There is a sense of impending doom when you start getting the feeling that you are having problems with your water heater. You know you will spend a ton of money if it needs to be replaced. But even repairing a water heater can cost a lot. So there is always a temptation to ignore the problem in hopes that it’s just your imagination.
All of us who have owned homes for a good length of time have been in this position. There are certain repairs we hope to avoid. Water heater repairs are among them. Unfortunately, water heater issues do not tend to be cheap.
So what are the telltale signs of an impending water heater repair? The most common are discussed below. If you have noticed any of them, steel yourself. A water heater repair or replacement may be in your immediate future.
1. Inconsistent Water Temperature
A water heater has but one function: producing hot water for bathing, doing the dishes, etc. A properly functioning water heater produces consistent temperatures for the most part. So if you’re noticing inconsistent temperatures on a regular basis, there’s probably something going on. Hopefully, it’s a minor problem.
A minor repair would involve something like a thermostat or control panel replacement. A major issue could involve replacing the heating element or dealing with the ignition system (on a gas or oil model).
2. A Minimal Supply of Hot Water
You’re used to having access to a certain amount of hot water before it runs out. Perhaps you can get in a 10-minute shower without any issues. Then your spouse can do the same. If your hot water suddenly starts running out in 5-6 minutes, there is a problem.
The fact that you are getting at least some hot water is good news. It likely means that the repair will be minor. Think again if you’re suddenly getting no hot water at all.
3. Noticeable Corrosion
Water heaters are subject to corrosion as they age. Although minor corrosion isn’t necessarily a big deal, it is a warning sign of things to come. The experts at Salt Lake City’s SameDay heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical recommend calling in a repair technician if you see serious corrosion on a water heater. It’s especially important if the corrosion is at the bottom of the tank.
A water heater is under pressure. So serious corrosion around the bottom of the tank could mean it is ready to burst. That would be a disaster on multiple levels.
4. Water Leaks
Water leaks are a telltale sign of an impending repair in the sense that you might not be able to fix them yourself. It depends on where the leaks are coming from. A leak at the connection between water intake and the heater itself is probably a straightforward DIY job. But if water is leaking from underneath, you are going to need professional service.
5. Strange Noises
A properly functioning water heater shouldn’t make any discernible noise. If you start hearing funny noises coming from the unit, there’s a good chance you’re looking at an internal problem. Call a plumbing contractor and let him take a look. Just don’t ignore the noises. They probably aren’t going to go away on their own.
A water heater is one of those things that tends to fail dramatically when failure eventually comes. Perhaps that’s why we all dread seeing signs that a repair is imminent. Nonetheless, ignoring the telltale signs is a recipe for disaster. It’s better to get a water heater repaired right away than ignoring it and hoping for the best.
