4 Signs Your Water Heater is on its Way Out

What would you do without your water heater? It’s an essential part of your everyday life and enables you and your family to enjoy hot showers, wash the dishes and clean your clothes. Most new water heaters last anywhere from ten to twenty years or even longer. Like all good things, though, water heaters do wear out eventually.

Here are four signs or common issues that may indicate your water heater is on its way out:

1. Poor water quality

Take a close look at the water that comes out of the hot faucet. A rusty color indicates an imminent failure of your water heater. Examine the water in the tank by attaching a hose to the drainage bib of the water heater and draining the tank. If the water that comes out is muddy or contains a lot of sediment this could indicate that the unit needs to be replaced.

Similarly, water that has a metallic taste indicates a problem with the water heater.

2. Noises

Some noises are normal as the water heater kicks on and begins working. If, however, you begin to notice loud pops or cracks, these are caused by the heating elements inside the water heater interacting with the scale and mineral deposits that have built up on them.

3. Leaks

Leaks are a serious sign that your water heater has an internal failure and requires immediate action. If you notice water leaking where there weren’t leaks before, turn off the gas or disconnect the electricity to the unit right away. Call your HVAC professional for assistance.

4. Check the power

If your water heater isn’t working, it could be the power rather than the heater itself. Check to make sure the pilot light is lit and there are no circuit breakers tripped.

Take Signs of Aging Seriously

You might be thinking that an aging water heater is no big deal. However, a malfunctioning water heater could scald you or your family members as you shower, wash dishes or bathe your pet. It can also release deadly carbon monoxide fumes or flood. Take the signs of aging seriously as you protect your family.

Prevention is Important

Once a year, schedule a water heater flush to alleviate excessive mineral buildup and have the pressure relief valve checked to make sure it is working. Regular maintenance can help you avoid having your water heater go out unexpectedly.