Your water heater is like a silent warrior in your home, providing you and your family with hot water whenever you need it. Over time, this silent warrior can get worn out. You should know the signs of when your water heater is reaching the end of its life so you can replace your water heater before all you are left with is cold water.
Your Water Heater Is Producing Strange Noises
Pay attention to the noises your water heater makes when it is in use. If your hot water heater is not stored inside your home and is in your garage or basement, you may need to occasionally go to that location and check out your hot water heater when it is in operation.
If you hear a popping sound coming from your water heater, that is more than likely because sediment has built-up inside. Sediment build-up is common in households with hard water.
If you are only hearing a popping sound, you can repair it by using a water softener to reduce the sediment that gets into your water heater. You can also flush out your water heater on a regular basis to remove sediment build-up.
If, instead of a popping sound, you hear a rumbling sound, that means that the build-up of sediment inside of your tank is significant. You may be able to temporarily fix the situation by flushing your water heater, but a rumbling sound means you are going to need a new water heater soon.
Water Is Leaking Out of Your Water Heater
Water leaking out of your heater is never a good sign. Water may be leaking out of your hot water heater for a variety of reasons, some more serious than others.
Your water heater may be leaking because the drainage valve has become loose over time. A loose drain valve can be fixed by simply using a wrench to tighten the valve up.
But sometimes, water near your heater isn’t actually coming from a leak; it is coming from condensation on your unit. Condensation is most common when it’s warm outside and cold water enters your water heater, causing condensation to build up. You can address this source of water by simply wiping the condensation off of your hot water heater.
You should be concerned if the water you find isn’t from a loose drainage valve or condensation. As tanks age, rust commonly develops inside of your tank. This can lead to holes forming in your water tank.
Although you may be able to patch a small rust hole to buy yourself time, rust spreads, and you’ll need a new hot water heater soon.
The Smell & Taste of Your Water Heater Has Changed
The water that comes out of your water heater should have a neutral smell and taste. If your hot water has started to have an unpleasant smell and taste to it, that’s a problem.
When the inside of your water heater starts to rust, it can cause your water to develop an unpleasant smell and taste. Rust flakes can even break off and get into your water. If that is the case, your water heater needs to be replaced immediately. Sometimes, though, odd smelling and tasting hot water can just be a sign you need to flush the sediment from your hot water heater.
If your hot water heater is making strange sounds, leaking water, or producing strange tasting and smelling water, call our professionals at Billy Bell Plumbing Inc. and we’ll come out and inspect your hot water tank. We can let you know if the issue is fixable or if your hot water tank has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced.