Your water heater works around the clock to keep you and your family hydrated. However, over time it will start to wear down.
Fortunately, there are several signs you can look for that indicate it’s time to get a new water heater. These signs range from mild buzzing to rumbling noises.
Water Heater Leaks
Water leaks from your water heater indicate it’s time to contact the New Braunfels water heater repair or replacement. Leaks can cause rusty water or damage the unit and your home.
Water leaking from the bottom of your water heater could be caused by sediment that builds up near the heating components. This can cause strain on the water heater and wear down the metal encasement. It may also be caused by a crack in the tank or loose pipe connections.
Leaks from the top of your water heater are less common and are usually a sign that the temperature pressure relief valve is faulty. The T&P valve is designed to release steam and water from the tank if it gets too hot or has too much pressure.
If you see pools of water around your water heater, it’s best to have it repaired immediately. If left unattended, a leak from your water heater can lead to significant damage and costly repairs. It’s essential to have a leak detector installed on your water heater. This will notify you when it leaks so that you can fix the problem before it becomes a significant issue.
Rusty Water
When you turn on the tap and a stream of rust-colored water flows out, it’s unsettling and may indicate that you need plumbing repair. This discoloration is caused by rust or corrosion in your pipes. If you notice rust in your drinking and cooking water, ask your neighbors if they’re experiencing the same issue. If the rust comes from public water supply piping, contacting your city utilities department is best.
Rust in your water could also indicate that your water heater is beginning to erode. Rust can contaminate the water that leaves your tank, so it’s essential to have it replaced before you experience a leak or other damage to your home.
You should also consider flushing out your water heater if you see rusty or brown-colored water in hot and cold faucets. This will help remove any sediment in the tank and prevent further rusty or brown water from flowing from your taps. This will save you money and hassle since you’ll be avoiding the need for costly repairs or a replacement water heater.
Fluctuating Temperatures
Your water heater is an essential part of the modern home, and it may only get a little attention if there is a problem. If you’re finding that your water temperature fluctuates, then it’s time to have your water heater repaired.
If your electric water heater is experiencing this issue, the heating element is faulty and needs to be replaced. If you have an older tankless water heater, the problem is likely caused by a broken dip tube that carries cold water to the bottom. This is an easy fix; a plumber can replace the entire dip tube.
Another reason your water heater temperature may change is sediment buildup. This can cause the heating elements to fail and overheat. You can also try draining the water heater and flushing it out to remove any sediment that has built up.
Noisy Water Heater
Although some water heater noises are normal, others can be a warning sign of a problem. A professional plumber should investigate any new or strange sounds from your water heater. Water heaters make various sounds, including pops, bangs, and whistles.
Hissing and sizzling noises usually indicate a buildup of sediment in your tank. Annual flushing and draining can help resolve this issue. Sizzling noises can also be caused by loose valves letting air into your system. In this case, you may need to adjust your unit’s pressure-releasing and temperature valves.
Humming noises are usually a result of the heating element vibrating when hot water passes over it. A plumbing professional can generally tighten the heating element and stop this noise from occurring.
Hammering sounds are caused by sudden pressure fluctuations causing water movement to slam into your pipes. These sounds can cause damage and are best stopped with a water hammer arrester. These can be purchased at most hardware stores and installed in the plumbing line at the bottom of your water heater.
No Hot Water
There’s nothing worse than jumping into a shower only to find that you’re getting ice-cold water instead. This is usually a sign of a leak in the tank or at pipe joints, and it’s best to get this fixed as soon as possible to avoid costly damage.
A lukewarm hot water supply indicates that the lower heating element is going wrong, but this can be fixed with regular maintenance and inspections. A faulty upper thermostat is another common cause of no hot water, and it can be fixed by adjusting the temperature to between 122 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lastly, no hot water may result from a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch on your heater or a malfunctioning gas valve. Luckily, these are easy fixes; flip the switch and press the button on your circuit breaker panel to reset it. If the problem persists, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Gas leaks are more severe and should be dealt with immediately as they pose a health hazard.
