Life without a water heater can be very stressful. Imagine not being able to wash your dishes, do your laundry, or take a hot bath or shower. Having hot water on demand is one of the greatest conveniences of modern living, and it adds to the quality of life. It enables you to do all of these things and more. Losing hot water can take away these basic livelihoods. Below are the signs of impending water heater failure.
1. Age of the Water Heater
If you recently moved, consider the age of your water heater. You can start by looking up some basic information about your home, such as age. If you bought an older home, have your water heater checked by a licensed professional. If it’s older than 15 years, it’s time for a replacement.
2. Bizarre Noises
Any banging or rumbling noises coming from your water heater are a sign of age, wear, and tear. Sediment from natural elements like calcium and magnesium builds up at the base of the tank and hardens, which causes the banging noises. When this happens, it’s time to consider a new water heater.
3. Cold or Lukewarm Water
Lukewarm water or water that’s cold is an indicator of an appliance that’s nearing the end of its lifespan. The problem could be traced to a sediment buildup or a failed heating element. In other cases, it could be your thermostat, which is simple to fix. All you need to do is set it to a temperature that’s between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is enough to provide you with plenty of hot water.
4. Water That Pools Around the Base of the Heater
If you notice any pools of water at the base of your water heater, a leak could be to blame. Water heaters spend a lot of time expanding and contracting during the heating cycle, causing cracks and fractures to form. These are problems you don’t want to ignore because they worsen over time and cause your tank to burst.
5. A Sudden Appearance of Rust in Your Water
Rust is a product of water that’s mixed with metal, which is problematic for water heaters. Older units have greater amounts of corrosion, especially when the anode rod gets worn. This corrosion sneaks its way into your water, which causes it to turn red. This means one thing: your water heater is getting rusty due to age.
6. Problems With Your Pilot Light
A normal pilot light is a strong, cone-shaped blue flame. Anything less is a sign of trouble. Pilot lights that are yellow or weak could mean a dirty orifice. But if it persists, you could be dealing with a decrease in natural gas supply. Local gas grids usually reach their maximum capacity at certain times of the day during peak demand. If the problem continues, you may be dealing with an old water heater beyond repair.
7. Rising Energy Costs
As water heaters age, they become less efficient, leading to more issues with your hot water supply. If you notice an increase in your water bill without a lot of hot water, the problem could lie in your hot water heater. Any unit that struggles to maintain a proper water temperature while working overtime is old and should be replaced.
8. A Metallic Aroma or Taste
Have you ever swallowed water from your sink only to think you were ingesting metal? Perhaps you could smell it in your supply as well. A metallic aroma or taste indicates a water heater in need of a replacement. The most likely cause is corrosion because of the metal flakes sneaking into your supply. Ingesting them gives off a metallic taste that could make you sick.
9. Frequent Breakdowns and Multiple Repairs
Any appliance that breaks down frequently is never going to get better. If the costs for repairs exceed the value of your water heater, it’s time for a new one.
Call the Pros!
At Bernard Heating & Cooling, our experts know the value a water heater can add to your home. We offer water heater installation and repair service, indoor air quality services, and a variety of heating and air conditioning services in Hudson and the surrounding area. Our team provides heat pump services along with heating installation, repair, and maintenance services. Our indoor air package includes humidifiers and air purifiers that keep your home’s air clean and free of pollutants. Contact us today to learn more.
