Signs of a Faulty Water Heater
- Noisy water heater
- The water heater is 10+ years old
- Spike in utility bills
- Inconsistent water temperature
- Rusty brown water
- Smelly hot water
The water heater is one of the most important pieces of plumbing hardware in the home. A faulty water heater can make it difficult to complete daily tasks like bathing and cleaning. No water heater can last forever. After around 10 to 15 years, they usually show signs of needing repair or replacement.
A new water heater can save homeowners money on frequent repairs and skyrocketing utility bills. New water heaters provide more efficient performance, larger water capacity, and are longer-lasting.
Homeowners who are tired of never having enough hot water or are experiencing the signs of a faulty water heater should contact a professional for help. A faulty water heater can be a hazard to homeowners. The high temperatures and gallons of water contained within the water heater tank could cause extensive home damage or personal injury if it breaks.
Noisy Water Heater
A rumbling water heater tank usually means a buildup of sediment in the tank. Sediment in water tanks comes from the natural minerals found in water. Minerals like calcium and magnesium are found in drinking water and are safe for consumption. During the heating process, these minerals separate into solid sediment.
During professional water heater maintenance, the plumber empties the water heater tank and flushes out the sediment. This needs to be done once or twice a year to keep the water heater running in optimal condition. Too much sediment in the tank can eventually lead to corrosion, leaks, and system failure.
Brown and Stinky Water
The rust from a corroded metal water tank is why hot water turns reddish-brown. Water from a faulty water heater may also have a foul smell from minerals in the water. Brown and stinky water are signs of a serious problem with the water heater.
Rust on the inside of the water tank can lead to further corrosion of the important parts of the water heater. Eventually, rust and corrosion will lead to a complete system breakdown. An anode rod is an important part of the water heater designed to prevent corrosion effects.
The anode rod attracts corrosive materials to keep them from damaging the water heater. The anode rod needs to be replaced every 3-5 years. An old or faulty anode rod could lead to rust and corrosion in the water tank.
Leaking Water Heater Tank
A leaking water heater tank is a serious problem that needs immediate attention from a professional water heater technician. Once a water heater tank starts leaking, the corrosion is usually beyond repair. It can be hazardous to leave a leaky water heater in a state of disrepair because it could cause extensive water damage or start an electrical fire.
A leak is not always a death sentence for water heaters. Some leaks can be simple to repair for a professional. However, getting to the leak early on is important before it becomes a bigger issue. Catching the problem early on can help homeowners complete repairs before a water heater failure occurs.
Replacing the water heater can be a good thing for the home value. It provides the home with more hot water, faster. The efficiency of new water heaters also makes them better for the environment, with fewer carbon emissions and lower utility bills. New tankless water heaters only heat the amount of water needed for each task.
About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service
Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service is a local plumbing company that homeowners can count on for all their water heater repair, maintenance, and installation needs. Homeowners can depend on Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service team for award-winning customer service and up-front pricing. Give them a call today for water heater replacement in Evansville, IN!
