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7 Signs Your Water Heater Is Failing
February 28, 2022
Nothing can ruin your day quite like a water heater breakdown. To avoid this problem, it is important to become familiar with the signs that your system is on its way out the door. That way, you can have it replaced before it crashes and you’re left with no hot water. Continue reading to learn some of the most common signs that your water heater is failing.
Water Leaking from the Tank
When a water heater is old enough, the tank and other components of the system can corrode and start to break down. When this happens, it is not uncommon for water to begin leaking and pooling around the system. If the water is leaking from a loose connection, it can be repaired, but if the tank itself is leaking, the system will need to be replaced.
Fluctuating Water Temperature
If the temperature of your water fluctuates frequently, you might have a damaged or failing heating element. This is a major problem that often cannot be repaired, but there is a chance this issue is being caused by a damaged thermostat. A damaged thermostat can be fixed much more easily than a broken heating element, so it is important to have this particular issue checked out right away.
Frequent Repairs
Frequent repairs can put a lot of strain on a system, causing irreversible damage over time. Once your system is damaged enough, each repair is considered to be more of a temporary fix rather than a permanent solution. The last thing you want is to pour a bunch of money into a system that is failing, so we recommend having yours checked out and assessed by a qualified professional.
Loud Noises
Loud banging, rattling, and cracking sounds are not a good sign. Unusual noises are usually an indication that the heating element in your water heater is breaking, but they can also be a sign that your system is clogged or there are loose connections within your system.
Old Age
Water heaters typically last between 10 and 15 years. If your system is acting up near the end of its lifespan, it’s best to have it repaired before it crashes for good.
Funky Water
Does your water have bits of sediment in it? Does it smell funny? Is it rust-colored? If your water tastes, smells, or looks funny, chances are something is seriously wrong with your water heater. Issues such as these are usually brought on by corrosion within the tank. If the tank becomes rusty and starts breaking down, bits of that rust can break off into your water and affect its quality. To ensure your access to fresh and healthy water, you should have odd-tasting, smelling, or looking water inspected right away.
Low Water Pressure
Over time, sediment builds up in water heaters, restricting both their ability to heat and transfer water effectively. Without flushing your water heater every 6-12 months, this buildup can become excessive and result in extremely weak water pressure among other things. It is possible to repair this issue if you react quickly enough; however, if it goes unrepaired for too long, your system can experience extensive and irreversible damage.
What To Do If Your Water Heater Is Failing
If your water heater is acting up, schedule an inspection right away. At Winters® Home Services, our team provides comprehensive inspections, during which we assess the condition and performance of your system before determining the best solution. In the event that we recommend a system replacement, you can rest assured that our team makes the installation process easy as can be.
As a leader in the plumbing industry, we have access to a variety of top-performing, energy-efficient water heater systems, including conventional tank and tankless water heaters. We work closely with you to understand your hot water needs before selecting and installing the perfect system for you.
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Turn to Winters® Home Services for water heater repair and replacement services. We can be reached online or at 617-221-5899.