There’s nothing quite like coming home to a hot shower or bath. If you’ve ever turned on the hot water tap with only cold water escaping it, you’ll know how important it is to maintain your hot water tank.
When you neglect to maintain your water heater, you will be left having to deal with the consequences. Click here for expert tips on how to maintain your unit in three easy steps. When you aren’t that handy, it’s best to seek professional help to either repair or replace your water heater. Here are 7 reasons why you should a professional check it out now:
1. Hot Water Only Lasts for A Few Minutes
Depending on the size of your tank, you are supposed to have ample amounts of hot H2O that lasts the entire day. Ranging from kitchen duties to washing clothes and taking a shower. If you’ve already adjusted the temperature at the faucet and you still have trouble, then it’s time to phone a professional.
2. Your Water Heater is Old
If you haven’t even gazed at your water heater for more than 8 years, then you really need to get it checked out. Old heaters can rust and eventually burst, leaving your home drowning.
Modern units are designed to be much quieter, more durable, and have a longer lifespan. It might be best to just get it replaced to ensure energy efficiency and working effectiveness in the future.
Follow this link to learn more about telltale signs that your furnace might be on the verge of bursting: https://furnaceusa.com/how-do-know-if-your-water-heater-is-about-to-burst/#
3. It Smells and Has Discoloration
Whenever the liquid that comes from the unit looks dirty, rusty, or muddy it might mean that your tank needs replacement. There can be a big build-up of bacteria and rust inside giving the H2O a discolored appearance.
Even worse, bacteria that grow in tanks can cause a horrible rotten egg smell and is harmful to your family’s health. It might mean that the anode rod (part that kills germs and bacteria) within the unit needs replacement.
4. Variation of Water Temperatures
It’s not normal for a unit to produce different varying water temperatures around the house. When it’s either scorching hot, ice-cold, or just the right temperature, then something isn’t quite right.
It could be that the thermostat is broken. After setting it to the right degree, mark with a small piece of tape. Check in again to see if the thermostat has adjusted its own temperature while you weren’t there. If so, then it needs replacement.
When you ignore these fluctuations, you will end up with a much larger issue.
5. Leakages
One of the first warning signs that your unit isn’t what it used to be, is when there are droplets dripping from it. Either there are pools of water at the bottom of the unit or drops accumulating around it. This can be an indication of a serious internal problem.
It’s not advised that you try and sort this issue out yourself. The procedure can be really dangerous. When pipes, connectors, screws, and inlets are broken, it’s best to get a replacement unit from experts like Garry Richards Water Heaters Only to ensure future safety.
6. Strange Sounds
Creaking and tapping sounds will indicate that some parts of the unit might be broken or out of place. Rust build up over the years can cause pipes and parts to crack.
Keep an ear out for gurgling, boiling, and whining sounds. When the liquid inside is boiling, it’s something to really worry about. Water shouldn’t be overheating inside the unit. This will only cause pressure to build up resulting in a burst tank. When you hear boiling sounds, don’t waste any time and phone a professional immediately.
7. It’s Not Energy Efficient
You’ll be surprised how much money you’ll save on your monthly energy bill if you invest in an eco-friendly unit. If you’ve noticed an extreme increase in monthly bills because of your water heater, then it might be time to replace it.
Modern units are much more energy-efficient, durable, and quieter. You’ll also have the peace of mind knowing, that a newer unit can also filter the H2O making it okay for consumption.
Adding an additional filter into your watering system will prevent your family from consuming polluted and dirty H2O. For more information on environmental risks and pollution, read this.
An addition you should also beware when the flow in pressure changes. When H2O doesn’t reach the tap in a pressure that it usually did, then there might be something wrong. It’s typically a buildup of sediment, rust, or scale in the pipes or tank. This buildup could have traveled much further in the plumbing throughout the house.
If left unattended the pipes may become completely blocked, stopping all water supply and causing major issues.
Remember to wear protective gear whenever you investigate your unit. As well as turn off the power to the heater’s circuit. When in doubt, you should book an appointment with a professional. An expert will be able to tell you whether your unit needs repair or replacement. It’s advised that you book an appointment with an experienced technician during warmer months. Make sure your unit is perfected and ready for the winter months that are coming. Best be prepared and ready than cold and regretful.
