes, a quick flush from a professional heater repair company can fix the issue. If the valves are already clogged, then a replacement is the only option.
What Happens When A Water Heater Goes Bad?
If you experience the top warning signs of the hot water heater going out, there’s always a logical explanation.
There are several possibilities as to the main culprit of your water heater going bad. An anode rod could be used up. Or perhaps the heating element breaks. Pipes might bust and start leaking, or even corrode.
However, they all point to one main conclusion, which is that you won’t have reliable hot water in the near future. You should probably repair or replace the heater, especially if it is over 10 years old.
Learn More: What's the Average Lifespan for a Water Heater?
Cooling & Heating - Atlanta Repair Company
If you have noticed the above signs your water heater is going out, then do something now. The last thing you want is to be without warm water when you and your loved ones need it most. Contact a professional heating system repair and installation company today.