Signs Your Water Heater Is Failing
Water heaters are essential components in a home. Without one, you can't enjoy showers or cleaning dishes. To avoid disappointment, you have to look out for signs that your water heater is on the verge of failing. Failure to do so means you'll be caught without hot water. The following signs should alert you to act accordingly.
Weird Noises
Modern water heaters are designed to operate silently. If your heater starts making weird noises, it could be a sign of failure. Homeowners report hearing rumbling, popping, or creaking noises. Mineral deposits in the tank might be the major culprit when you hear rumbling and popping noises.
You can have a technician flush the tank to remove the mineral buildup. However, if the problems persist, it could signify more serious issues.
Insufficient Hot Water
Your water heat is meant to provide enough hot water whenever you need it. If it starts producing lukewarm water, you definitely have an issue. In most cases, you'll run out of hot water quickly if there is a lot of sediment in your water.
If you fail to flush the water heater, the sediments will accumulate to the extent that it becomes impossible to correct the problem. As a result, you'll have to replace the unit.
Aging
As is the case with all household appliances, water heaters can't last forever. They can only serve you well for around 8-12 years. Once your water heater surpasses ten years, start scouting for a replacement. Old water heaters will have a lot of wear and tear. As such, they'll keep breaking down every month.
Leakages
Water dripping from your unit is another sign your water heater is failing. Unless you have some loose connections, water leaks should cause concern. You might also want to check whether condensation is causing the leaks.
Substantial leaks could indicate serious internal problems. You can call a plumber or technician to inspect the water heater. If the problem cannot be corrected, you'll have no choice but to purchase a new water heater.
Murky Water
If you are used to hot clear water coming from your faucets and suddenly it gets cloudy, have your water heater checked. The murky water may also be accompanied by a metallic smell or taste. If that's the case, the built-in anode rod is no longer getting rid of the rust. You might want to confirm that the problem isn't coming from your water supply before replacing the anode rod.
These signs are enough to have an expert check your water heater for possible problems.
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