When Is the Right Time to Call for Water Heater Service?

Signs of a Faulty Water Heater That Needs Attention

Water heaters do a lot of work to provide hot water for a home. However, they may not be noticed until something goes wrong. Obvious signs like the loss of hot water or leaks from the water heater indicate to homeowners that they should call for service, but there are additional signs homeowners can keep an eye out for to alert them to an issue with their water heater.  Here are additional signs of a faulty water heater indicating professional water heater repair, maintenance, or replacement will be necessary.

Rising Utility Costs

Water heating can account for a significant part of monthly utility bills. However, the costs of operating a water heater should be fairly predictable from month to month. When spikes in energy usage occur, leading to higher utility bills, it can be a sign that something is wrong with the water heater, and water heater service is needed.

Water heating costs can rise for several reasons. First, scale and sediment can build up in the tank, so the water heater doesn’t operate as efficiently. This problem is best handled with routine water heater maintenance, where the water heater can be drained and flushed to remove the sediments. A malfunction needing water heater repair can also cause the water heater to work harder to heat water, raising costs. Also, as water heaters get older, they can lose efficiency, so a high utility bill could also indicate that water heater replacement is needed to replace an old, inefficient water heater.

New Noises

Many problems with mechanical devices and appliances are evident by the noises they produce, and the water heater is no different. If homeowners hear sounds coming from their water heater, it can also be an indication that the water heater needs to be maintained or repaired and is a sign to call for service. Some noises that can indicate water heater problems are:

• Banging can indicate too much pressure or excess sediment in the water heater.
• Popping can also indicate excess sediment in the tank.
• Sizzling or hissing could be due to excess sediment or water outside the water heater.
• Ticking can also be caused by the water pressure in the water heater.
• Humming or vibrating can indicate something in the water heater is loose.

Unusual Odors or Water Discoloration

Water heaters are protected, and corrosion is prevented with routine maintenance, including tasks like flushing the sediment from the tank and replacing the anode rod once it wears out. These tasks are important because corrosion weakens the water heater’s tank and can lead to more frequent problems like leaks.

When corrosion occurs with the water heater, water heater replacement is often needed. Some common signs that can indicate corrosion of the water heater are a strange metallic smell of hot water and when hot water comes out of fixtures discolored, often appearing a rusty or brown color.

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is an electrical, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing company serving the Wenatchee area. They provide trustworthy recommendations, financing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them for water heater services in Wenatchee, WA.