(Newswire.net — June 4, 2022) — Did you know that a conventional tank-style water heater can last six to twelve years? On the other hand, an instantaneous or on-demand water heater can last for a decade.
However, those figures depend on how often you carry out home maintenance on your heater. At the very least, you should flush about a quart of water from a tank-type heater every three months. It’s also wise to check its temperature and pressure valve twice a year.
Failure to do those can lead to your water heater becoming less efficient. Even worse, forgetting to care for it can lead to its premature breakdown. In that case, you’re sure to notice signs of its impending failure.
So, what exactly are those signs and symptoms? Keep reading, and we’ll tell you all about them below.
1. Doesn’t Produce Hot Water
Check your heater’s power or gas supply first if you’re not getting any hot water. The problem could be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker or running out of gas.
If neither is the cause, corroded burners and valves may be behind the issue. High indoor humidity, in turn, can contribute to their premature corrosion. Even worse, excessive dampness can affect other metals, leading to failing appliances.
If the problem is with an electric water heater, its heating element might have burned out.
Severe corrosion and a busted heating element are signs of a failing heater. So, have the appliance inspected ASAP, as a repair expert might still be able to replace the damaged parts.
Those components can keep corroding if you wait too long to get them replaced. Worse, it can lead to the complete failure of the water heater.
2. Skyrocketing Energy Bills
Water heater use accounts for about a fifth of your household energy consumption. However, that can go up if you have an older system, as it likely uses inefficient technology. Likewise, limescale formation on its components can contribute to higher energy bills.
Limescale is a build-up of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). CaCO3, in turn, is a mineral present at significant levels in hard water.
Over time, CaCO3 turns into limescale as it hardens. It can then cover the heating element of your water heater. If that happens, your appliance’s efficiency can go down by as much as 48%.
If you get hard water and also have an older heater, limescale has likely coated it by now. In that case, your best bet is to have a repair technician inspect your appliance. The pro may still be able to remove the hardened minerals by using descaling equipment.
However, if your heater has too much limescale, it likely has significant rusting. So, it might be best to replace it with either a new tank-type or a tankless water heater.
3. Running Out of Hot Water Too Soon
The thicker the limescale build-up on a water heater tank, the less space for actual hot water. That’s all the more reason to get a pro to inspect, flush, and remove the minerals in your system.
Another possible reason for this problem is that your tank is too small to meet your demands. That can happen if your family has grown, so more people now use hot water at home. In that case, it’s best to either get a new, larger-sized tank or add an extra tankless water heater.
4. Water Leaking Out of the Heater
Have you noticed water pooling around your water heater tank? If so, the container itself may have developed cracks, allowing water to seep out. In this scenario, your most viable option is to replace your current system.
It’s imperative to address water heater leaks ASAP as they can lead to severe water damage. In addition, the water that escapes the tank can increase your home’s indoor humidity. The more humid your home is, the likelier it is that molds can grow and invade your abode.
Remember: Molds can cause property destruction and lead to adverse health effects. They can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions. Moreover, they can be a trigger for many of the 50 million Americans with allergies.
So, make sure you get that leaky water heater checked out, fixed, or replaced ASAP.
5. Discolored Water
Manufacturers apply specialized coating on and in water heater tanks. That finish helps slow down corrosion, but it thins out and becomes ineffective over time. If that happens, the corroded parts can mix with the water, discoloring it and turning it red or brown.
Rust, a form of oxidized iron, isn’t harmful or detrimental to your health. However, you don’t want to drink it either, as it doesn’t taste good. Nor do you want to shower or wash your clothes with it since it can result in staining.
If you notice discoloration in your water, call a plumber as soon as possible.
6. Water Temperature Fluctuations
Inconsistencies in water temperature can be due to an inadequately-sized water heater. That again may have to do with your heater being too small to keep up with your household’s demands. You can either upgrade to a larger-sized tank or add an extra tankless heater.
If it’s not that, you might have a faulty temperature and pressure valve. After all, its job is to regulate the water pressure and keep it at a constant temperature. So if it fails, it can no longer do its job of maintaining a consistent temperature.
Have a professional inspect your heater, especially its temperature and pressure valve. If it’s past its useful life, have it replaced ASAP. A faulty valve can cause drastic temperature changes that lead to scalding burns.
Never Underestimate Home Maintenance for Water Heaters
Always remember that water heater upkeep is integral to overall home maintenance. A good enough reason is that if your heater leaks, it can put your home at risk of water and mold damage. So, as soon as you notice signs your heater is on the fritz, get it looked at by a pro ASAP.
Are you ready for other home maintenance tips and tricks? Then please feel free to check out and read our other home care guides!