Water heater is one of the essential things to find in a house. It’s always been used primarily when taking a shower early in the morning. However, it can be frustrating having to deal with cold water once the heater breaks down. But how can you prevent them from breaking down? Worry not, as there are signs that you can check whether you need to schedule a repair for your water heater.
1. REDUCED WATER FLOW
One of the early signs that your water heater needs repair is reduced water flow. A dirty water heater can cause this problem. Dirt and other small debris can build up in the water’s passageway, blocking the water flow. Lack of maintenance is why dirt build-up and water flow is reduced.
Reduced water flow can be frustrating. Decreasing water flow volume can also mean that the water pressure is unregulated. If the water pressure is too high, but only a tiny amount of water flows, the water heater tends to explode. To avoid that scenario, it’s better to sacrifice some time to regularly clean the water heater.
2. STRANGE NOISES
The water heater can make a lot of noise. It is usually coming from the mechanical components of the heater. However, strange noises can also mean that there’s a problem. Sounds like cracking, bangs, and loud gurgles can usually be heard. It is also unnoticeable, especially for those homeowners that aren’t familiar with or aware of their heaters.
These strange noises can also be caused by dirt build-up and sediments. A sizzling sound can be from the reduced water flow or blockage in the water’s passageway. And gas-powered water heaters can be from a condensation issue. Due to lack of maintenance, old water heaters and sediments harden over time. Practice regular maintenance to prolong your water heater’s lifespan.
3. WATER LEAKAGE
Leaking water from your heater is obvious, and it is a sign of a severe problem. Usually, it is caused by the old age of your water heater. Water leakage can also occur when there’s damage to the water heater or the pipes. There can be a noticeable water puddle build-up; sometimes, the water heater can look like it is sweating. Although some people ignore this because they think it is normal, it can lead to more damage if left untreated.
When you have noticed even a tiny amount of water leaks, the best thing to do is to get it repaired. It will eventually lead to damaged pipes or even more. If you aren’t sure what to do when your heater leaks, call yourself a water heater repair in Daly city immediately.
4. UNPLEASANT SMELL
Unpleasant smells in the water heater are early signs of damage. It comes with cloudy water with a funny color or texture. Mineral deposits are often found where the water from the heater flows with a strange odor. There’s also a chance that the unpleasant smell may come from bacterial infection building up in the tank.
No worries, though, as it can easily be fixed by removing the mineral deposits from the water heater or cleaning a bacterial infection. Even with a tiny amount of unclean debris flowing in the water heater, it’s best to call a plumber and leave it to the professionals.
5. UNREGULATED WATER PRESSURE
Aside from leaving a nasty odor in your water heater, mineral deposits can also lead to fluctuation and reduced water pressure. The debris will build up at the shower tap’s exit, reducing the water pressure. They can also block the water heater’s heating components and leave the pipes clogged. Once the water pressure is unregulated, the temperature can also be affected.
There will be fluctuation in the temperature, and the hot temperature wouldn’t last long like usual. It can be frustrating as the temperature changes even though you haven’t made any changes. These faulty errors in the water heater are the signs that you need repairs.
6. CORROSIONS
Small debris and mineral deposits are usually encountered. However, another thing to look out for is signs of corrosion. A smelly odor can be experienced with rust flowing together with the water. It can be discolored or brown. Corrosion can also be noticeable externally in the water heater. You can quickly inspect your water heater and check if there are some areas where rust is starting to build up.
Corrosion will not only affect the water heater components, but it can also lead to infection. Bacteria can build up around the area where the corrosion is occurring. Once the water smells fishy, go get it checked immediately. As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”; then it’s better to check for any signs of corrosion than wait for it to be severe. Leaving things unattended can result in many complications. Only the best plumbing services in Daly City can help you thoroughly inspect early signs of corrosion.
7. THE WATER HEATER IS OLD AGE
The average life expectancy of a water heater lasts about five to seven years or even a decade with proper maintenance. With old age, there will be sediment build-up, and other water heater components will start to rust. Odd sounds, rusty water, and unregulated temperature can also result from an aging water heater.
Although you have regular maintenance with your heater, there are only ten years of service that your water heater can provide. In this case, you should consider replacing your water heater. An old water heater can lead to more problems than a new one. To check for the age of your water heater, you can quickly check the serial number.
SAY GOODBYE TO COLD SHOWERS!
Nothing will feel good than taking a hot shower early in the morning. When the water heater is treated correctly and maintained regularly, there are fewer headaches and fewer expenses. Early signs of repairs can be visible to homeowners without having too much knowledge of repairs.