Your water heater is one of the most essential appliances in your home. It’s responsible for providing you with hot water for everything from washing dishes to showering. Unfortunately, like any appliance, your hot water heater can experience wear and tear over time. This can lead to failure before its lifespan is expired.
To avoid costly repairs on your water heater, you must pay attention to your water heater and stay on top of any mishaps that occur. To help you out, we’ll go over some common signs your water heater is failing. Continue reading the blog post below for more insight!
These Are The Signs Your Water Heater is Failing:
1. Strange Water Heater Noises
If you hear popping, gurgling, or rumbling sounds coming from the water tank, this could signify the buildup of sediment in the tank. Sediment is a byproduct of mineral buildup, and it can reduce the efficiency of your water heater. This is a common problem with older water heaters and can cause inadequate heating or decreased efficiency.
2. Rusty Water From the Faucet
A rusty color in your water is a sure sign of corrosion inside the tank. Rust is caused by a variety of factors, including age and mineral content in the water, or rusty pipes. It compromises the integrity of your tank, resulting in leaks and discolored water.
3. Discolored Hot Water
If your hot water is discolored, this may be an indication of corrosion in the tank. Not only can this alter your water heater’s performance, it could also be an indicator that your water is contaminated with bacteria or other pollutants.
4. A Leaking Water Heater
A leaking hot water heater is a sign of major damage and should be addressed immediately. Leakage could be triggered by corrosion, loose valves, or a faulty seal. Furthermore, leaking water may cause serious damage to your home. You don’t want that, so get it fixed right away!
5. Higher Utility Bills
Rising water bills may be due to an inefficient water heater. If your energy bills are increasing but usage remains the same, it’s probably a sign that your water heater is not performing as well as it should. If you notice a higher bill, be sure to get your water heater checked out.
6. Foul Smells
If you detect a pungent, sulfuric, or metallic odor coming from your water heater, it might be an indication of bacteria growth. Bacteria growth usually occurs due to inadequate maintenance or an aged tank. In either case, it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and health risks.
7. Inconsistent Temperatures
If your water heater is having difficulty maintaining the temperature of your hot water, it may be time to replace or repair it. If the temperature is too hot or cold, it’s probably a sign of an issue with the tank’s heating element or other internal components.
8. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure indicates that your water heater is not functioning properly. If the pressure of your hot water is significantly lower than it used to be, sediment buildup could be blocking the flow of water. A clogged water heater can lead to serious damage. Therefore, it’s vital to contact a plumber immediately.
9. The Age of Your Water Heater
Even if you don’t notice any of the signs listed above, it’s wise to get your water heater checked if it is more than 10 years old. Old water heaters are more prone to frequent malfunctions and other problems. To save yourself a headache, it’s best to get a professional assessment of your aging water heater. A plumber can let you know if your water tank has a few more years of use or if it’s time for a replacement.
The Downsides of Ignoring Your Water Heater
If you notice any of the signs above, don’t ignore them! Here are a few of the risks you may face if you don’t take care of a failing water heater:
Property Damage
Your home could suffer from water damage or mold if you don’t address a leaking water heater. Unfortunately, this means that not only will you need to repair the water heater, but you’ll also have to deal with significant clean-up and repairs.
Expensive Repairs
If you don’t take care of your water heater, you may end up paying for more expensive and extensive repairs in the future. This is avoidable by addressing issues as soon as they occur.
Health Risks
Inadequate maintenance of your water heater could lead to contaminated and unsafe water. This may result in health risks and illnesses for you, your family, or anyone who uses the water.
Shorter Water Tank Lifespan
Continual water heater failure leads to a shorter lifespan for your water heater. If you don’t take care of the problems as they appear, you may need to replace your water heater much sooner than expected. This is an additional expense that can easily be avoided with regular maintenance.
Inconvenience
The truth is, a busted water heater is a major inconvenience. Not only do you have to deal with the lack of hot water, but you’ll also have to tolerate the other headaches associated with a failing water heater.
While there are some problems that you can fix on your own, a broken water heater should always be addressed by a professional. If you notice any of the signs above, contact a local plumber—like Black Tie Plumbing—to check out your water heater and get it functioning properly. You won’t regret it!
Contact Black Tie for Your Plumbing Needs
Have you noticed any of the warning signs mentioned above? If so, you may need a new water heater, or your hot water tank requires repair. In either case, Black Tie Plumbing can help. Our expert plumbers have the skills necessary to fix your water tank and get things running smoothly. With that in mind, if you want to avoid further damage to your hot water tank, reach out to us as soon as possible. We look forward to serving you soon!
Black Tie Plumbing 
April 2024 
