5 Indications You Need to Repair a Water Heater
Posted on: 14 October 2021
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If you own a home, water heater repair is often inevitable. Most folks don't want to jump on that problem any sooner than they have to, but letting the issue linger can cost them more in the long run. It's wise to address water heater problems as soon as they become evident, and you can watch for these 5 indications.
Cloudy or Discolored Water
When a water heater starts to have trouble, it can discolor the water. If it's not running hot enough, the warm water can even encourage bacterial and fungal growth and lead to clouding. Also, metals can accumulate in the heater, and similar problems may appear if there are rusty components. This all affects the quality of the water, and you should consider repairs.
Wobbly Temperatures
A water heater running in optimal condition should provide a steady stream of water at the same temperature as long as it hasn't significantly depleted the tank. If you're noticing rises and drops in the temperature of the water, that's a problem. It's especially an issue if you notice it when you're only engaged in a single activity, such as showering. The heater is likely struggling to keep up with the water demand, and that's causing it to kick on and heat the water repeatedly.
Noises
Your home's water heater should operate with close to no noise. Particularly if the heater is in the basement or attic, it should be quiet enough that you never hear it without walking into that space and listening. You might hear a little noise if you have a closet with the water heater in it, but it shouldn't be demonstrably loud. Bangs, pops, and hisses are all bad news.
Exterior Corrosion
If you see visible corrosion on the outside, that's a bad sign. This usually means the orange dint of rust, typically from leaking water that has found a tiny path out of the system. It might be so minimal of a leak that you don't see water pooling, especially if your home has a very good HVAC system. Corrosion is always bad so call a technician at the first sign of it.
High Water, Gas, or Electric Bills
Sometimes the trouble signal is even more subtle. You may only notice the system's failures because it's inefficient enough to cost you money. If you're seeing an unexplainable uptick in your energy bills, give the water heater a good look. it might not be the culprit, but it should be on the list.
If you have questions or concerns, make an appointment with local water heater repair services.