If you are like most people, you rarely think about the hot water heater that provides you with hot water on demand; that is, until it doesn’t work like it should anymore. When it comes to your hot water heater, there are several signs that indicate you may have a problem with it long before it is no longer functioning. It is important to be aware of these signs so that you can avoid sudden loss of hot water. We would like to share some indications that are present when your hot water heater is in trouble.
Running Out of Hot Water Faster than Before
Have you noticed that you no longer get as much hot water as you used to before running out completely. This is usually really obvious when you are putting a particular strain on your hot water; like when you have several people trying to shower at a time in your home. There is however, a difference between using all the hot water with 5-6 showers back to back and running out of hot water after only one shower. This is one of the first signs that you could be having hot water heater problems and it should be checked out by a professional.
Brown & Discolored Hot Water
As your hot water ages, it will sometimes start to cause your water to look discolored. This rusty discoloration is because your tank is starting to rust away from the inside out. There is a way to figure out if the rusty water is caused by your hot water heater or a problem with your city water source. If you empty out some of the water in your hot water heater and by the third five gallon bucket of water are finding that there is rust in the water, it is likely your hot water heater to blame.
Hot Water Making High Pitched Noise or Booming Sound
Any time an appliance in your home is causing strange noises, it is a cause for concern. It is no different with your hot water heater. When water heaters get older, there is usually a great deal of sediment that builds up at the bottom of the tank. This sediment starts to harden and can cause loud noises when water is heating. This can cause your water heater to function less efficiently and the sediment can also cause damage to the tank.
Hot Water Heater Leaking Water from the Top or Bottom
The biggest sign that your water heater needs to be replaced in any sign of leaking water. Over years of heating and cooling water, between 15 and 20 years you may develop a crack in the tank or the pipes. Sometimes there is only leaking as the water is heated and then the metal tank will contract as it cools and the leaking will stop. This small amount of leaking will continue to get worse until you are finally facing replacement.
Plumbing Repairs, Fixture Replacements & More in Bedford Hills, Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
If you have signs that your water heater is in trouble, don’t hesitate to call on our team of professionals to help you diagnose and solve the problem so you can enjoy hot water again. Call us today!