Understanding Signs of a Faulty Water Heater

How to Tell When a Water Heater Needs Service

A water heater is responsible for heating water and delivering it to the fixtures or appliances where it’s needed. It’s a big job, and water heaters work hard to meet these expectations. Over time, the demands of the job can wear on the water heater, leaving it in need of water heater repair, replacement, or maintenance.

There are some obvious signs a water heater is failing, like no hot water or visible leaks, but other signs are not as obvious and point to a water heater needing attention. This post will share these other signs indicating a faulty water heater in need of service.

Increased Utility Costs

When a water heater isn’t working efficiently due to water heater maintenance being neglected, a malfunctioning unit, or an old unit in need of water heater replacement, this inefficiency is reflected in higher utility bills. Homeowners should be aware of this sign so they can call a plumber for service.

When a plumber comes to inspect it, they can determine what the cause of inefficiency is, and the best solution. If the loss of efficiency is due to sediment buildup, maintenance will be needed. A malfunctioning water heater will likely need repair and an old, inefficient water heater will likely require replacement.

Odd Noises

Another indicator that the water heater needs service is when odd noises can be heard from it. These sounds indicating issues with the water heater could include:

• Banging or popping: These noises may indicate the water heater has sediment buildup within the tank. Draining and flushing the tank as a part of maintenance may resolve the issue.
• Ticking or whistling: These sounds are usually related to an issue with the water pressure in the water heater and may require the pressure-reducing valve to be adjusted.
• Humming or vibrating: These noises could indicate a component of the water heater may be loose and need to be tightened or repaired.

Unusual Odor or Water Color

If the hot water coming from the water heater has an unusual smell or color, these can also be signs of an issue. When water is discolored or has a strange, metallic smell, this could indicate the water heater is rusted and corroded and may need water heater replacement.

It’s crucial to keep up with routine water heater maintenance to help prevent the water heater from corroding. During a maintenance visit, a plumber will perform tasks to prevent corrosion, such as draining and flushing the tank of sediment and replacing worn-out anode rods.

About Hall’s Plumbing

Hall’s Plumbing has been serving the Woodland area since 1995. They provide budget-friendly options, flat-rate pricing, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them for water heater services in Woodland, CA.