The availability of hot water is essential in most households. Every family member will use hot water several times daily, from washing dishes to showers. Having a water heater in the home proves to be very convenient because this commodity is made available on demand. Although the heater should last for about 12 years, it will eventually begin to show signs of wear. Homeowners need to learn to detect these indicators. They can then avoid running out of hot water at inopportune moments. Let’s consider the common signs of a water heater that’s at risk.
NO HOT WATER
The lack of hot water for the morning shower is something that will be noticeable right away. If the heater is on the fritz, it might not be able to produce enough hot water for the whole family. Nobody wants to deal with a cold shower first thing in the morning. Contact an experienced plumber to remedy the situation before a mutiny arises in the home.
KNOCKING SOUNDS
The water heater typically goes about its business quietly. But, if it suddenly begins to produce a knocking sound, there’s likely a problem. There’s probably sediment buildup in the tank preventing the unit from functioning correctly.
Sediment forms from the minerals found in water. The sediment buildup will occur faster if the property is in an area with particularly hard water. The heater will find these particles challenging to deal with and will take longer to heat the water.
Calling a plumber to drain the tank and remove the sediment would be best. This relatively straightforward process will leave the heater practically as good as new.
LEAKS
Several factors could cause leaks in the water heater. First, if there’s water pooling at the bottom of the unit, it’s time to call a plumber. The problem could arise from loose screws or a connector that needs tightening. A professional will be able to spot the issue and fix it before the situation worsens.
CLOUDY WATER
Water heaters have built-in anode rods that eliminate items like bacteria and rust from the water. If these rods fail, unwanted organisms could begin to accumulate in the tank. The result will be cloudy water that may also have a foul smell.
Fill two glasses with water, one from the cold water tap and the other from the hot water faucet. If both glasses are murky, then the problem is with the main water supply. However, the heater has a problem if only the hot water glass is cloudy. Reach out to a pro to replace the anode rod in the tank.
GIVE THE PROS A CALL
Water heaters are often ignored until they begin to malfunction. It’s essential to carry out regular maintenance on these units to detect potential problems early.
Water Heater Pros provides water heater installation and replacement services for Las Vegas and surrounding area residents and businesses. Our expert technicians install both traditional and tankless water heaters for homes and other buildings with gas or electric service. We offer the highest quality installers for efficient, versatile water heaters such as Rheem. Ruud, high-efficiency tankless Navien units, and more. Ask about our installation specials.