There’s nothing like a hot shower to kick start your day. But like any appliance, at some point, your water heater is going to fail. Do you know how to maintain yours?
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Generally, water heaters are designed to last anywhere from 8 to 12 years. However, the moment your water heater hits the six-year mark, it’s time to keep an eye out for some warning signs.
Do you know the tell-tale signs to look out for? Sometimes knowing these can save you a great deal of money on costly repairs. By identifying them early on, you can call in the professionals such as Accuserv right away to attend to the problem before it escalates.
If you’re not sure what to look out for, we’re here to help. We’ve outlined five main signs that indicate that it’s time to get your water heater checked out.
Discolored Water
The minute you notice discolored water coming from your shower, it’s time to call a plumber. This discoloration is likely to be a result of rust which starts accumulating over time inside your water heater. So be on the lookout by doing regular checks.
Notice Any Leaks?
As time goes by, rust accumulation and corrosion start on the water heater exterior. This results in water leaking through these compromised areas.
Once you notice water leaking, call a plumber right away. If the situation is left unresolved, one day you’ll find a pool of water on your beautiful bathroom ceramic floors. You may be forced to deep clean which is an extra expense.
Odor
Smelly water coming out of your shower is never a good sign. This is usually caused by the accumulation of mineral segment or sludge at the bottom of your water heater tank. It often happens in households that use hard water.
Unfortunately, unpleasant odors aren’t the only thing you need to worry about in this instance. Accumulated sludge or mineral sediments tend to clog the drain valve if left untreated. When this happens, the bottom of the water heater tank starts to overheat thereby weakening it and causing further damage.
Also, when repeatedly heated and cooled, sludge and mineral sediments harden. This, unfortunately, causes the water heater not to function optimally.
Funny Noises
Do you hear any funny noises coming from your water heater as soon the unit starts heating up? These rumbling or banging noises are also caused by sludge that would’ve accumulated at the bottom of your tank.
Hot Water Running Out
Is hot water running out faster than normal? Before you blame it on your family members, get a plumber to inspect the tank. Insufficient hot water could be a result of a malfunctioning burner which is now in need of service.
Final Words
Knowing these signs can help you rectify the situation before it becomes an emergency. But make sure that you engage the services of a professional who’ll resolve the problem effectively. Plumbing problems can affect your entire structure, so this is no time to try and save money by hoping the issue will resolve itself.
