Signs that your hot water heater is going to failWater leaking from the heating tank. You're running out of hot water quickly. Inconsistent water temperature in shower. Unusual noises coming from the water heater.
Leaks are one of the most common problems of water heaters. If you see a pool of standing water around your water heater, you should consider replacing the tank as soon as possible. Depending on the source of the leak, a leaking water heater may indicate an internal failure of the unit that requires immediate attention. Otherwise, you risk flooding and major water damage to your home.
Are you and your family pulling out straws for showers and bathrooms because there is never enough hot water on demand? If you have a growing family or have added a bathroom, maybe the current hot water will not meet your needs and it's time to buy a larger unit. Sizes of water heaters are based on the gallons of water they contain and demand. Overall, a 30-gallon capacity is fine for one person; two people do well with a 40-gallon capacity, and a 50-gallon water heater means no more amazing showers for larger families. Explore the option of upgrading to a water heater unit that not only meets your current needs, but can also last for many years.
All homeowners fear water damage, for good reason. Take a look at the water heater, behind and around the unit. If you see water leaking from any pipes, leaking from the tank, or accumulating around the unit, ask a technician to perform a check. The problem can be solved by tightening some of the connections, adjusting the pressure or replacing a valve.
A water heater that does not produce hot water may not receive power, may have a limit switch tripped, or may have one or more faulty heating elements. Water leaks are usually caused by leaking valves and plumbing connections, but they can also be related to tank problems. Water leaks can cause major damage to a home, so it's important to repair the leak as soon as possible. While conventional tanks keep about 30-60 gallons of water ready to go at all times, tankless systems only heat the water you're using at any given time.
If a replacement is inevitable, you will have to decide what type of water heater to buy. If you have a gas water heater, HomeTips also pointed out that you may notice a garlic smell coming from the water when the pilot light goes out. If you notice water leaking from the unit or accumulating around the bottom of the tank, you should take action immediately. If your unit has two digits, and especially if it shows any of the warning signs above, it may be time to replace the water heater with a newer model.
Also, test all water heater wires with a non-contact voltage tester to confirm that the power is off before touching the wires. As the heater ages, rumbling noises will begin to emanate louder and louder as the tank heats the water. After countless cycles of heating the water in the tank and the metal expanding every time the water is heated, fractures may begin to form. Loose connections to the water tank could be another possibility as to why water leaks around the tank.
Excessive accumulation of sediment at the bottom of the tank can cause the bottom of the tank to overheat, causing the water to boil. This is definitely not a warning sign to ignore and handle later, as the build-up will only get worse and possibly leave you without much-needed hot water in the middle of winter. You may love your historic home, but if your water heater is as historic (as in double-digit years), you may need to replace it, especially if it has one or more of the above problems. During the course of an average occupancy of a house, a resident will surely face that moment when he needs to replace a water heater.
Therefore, it is important that as a homeowner you know what are the signs that would indicate when it is time to replace the water heater. .
