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Your water heater is responsible for supplying your home with hot water. Unfortunately, like any appliance in your home, it can develop issues over time. Most water heaters last between eight and 12 years before they should be replaced, but newer water heaters can often be repaired if they only have minor issues that you catch in time. That being said, let’s go over seven signs that your water heater is in need of repairs.
1. Little or No Hot Water
The biggest indicator that your water heater needs repairs is when you have little or no hot water in your home. No matter how hot you turn on your faucets or your shower, the water is never more than lukewarm. It’s also possible that your hot water runs out after only a short time, which is definitely a rude awakening when you’re taking a shower. It also might take forever for your water to get hot enough for you when you need it. In any case, your water heater needs immediate attention.
If you need service for a tankless water heater due to a lack of hot water, it could be due to a problem with the heating element or some other important component. If you have a traditional tank water heater, sediment buildup in the tank could be reducing your heater’s efficiency. Either way, you will need to contact a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.
2. Strange Sounds Coming From the Water Heater
Your water heater should be almost silent when it’s running, so any loud banging, popping, or rumbling is definitely cause for alarm. In most cases, these sounds are caused by sediment buildup in the tank. This sediment can harden over time, trapping pockets of water that heat up and burst, making popping and banging noises. These exploding pockets of water can do serious damage to your water heater, causing it to spring a leak or even fail altogether. If you notice any strange sounds coming from your water heater, call a professional right away for an inspection. It may be possible to save your water heater before any lasting damage is done.
3. Water Leaking From the Water Heater
A leaky water heater is always a serious problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. There could be a leak in the tank as we discussed in the previous section, or you might have a loose or damaged valve. A faulty valve is relatively easy to fix, but a leaking tank is another story. It is possible to fix minor leaks in a water heater tank, but a more severe leak may require a whole new water heater.
If you notice any water pooling near the bottom of your water heater, turn off the water supply to the tank, turn off the water heater itself, and drain the water from the tank if you can. After that, call a plumbing professional to find the source of the leak and to see if a repair is possible.
4. Cloudy or Rust-Colored Water
If your water is anything but clear when it comes out of your tap, you have a problem somewhere with your plumbing. It could be that your pipes are corroded and leaching contaminants into your water, or there may be corrosion in your water heater tank. If it’s only your hot water that is discolored, the problem lies with your water heater. If the cold water looks suspicious as well, the problem could be somewhere else. In any case, call a plumber right away to find the source of the problem since it could become a serious health hazard if it’s left unchecked.
5. Bad-Smelling Hot Water
If your hot water has a bad smell similar to rotten eggs, you might have bacteria built up in your water heater’s tank. This is a common problem with water heaters that are rarely used or set at temperatures that are low enough to cause bacteria to grow. Draining and disinfecting the tank will usually take care of this problem. If the bad smells come back, you may need to replace your water heater before it becomes a serious health issue in your home.
6. Issues With the Pilot Light or Burner
Gas water heaters rely on a pilot light or burner to heat the water in the tank. If the pilot light goes out or the burner isn’t working properly, you’ll end up with cold water. A pilot light can be relit, but if it keeps going out or won’t light at all, you may have an issue with your gas line that requires attention. Electrical water heaters can have similar problems with their heating elements, which will need to be replaced if they aren’t working properly.
7. Your Water Is Extremely Hot
Cold water is obviously a sign that you have a problem with your water heater, but the same applies to water that is too hot. If you find that your hot water is too hot or if it heats up too quickly, check the temperature settings on your water heater. It could be that it’s set too high, in which case, a quick adjustment will solve your problems. If you do lower the heat on your water heater and find that it’s still too hot, there could be a problem with your controls or your heating element that needs to be fixed by a professional.
No matter what problems you might be having with your water heater, it’s always important to have them addressed as quickly as possible. At the very least, you could find yourself unable to take hot showers or wash your clothes with hot water. At worst, you could wind up with a leak that can cause serious damage or a safety hazard from contaminated water or water that is scalding hot. If you’re lucky, your problems are relatively minor and your water heater can be repaired instead of replaced.
Call Black-Haak for Water Heater Repairs
Whether you suspect that your water heater needs an inspection or repairs, Black-Haak will be happy to assist you. We are a heating, cooling, and plumbing company that has served Appleton, WI and the surrounding areas since 1956, and we are well-versed in water heaters of all kinds. We pride ourselves on providing a reliable local plumbing service to all of our customers, and we will offer flat-rate pricing for our services to keep them within your budget. All of our plumbers are licensed and insured, and they are available 24 hours a day for emergency services should you need them. We are also accredited with the Better Business Bureau and currently have an A+ rating.
To learn more about our water heater repair services or to schedule service for your home in Appleton, call Black-Haak today. We’ll be happy to answer any questions that you might have and help you find the best water heater solution for you, whether that means fixing your existing water heater or installing a new model.
