Your water heater won’t last forever, but you probably already know that. The question is, how do you know when a water heater needs to be replaced? We are highlighting three key signs that you should pay attention to if you notice them. Things such as unusual noises, leaks, and changes in water output can mean that your water heater is reaching the end of its life.
You can give our team a call to schedule water heater replacement in Rancho Cordova, CA. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn more about the signs that your water heater is reaching the end of its lifespan. It is important to act sooner rather than later, or you may be last without any hot water due to a total breakdown.
Unusual Water Heater Sounds
Your water heater may be in a closet or garage where you don’t see it very often. Still, you should check on it from time to time to make sure everything looks like it’s working the way it should. Checking on your water heater is also a great opportunity to listen to any sounds it is making.
If you hear any loud, persistent, or unusual sounds coming from your water heater, something may be wrong with the way it is operating. For example, if you hear any rumbling or popping sound when your water heater is warming up, you may have hard water.
Hard water means that the water source coming into your home has a high mineral content. These tiny minerals can build up inside of your water heater to create sediment on top of the heating element. When the heating element turns on, the sediment reacts, creating a popping war rumbling sound.
These minerals are very abrasive and can wear down the inside lining of your water heater, causing corrosion. If you hear rumbling or popping, it’s a sign that your water heater needs to be flushed out. Otherwise, your water heat will begin to rust.
Water Heater Leaks
It’s also a red flag if your water heater leaks. It’s easy to think that since it is a water appliance, a leak here or there is not a big deal, but it is. A leak can mean the oxygen is getting into the water tank and the unit is no longer airtight. Your water heater may corrode if leaks are left unaddressed.
Hot Water Changes
Aside from paying attention to the water heater itself, you can also pay attention to the hot water output. If the hot water becomes discolored with a rusty or orange tint, that can point to corrosion inside of the tank. You can turn your hot water off completely, and then turn your cold water on to see if the discoloration goes away. If it does, the problem is exclusive to your hot water heater. But if both your hot and cold water or discolored, the problem may lie elsewhere within your plumbing system.
Temperature changes are another factor to consider. If it seems like your hot water is not as hot as it used to be, that’s a sign that your water heater is not working as effectively. It’s also a problem if temperatures fluctuate significantly when you have any faucet set to hot. Fluctuations can point to problems with how your water heater is operating.
Contact Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, Inc. today to schedule your water heater services as soon as possible. You can always trust The Guys in the Big Red Trucks.