Your hot water heater is a crucial part of your home, and it’s not something that will last forever. Most of them only last between 10 and 15 years. However, a failing hot water heater doesn’t have to take you by surprise. In fact, there are several different signs that can warn you of impending failure so you can have us come out to your home in Eau Gallie, or anywhere in Brevard County. What should you know? Here are some of the most important signs to watch for that might indicate your hot water heater is on its last legs.
Noise
Ideally, your hot water heater should make almost no noise at all during operation. However, if you notice it banging, knocking or whining, chances are good that it’s about to fail, even if it hasn’t reached the 10 to 15-year mark. Any unusual noise from the water heater should be a tip-off that you need licensed Brevard plumbers to look into the situation.
Rust Colored Water
Water heaters are made of metal. While that ensures durability, it also means the potential for rust and rust-related damage. If you run the water from the tap and notice that it’s an orange or red color, this is a good sign that your heater is about to fail and needs to be replaced very soon. However, it can also be a sign of other issues, particularly if you’re on well water and the well has been contaminated with iron-loving bacteria. A licensed Brevard plumber can inspect everything and help you determine the course to take.
Signs of Leaking Water
One of the best signs that you need a new hot water heater is standing water near the heater itself. Of course, this can be hard to detect since many homes have hot water heaters tucked away in sealed areas. If you see any water near the unit, your first call should be to Anchor Pluming to inspect the unit and determine where the leak is coming from, and whether or not the heater can be repaired or if it should be replaced.
Not Enough Hot Water
While no hot water might mean anything from a failed heating element or gas thermocouple to a blown out pilot light or a tripped breaker, not enough hot water can mean a failing heater. This is particularly true if you haven’t used the hot water in your home much that day. Generally, this is caused by mineral buildup on the bottom of the tank, which prevents the heat from warming the water.
If you’ve noticed any of these problems, the best course of action is to have licensed Brevard plumbers inspect the unit. If the problem is simple maintenance, it can generally be handled very quickly. However, if the unit is failing, it’s best to replace it before it fails completely or you’ll be without hot water until a new one can be installed.
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