Warning Signs of a Faulty Water Heater: 5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Water heaters are one of the most important appliances in modern homes. They provide heated water for soothing baths and showers, and they ensure that we have a constant flow of water when we need it.

The constant elevated temperature also removes the need to run the faucet before hot water comes out, resulting in energy and water savings. Overall, they provide convenience and comfort for modern homes.

Water heaters may seem like a luxury to some, but they are essential to those who live in colder areas. If your water heater malfunctions or stops working altogether, you’d be forced to take baths in frigid waters.

However, this is only once we’ve reached the worst-case scenario; you can easily catch it and get the problem repaired before things get this far.

The following are warning signs that you need a water heater repair.

1. The Water Isn’t Getting Hot

The heating element of your water element is one of the most vital components of the unit. If it doesn’t work, then you won’t get any hot water. This is the first and most obvious sign that you need a water heater repair; once you notice this, contact a professional to handle the job right away.

However, there are some cases when the hot water isn’t entirely gone. You’ll experience fluctuating temperatures of cold, warm, and hot water coming out of your faucet or showerhead.

Aside from being an uncomfortable experience, this issue could be an indication of a blocked heating element. This is caused by mineral deposits, in most cases, which is a side effect of your unit’s age.

A repair job can still sometimes fix this, but if you can afford it, a replacement is the wiser choice to avoid more expenses in the future.

2. The Heater Is Making Unusual Noises

One of the biggest indicators of a damaged or malfunctioning water heater unit is that it begins to make odd sounds. This is true in most appliances, but special attention must be given to your water heater.

There are cases when damage causes it to overheat the water, resulting in scalding temperatures that can seriously hurt users.

The noises of a water heater are usually subtle, since there aren’t a lot of mechanical or moving parts. During normal operation, you might hear some slight vibrations or hissing sounds as vapor escapes.

If you hear banging, screeching, or popping sounds, this likely indicates bigger problems. These can include sediment build-up, blocked outlets or valves, or an obstructed heating element. Repair is necessary in this case to avoid accidents and prolong your unit’s life.

3. There’s Leaking Water

Water leakage is another serious concern that can result from a broken or malfunctioning water heater. This can flood your property and cause extensive damage, affecting other appliances and parts of your home.

Soon enough, you’d be calling water damage restoration experts alongside water heater professionals.

As soon as you notice a leak, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact a water heater repair company. Don’t try to patch it on your own, as you will likely do more damage and even hurt yourself in the process.

The experts are more knowledgeable, so they’ll be able to recognize the cause of the damage and even save your unit if possible.

In addition, they have the right tools for whatever needs to be done, from a quick patch to a component replacement.

4. The Water Pressure Is Low

It may be hard to notice at first, but low water pressure is a telltale sign that your water heater is malfunctioning. You might not recognize it since it can be gradual, but when you start suspecting that the once-consistent flow has changed, it might be time to call a professional.

There are many reasons why your water heater’s pressure might be low. It could be a sign of mineral deposits blocking the pipes and valves, an obstructed line, or poor system installation and layout.

Whatever the case, your trusted water heater expert will spot it and provide the necessary services to resolve the problem.

5. Your Unit Is Old

A lot of the problems we’ve outlined above are often indications of an old water heater unit. Remember that this appliance goes through extreme temperature fluctuations and is always exposed to moisture.

That’s why even the best ones will degrade in time — the metal piping will have sediment build-up, the heating element will become inefficient, the compressor can fail, etc.

If your current unit has been around for a decade or more, then it probably needs replacement. Soon enough, you’ll start seeing the problems outlined above. Before that happens, you can have a water heater repair expert inspect your unit and see if an immediate replacement is necessary.

Aside from ensuring your family’s safety and lowering your future repair expenses, replacing your unit opens you to the newest technologies out there. You’ll find water heater systems that are more energy-efficient, have customization options, and have less environmental impact.

Related: How To Know When it is Time for Water Heater Repair

Choose the Right Expert for Your Water Heater Needs

If you need your water heater fixed immediately, you might be tempted to contact the most convenient or nearest company to your location.

However, you need to be a bit more discerning to find the people who can do an efficient and thorough job. Anything less can result in a botched result and even more expenses down the line.

At Tom’s Plumber, we provide premier water heater repair services and more. Our team of experts will come to your property in New Orleans, LA to provide comprehensive solutions that exceed expectations. Contact us today!

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Tom’s Plumbing and Drain Service, LLC is a family-owned, full-service company offering plumbing, draining, and repairs in New Orleans, Louisiana.

With 20 years of experience, our professional and certified plumbers can handle all of your sewer line service needs. If you have a plumbing question or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today!