Heating Maintenance: 7 Signs Your Water Heater Is Failing

A water heater is a valuable resource for any home because it makes cold water bearable. However, not many people realize its value until it malfunctions or stops working altogether. For this reason, you need to ensure that your water heater is maintained in top shape.

Water heaters that are not properly maintained will soon lead to a frustrating and sometimes costly situation. Additionally, a water heater that is not functioning properly will waste a lot of energy, meaning your energy bills will go up, which eats your money. You need to know the signs of water heater issues to prevent this, which we’ll discuss in this article. Read on below to get started.

#1 – Water Looks and Smells Bad

A water heater is like a mini-refrigerator that stores hot water. When left in poor condition, it can develop leaks, cause a bad smell, or produce water that looks and smells dirty. This is because the water heater tank is continually exposed to hot water. Without regular maintenance, the tank will rust and corrode, causing the water to get dirty.

#2 – Leaks and Puddles Form around the Heater

Leaked and puddled water around the heater is another tell-tale sign of water heater issues. This is because water heater leaks can occur without easily noticing it, causing puddles on the floors or in the cabinets of the water heater.

On the other hand, leaks can also occur inside the tank. It may be hard to notice when this happens because the tank is sealed, and there’s not much room for water to accumulate. However, this can cause the water heater to overheat, which will then cause more leaks to form.

#3 – The Heating Element Is No Longer Producing Steam

This is a sign of a significant problem with your water heater. This can happen when a small leak begins to develop in the tank of your water heater. If not attended immediately, this leak can become a severe problem, causing a bigger leak in the tank.

The leak in the tank can cause the water heater to run indefinitely, and the water won’t be hot. This means that you’ll have to replace the heating element before the water heater can function again.

#4 – The Water Heater Makes Strange Sounds

If you notice a strange sound coming from your water heater, this is another sign of something wrong with it. This is because the water heater is in use 24/7, which can cause it to heat up or develop small leaks and cracks. Over time, these can cause strange sounds.

If you notice that your water heater is making strange sounds, it’s better to have it checked out by a professional to avoid it from breaking down completely.

#5 – Temperature Control Issues

Temperature control issues can occur when there is something wrong with the heating element in your water heater. When this happens, the temperature control will not be able to regulate the heat that is produced by the heater. As a result, the water will be very hot or very cold.

This is a big concern because it can lead to burns, which is why you should call for a professional to fix the problem.

#6 – The Water Isn’t Hot Enough

When a water heater is not properly maintained and the heating element is damaged, it will not produce hot water. It is a sign that the heating element is broken. As a result, the water will not be hot enough to get you through the morning showers.

This is a problem because it can cause you to waste your time by waiting for the water to be hot enough for your morning shower. This can also be a problem for the environment because the energy used to heat the water is wasted.

#7 – The Water Heater Shows Signs of Aging

Certain water heaters can age after a few years of use. This is because when it’s used to heat hot water, the tank heats up over time and produces heat. Without proper maintenance, the tank can rust and develop holes which causes the cooling mechanism of the water heater to fail, making it inefficient and unable to produce hot water.

Conclusion

You need to be aware of these signs to maintain your water heater properly. By doing so, you can make sure that your family is comfortable and your water heater can function properly. Be sure to contact a professional to have your water heater checked so that you’ll know if it can still be repaired or not.

Legacy Heating provides top-quality repair services for furnace repair in Edmonton. Our team of experienced contractors will ensure that your heating and cooling systems are in peak condition, all for an affordable price. Reach out today and see how we can help!