How Do I Know if My Water Heater is Failing?

Many homeowners ignore issues with their water heater, paying no mind to dripping or rattling sounds. People spend so much money purchasing a new water heater when they could have spotted the warning signs and repaired the damage ahead of time.

Look at Some Common Signs of a Damaged Water Heater

Strange Noises – When a water heater is failing, it will make strange noises. The sounds can be constant or they can occur from time to time. You’ll sometimes hear a gurgling or bubbling sound. Prior to taking a shower or doing laundry, listen to your water heater to see if you hear off noises.

Rusty Water – An aging water heater typically has rust falling into the tank. The rust will then fall into the bottom of the tank. If you notice murky water, then you need to drain or flush the water heater.

Age of the Water Heater – Water heaters last around 10-15 years and then they need to be repaired. Water heaters over 15 years old should be assessed by a professional.

Costly Repairs – If your water heater is always breaking down and you spend a significant amount of money on repairs, it’s time to purchase a new water heater.

No Hot Water – Lukewarm water coming from your water heater means there is seriously something wrong. A 40 or 50-gallon water heater should be able to supply enough water for two to three showers in a row.

Leaks – Leaks coming from the water heater means that your water heater is most likely failing. If you notice the water heater failing, then you must inspect the floor where the water heater is.

Make sure to pay attention to the local water supply to see if there are a lot of minerals as this could age the water heater much quicker. It’s always best to have routine maintenance to ensure your water heater lasts for years to come. Contact the team at Winters® Home Services at (617) 977-3101 to repair or replace your water heater.