5 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair

There's nothing like a hot shower to start your day. But like any appliance, at some point, your water heater will break down. Do you know how to maintain yours?

In general, water heaters are designed to last between 8 and 12 years. However, once your water heater reaches the six-year mark, it's time to look out for some warning signs.

Do you know the tell-tale signs to look out for? Sometimes knowing these can save you a lot of money on costly repairs. By identifying them early, you can call in professionals like Accuserv to take care of the problem right away before it escalates.

If you’re not sure what to look out for, we’re here to help. We’ve outlined five key signs that it’s time to get your water heater checked.

Colorless Water

The moment you notice discolored water coming from your shower, it’s time to call a plumber. This discoloration is likely the result of rust that builds up inside your water heater over time. So be vigilant by doing regular checks.

Are You Aware of the Leak?

As time goes by, rust and corrosion begin to accumulate on the outer surface of the water heater. This causes water to leak from these compromised areas.

When you notice water leaking, call a plumber immediately. If the situation is left unresolved, one day you will find a pool of water on your beautiful bathroom tile floors. You may be forced to do a deep cleaning, which is an additional expense.

A tree

Smelly water coming out of your shower is never a good sign. This is usually caused by a buildup of mineral deposits or sludge at the bottom of your water heater tank. This often happens in households that use hard water.

Unfortunately, unpleasant odors aren't the only thing you need to worry about in this situation. Build-up of sludge or mineral deposits tend to clog the drain valve if left untreated. When this happens, the bottom of the water heater tank begins to overheat, weakening it and causing further damage.

Additionally, when heated and cooled repeatedly, sludge and mineral deposits harden. This unfortunately causes the kettle to not perform at its best.

Funny Sounds

Is your water heater making funny noises as soon as the unit starts to heat up? These rumbling or banging noises are also caused by sludge that may have accumulated at the bottom of your tank.

Hot Water Is Running Out

Is the hot water coming out faster than normal? Before you blame your family members, get a plumber to inspect the tank. Insufficient hot water could be the result of a faulty burner that now needs service.

Final words

Knowing these signs can help you fix the situation before it becomes an emergency. However, make sure you hire the services of a professional who will fix the problem effectively. Plumbing problems can affect your entire structure, so this is not the time to save money hoping that the problem will solve itself.